There’s little about 2020 that is “ordinary”—and our annual Holiday Sparkles & Spirits fundraiser is no exception. But we’re proud to carry on this important event this year, and we’re hoping you’ll join us in early December for an extraordinary experience! Instead of holding an in-person event, we’re producing Holiday Sparkles & Spirits entirely online this year. This allows us not only to gather safely, but it gives us the flexibility to do things we’ve never tried before. For the first time, our silent auction will run for a full week. That’s right, starting Dec. 8 and ending Dec. 15, you’ll be able to view and bid on the many wonderful holiday gifts we have assembled, including jewelry, premium wines and alcohol. Bonus: Going online means people who are not physically in Knoxville can now attend our most critical fundraiser and support the Joy of Music School. “We are very excited to include supporters from out of town this year,” says Erica White, our Special Events chairwoman. “Anyone anywhere can bid on auction items. That carries a lot of potential!” On the night of Dec. 8, starting at 6:30 p.m., we’ll present a heartwarming performance by some of our students and a live auction led by legendary Knoxville auctioneer Bear Stephenson. Auction items include a stay at the luxurious Treehouse Grove house in Gatlinburg, a South Carolina beach house trip, jewelry from Kimball’s, Fountain City, Mackley Jewelers, and more. We’re also offering delivered perks for Holiday Sparkles supporters in the greater Knoxville area. These are a “Banquet-in-a-Basket”—including a gift card for dinners at Lakeside Tavern—for $500 donors, a “Party-in-a-Box” at $250 and “Gala Goodies” for $125. All levels include gourmet food and drink items, a copy of Taber Gable’s new CD (see article on p. 3), and other holiday delights. But remember — it’s free to participate in the auctions. For more details on how to register and take part, see “How Will the Holiday Sparkles Auctions Work?” on page 4. We can’t wait to see you at our thoroughly modern Holiday Sparkles & Spirits!