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Contacts: Chris Guerre, (703) 255-4096 or chrisg@wolftrap.org
Graham Binder, (703) 255-1917 or grahamb@wolftrap.org

Vienna, VA—Keeping in tune with Wolf Trap’s mission to bring education through the arts into the community, this year’s special events schedule enhances tradition with a first-time event: the family friendly 5k and Howl-o-ween Fun Run. This debut occasion complements three popular annual major events including: the Wolf Trap Gala for Arts and Education, the Wolf Trap Ball, and the Annual Invitational Golf Tournament.

Wolf Trap’s acclaimed Education Programs, including the Wolf Trap Opera Company and the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, directly benefit through proceeds from each event. Throughout the country and around the world, the Wolf Trap Institute provides instructors with unique and creative ways to teach, using performing arts to engage children in the learning process. With a goal of helping children achieve literacy and learn academic concepts and life skills, the Institute coaches early childhood development professionals in the use of drama, music, movement, and puppetry. Also benefitting from the funds raised at these events is the Center for Education at Wolf Trap, a national arts-in-education resource for children, parents, educators, and performing artists.

Introducing Wolf Trap’s newest  family friendly event of the season: the 5k and Howl-o-ween Fun Run on Saturday, October 25, 2008. Wolf Trap invites the public to participate in the outing that begins at the Filene Center, winds through surrounding neighborhoods, and concludes back at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Organized to help children learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through the arts, the run welcomes all who want to walk or run. Wolf Trap will also offer a one-mile fun-run, costume contests, and live entertainment at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. With a special family pass rate available, all ages are invited to join the festivities.

Relive the ’70s at Wolf Trap’s 37^th Annual Gala for Arts and Education, featuring The Music of ABBA on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Featuring an evening of fine dining followed by a live, private performance, this annual black-tie affair attracts guests ranging from Wolf Trap supporters to political and cultural leaders. Located in the lower meadow of America’s Only National Park for the Performing Arts, guests will be transported to another era in a disco-theme decorated tent. The event will be co-chaired by Wolf Trap Foundation Board of Directors members Stanley J. Gutkowski and his wife Cynthia, and MG Robert A. Harding, USA (Ret.) and his wife Connie.

A more traditional Wolf Trap fundraising event, the Wolf Trap Ball will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 on the second largest theatrical stage in North America, the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Co-chaired by Wolf Trap Associates Board of Directors member James Cleveland and his wife Karen, with Wolf Trap Foundation Board of Directors member Alfred Mockett and his wife Peggy, the ball historically gathers more than 1,000 guests in celebration at the Filene Center.

The 11^th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament tees off the morning of Monday, October 20, 2008 at Lansdowne Resort in Lansdowne, VA. Wolf Trap Foundation Board of Directors member Stephen P. Joyce will chair the tournament. As always, Wolf Trap welcomes professional entertainers, athletes, and local golf enthusiasts of all skill levels to participate in support of Wolf Trap’s Education Programs. Packages for the Golf Tournament may be purchased at different levels with special benefits accumulating at each level.

For information on how to purchase tickets, membership opportunities, or additional details on 2008 special events, please call (703) 255-4030 or email specialevents@wolftrap.org.

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