Jennifer Lee Knuth performing with Felix And Fingers Dueling Pianos at Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin, IllinoisOn August 29, 2026, Felix And Fingers brought the energy, music, and crowd-powered fundraising to Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin, Illinois, for an outdoor ALS fundraiser that proved just how powerful a dueling pianos show can be when a generous crowd gets involved. Set beneath a giant tent and surrounded by thoughtful décor, the evening mixed live entertainment, local flavor, and a strong sense of community into one memorable night.

The setting at Sunset Hills Golf Course gave the fundraiser a polished yet relaxed atmosphere. Blue balloons and blue table accents tied the space together beautifully, creating a visual nod to the cause while keeping the mood celebratory. Guests arrived ready to give, request songs, sing along, and help make the night a success.

A Tent Full of Music, Momentum, and Meaning

From the start, the dueling pianos format gave the fundraiser an interactive spark. Felix And Fingers kept the requests coming, moving smoothly from crowd favorites to sing-along classics while encouraging guests to participate in the cause. The result was more than background music—it was a full-room experience where every request, laugh, and chorus helped build momentum.

By the end of the show, the event had raised over $1,000 for ALS, a meaningful total fueled by a crowd that was clearly invested in both the mission and the music. With plenty of guests, plenty of requests, and plenty of generosity, the fundraiser had the kind of lively rhythm that makes dueling pianos such a natural fit for benefit events.

The outdoor tent setup also helped the evening feel festive and focused. Guests could mingle, enjoy dinner, and jump into the action whenever a favorite song came up. The blue decorations added a cohesive, uplifting touch, while the wide-open event layout gave the performers and audience room to connect.

For those considering Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin for a fundraiser, company event, gala, or celebration, this event showed how well the venue can support a lively entertainment experience. The staff was accommodating and attentive, and the load-in was easy—two details that matter enormously when producing a smooth live event.

Sing-Alongs, Donations, and a Standout “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Moment

One of the biggest highlights of the evening came when Alyssa and her girlfriends were encouraged to come up and sing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Felix And Fingers turned the moment into a fundraising opportunity, inviting the crowd to donate in support of getting the group on stage. The response was incredible: that moment alone raised $600.

The singers had a blast taking the spotlight, and the crowd loved cheering them on. It was the perfect example of what makes dueling pianos so effective for fundraisers. Instead of simply asking for donations between songs, the performers can weave giving directly into the entertainment, creating moments that are funny, heartfelt, and memorable all at once.

As the night moved toward its finale, the energy only grew. During “We Are Family,” a big dance party broke out, bringing guests together in exactly the kind of joyful scene organizers hope for at a community fundraiser. It was spontaneous, upbeat, and completely fitting for an event built around support, connection, and shared purpose.

That dance floor moment also underscored why Felix And Fingers works so well for events of all sizes and styles. The show is request-driven, flexible, and highly responsive to the crowd. When guests want to sing, the performers can make it happen. When the room is ready to dance, the pianos can shift gears. When the goal is raising money, the entertainment can help inspire the donations.

Great Food, Local Support, and a Venue That Delivered

The food added another strong layer to the evening. Sponsored by multiple places, including local businesses, the menu gave guests even more reason to enjoy the night and linger under the tent. One standout dish was the meatballs, especially the sauce, which earned high praise as a favorite of the event.

That local sponsorship helped reinforce the fundraiser’s community-centered feel. From the music to the food to the décor, the night felt thoughtfully assembled and well supported. It was clear that the organizers and sponsors had put effort into creating an experience that was both fun for attendees and meaningful for the cause.

Sunset Hills Golf Course also proved to be an excellent host venue for this style of event. Outdoor fundraisers can come with extra logistical considerations, but the space, staff, and setup helped everything run smoothly. The easy load-in made things efficient for the entertainment team, while the attentive staff helped keep the event on track and comfortable for guests.

For anyone planning an event in Pekin, Sunset Hills Golf Course offers a welcoming environment that can handle a festive crowd, live entertainment, food service, and a decorated event space with ease. Paired with Felix And Fingers, it became the kind of fundraiser where guests did not just attend—they participated, donated, sang, danced, and helped create the success of the night.

This ALS fundraiser was a reminder that the right entertainment can do more than fill a room with music. It can bring people together, spotlight a worthy cause, and turn generosity into an unforgettable shared experience. Felix And Fingers was proud to help raise funds, create laughs, and close the evening with a dance party that guests will remember.

To bring dueling pianos to your fundraiser, corporate event, wedding, or celebration at Sunset Hills Golf Course or another favorite venue, contact Felix And Fingers Dueling Pianos at (800) 557-4196. If this Pekin fundraiser sounds like the kind of event your guests would love, share this blog post and start planning a night of music, requests, and unforgettable crowd participation.

Performers At This Event

Meet the Felix And Fingers entertainers who helped bring this event to life.

Profile photo of Jennifer Lee Knuth

Jennifer Lee Knuth

Pianist/Intergalactic Meteor Harvester

Jennifer tumbled out of space on a moonbeam covered in stardust, hit the ground running and fell headfirst into the wild world of dueling pianos. Her energy is infectious and her voice has the ability to morph across multiple genres.


Event Details

Venue & Vendor Details

Here are the people and places that helped make this event happen.

TypeNameAddressWebsiteEmailPhonePrice Range
VenueSunset Hills Golf CourseAddress1620 Summit Drive
Pekin, Illinois 61554
Email+1 (309) 347-7553