St. Damascus Gild 2026 Gala/Official Launch
An Evening of Sacred Beauty
OUR MISSION
Authentic beauty has the power to heal and transform. St. Damascus Gild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of culture through the Sacred Arts. This Inaugural Gala helps directly fund our 2027 season of youth workshops, masterclasses, and live public performances—laying the foundation for a permanent home for preserving and renewing Sacred Arts in the heart of the Midwest.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30PM for early art viewing)
- Location: The Kirkwood Center | Cedar Rapids, IA
- Attire: Formal / Black Tie Optional
We are honored to welcome world-renowned artist Vanessa Horabuena for a featured live painting performance. Celebrated nationally for capturing the depth of the Christian faith through speed painting, her work recently gained international attention when her painting of the Shroud of Turin sold for $2.75 million at a charitable auction benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
During the evening, Vanessa will create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece on stage, which will be auctioned live at the conclusion of the performance, with all proceeds directly benefiting the mission and initiatives of St. Damascus Gild.
CURATED SILENT AUCTION
We extend our deepest gratitude to our featured local and national partners whose generous contributions will anchor our upcoming silent auction.
Prepare to take home a piece of sacred beauty. Our auction will feature a highly curated selection of fine art, premium studio supplies, and devotional resources, thoughtfully donated by:
SILENT AUCTION PREVIEW
[Explore the Silent Auction Items Catalog — Coming Fall 2026]
PROGRAM DETAILS
- 5:30 PM | Preview & Reception
- Doors open for early art viewing
- 6:00 PM | Silent Auction & Cocktail Reception
- Featuring live sacred music and our curated silent auction
- 7:00 PM | Plated Dinner & 2027 Season Announcements
- 7:45 PM | Featured Performance by Artist Vanessa Horabuena
- 8:15 PM | Live Auction
- 8:45 PM | Silent Auction Announcments
- 9:00 PM | Closing Prayer & Adjournment
TICKET COST
Your ticket includes a formal plated dinner, live sacred music, and admission to the live painting performance.
- Early Bird: $125 per person (until August 31)
- Standard: $150 per person | $1,500 Table of Ten
RSVP
Tickets are limited and we anticipate a sell-out; please secure your seating early.
- Kindly RSVP by November 21st.
COMPLIMENTARY PARKING & ENTRY
Please park in the Event Center Lot located on the south side of the building. To ensure easy access, please enter through the Event Center doors rather than the main Hotel entrance.
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS!
PRODUCING SPONSOR
SPECIAL GUEST SPONSOR
Randy & Christy Blake
Jason & Amy Jackman
Marc & Susan Neltner
HOST SPONSOR
Cindi Andrew
Gary & Kathy Blake
Sandy Kaiser
Shae & Emily Kelly
Todd & Sue Manternach
Dan & Diana Richardson
Adeline Schmuecker
Carol Vorhies
COMMUNITY MEDIA SPONSOR
FLORAL/DECOR SPONSOR
St. Damascus Gild 2026 Gala/Official Launch
An Evening of Sacred Beauty
OUR MISSION
Authentic beauty has the power to heal and transform. St. Damascus Gild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of culture through the Sacred Arts. This Inaugural Gala helps directly fund our 2027 season of youth workshops, masterclasses, and live public performances—laying the foundation for a permanent home for preserving and renewing Sacred Arts in the heart of the Midwest.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30PM for early art viewing)
- Location: The Kirkwood Center | Cedar Rapids, IA
- Attire: Formal / Black Tie Optional
We are honored to welcome world-renowned artist Vanessa Horabuena for a featured live painting performance. Celebrated nationally for capturing the depth of the Christian faith through speed painting, her work recently gained international attention when her painting of the Shroud of Turin sold for $2.75 million at a charitable auction benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
During the evening, Vanessa will create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece on stage, which will be auctioned live at the conclusion of the performance, with all proceeds directly benefiting the mission and initiatives of St. Damascus Gild.
CURATED SILENT AUCTION
We extend our deepest gratitude to our featured local and national partners whose generous contributions will anchor our upcoming silent auction.
Prepare to take home a piece of sacred beauty. Our auction will feature a highly curated selection of fine art, premium studio supplies, and devotional resources, thoughtfully donated by:
SILENT AUCTION PREVIEW
[Explore the Silent Auction Items Catalog — Coming Fall 2026]
PROGRAM DETAILS
- 5:30 PM | Preview & Reception
- Doors open for early art viewing
- 6:00 PM | Silent Auction & Cocktail Reception
- Featuring live sacred music and our curated silent auction
- 7:00 PM | Plated Dinner & 2027 Season Announcements
- 7:45 PM | Featured Performance by Artist Vanessa Horabuena
- 8:15 PM | Live Auction
- 8:45 PM | Silent Auction Announcments
- 9:00 PM | Closing Prayer & Adjournment
TICKET COST
Your ticket includes a formal plated dinner, live sacred music, and admission to the live painting performance.
- Early Bird: $125 per person (until August 31)
- Standard: $150 per person | $1,500 Table of Ten
RSVP
Tickets are limited and we anticipate a sell-out; please secure your seating early.
- Kindly RSVP by November 21st.
COMPLIMENTARY PARKING & ENTRY
Please park in the Event Center Lot located on the south side of the building. To ensure easy access, please enter through the Event Center doors rather than the main Hotel entrance.
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS!
PRODUCING SPONSOR
SPECIAL GUEST SPONSOR
Randy & Christy Blake
Jason & Amy Jackman
Marc & Susan Neltner
HOST SPONSOR
Cindi Andrew
Gary & Kathy Blake
Sandy Kaiser
Shae & Emily Kelly
Todd & Sue Manternach
Dan & Diana Richardson
Adeline Schmuecker
Carol Vorhies
COMMUNITY MEDIA SPONSOR
FLORAL/DECOR SPONSOR