In partnership with the Embassy of Italy, annual fundraising gala took place
September 19, 2015 on the Filene Center Stage
- Ball co-chairs Hillary Baltimore and Charles L. Prow led fundraising effort, exceeding $1.2 million in support of Wolf Trap’s national arts and education programs
- His Excellency Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy, and Laura Denise Bisogniero served as Honorary Host
- Invitations and décor represented the unique, modern, and historic features of Italy
- Evening highlights included decadent Italian cuisine, replicas of Italy’s most famous landmarks, dancing, and a prize raffle including a Mediterranean cruise
Vienna, Virginia (September 22, 2015) – On Saturday, September 19, more than 800 guests came together for the annual Wolf Trap Ball, celebrating the end of Wolf Trap’s summer season and raising a record-breaking $1.2 million in support of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Art’s arts education and community programs. Held onstage at the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, this year’s Ball honored the thriving culture of Italy, and was hosted in partnership with the Embassy of Italy and in cooperation with the National Park Service.
His Excellency Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy, and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero, served as Honorary Hosts for the evening. Wolf Trap Board members Hillary Baltimore and Charles L. Prow served as co-chairs, and led fundraising efforts that surpassed all previous Wolf Trap galas.
“What a great evening, capping off a spectacular summer season at Wolf Trap,” said Arvind Manocha, president and CEO of Wolf Trap Foundation. “Many thanks to Hillary Baltimore and Charles L. Prow for leading an exceptional philanthropic campaign – the $1.2 million raised ensures that Wolf Trap will continue to deliver its award-winning arts education programs to an ever-growing community of children, teachers, and families nationwide. And ‘grazie mille’ to Ambassador Bisogniero, Mrs. Bisogniero, and the Embassy of Italy for partnering with us to create a stunningly beautiful celebration of the arts and culture of Italy.”
“Laura Denise and I are delighted to be here, as Honorary Hosts, to contribute to an institution which is very dear to us,” stated Ambassador Bisogniero in his remarks, telling guests that “by being here tonight, each of you is contributing to Wolf Trap’s ongoing success. You are shaping the music lovers – and performers – of tomorrow. For a cultural powerhouse such as Italy, culture and the arts are part of our everyday life: we couldn’t ever contemplate doing without them. So, what Wolf Trap does to enable the widest possible access to arts and culture, now and down the line, is pivotal, and we regard it very highly.”
Wolf Trap and the Embassy crafted an evening celebrating arts, culture and cuisine that are unique to Italy. Upon entering, guests saw the Filene Center stage – one of the largest in the nation –transformed into a charming Italian street scene, accompanied by a massive three-dimensional replica of the Roman Coliseum, a hand-painted backdrop of the Trevi Fountain, and “living statues” of famous Italian monuments. Guests were immersed in Italian culture through the magnificent décor and authentic cuisine. Karin’s Florist provided all florals and Design Cuisine prepared an Italian feast complimented by wine from Total Wine, complete with gelato and liquor carts staged in a picturesque Italian streetscape.
Entertainment for the evening began with two Wolf Trap Opera alumni, soprano Alyson Cambridge and tenor Robert Watson, performing famous Italian arias. Following dinner, hundreds of guests flooded the dance floor to enjoy live music by Sound Connection. As part of the fundraising event, Wolf Trap sold nearly $28,000 in raffle tickets, and the winner won a seven-night Mediterranean cruise, airfare and local hotel included, on Costa Diadema.
Proceeds from the Ball benefit Wolf Trap Foundation’s renowned arts and education programs, including the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts. As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Wolf Trap has served millions of preschool and kindergarten children, teachers, and caregivers around the country and abroad using performing arts disciplines to enhance academic and social skills. Similarly, Wolf Trap’s artistic programs range from eclectic multi-genre performances to classical, opera, and dance productions, including initiatives to commission new works and programming that addresses the need for performances that reflect the culture and diversity of the Washington, D.C. region.
The 2015 Wolf Trap Ball sponsors included: Lead Sponsor The Boeing Company; Host Sponsor Dan D’Aniello (Wolf Trap Chairman and Carlyle Group Co-Founder) and wife Gayle D’Aniello; and Diamond-level sponsors APEX Foundation, Capital One, Hillary and Tom Baltimore, FedEx Corporation, KPMG, MAXIMUS Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, National Counseling Group, RLJ Lodging Trust, Russell Reynolds Associates, SunTrust, Total Wine & More, and USAA.
Tickets were $750 for individuals, with access to a VIP Reception starting at $1,500. Sponsorship opportunities ranged from $10,000 to $100,000.
2015 Wolf Trap Ball –Saturday, September 19, 2015
7:00 p.m. Cocktail reception begins on stage
8:15 p.m. Welcome Remarks - Arvind Manocha, Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO
8:20 p.m. Performance from Alyson Cambridge and Robert Watson, Wolf Trap Opera Alumni
8:35 p.m. Welcome Remarks - Dan D’Aniello, Wolf Trap Foundation Board Chairman
8:40 p.m. Remarks by Co-chairs Hillary Baltimore and Charles Prow
8:50 p.m. Remarks by His Excellency Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy
8:55 p.m. Dinner Service begins
9:25 p.m. Dancing begins
10:30 p.m. Raffle prize drawing from stage
Midnight Event concludes
Menu
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Specialty Cocktails: Autumn Bellini and Venetian Spritz
Wines: Armani Prosecco, Ca Rugate Soave San Michele, Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico
PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES
Seared Lamb Crostini | Fennel-Apricot Chutney
Cherry Duck in Puff Pastry | Roasted Hazelnut Syrup
Carciofi All’Amatriciana
Open-Faced Italian Toastie
Prosciutto and Melon
Arancini Di Scampi
Parmesan Crisp with Mascarpone Cheese
Truffle Tentazioni on Mini Polenta
DINNER
Ricotta Gnocchi | fresh peas | pancetta | parmesan velouté | crispy sage served with Donnachiara Greco di Tufo
Grilled Rosemary Angus Steak roasted artichoke | truffle risotto | braised tomato and basil|served with La Castellina Chianti Classico Bojola
DESSERT
Amadei Chocolate Torte|sicilian pistachio | mint curd
Vanilla Panna Cotta limoncello curd | frangelico creama | mint flower | hazelnut mousse marinated cherries | pistachio crumb | almond crisp
GELATO & LIQUOR CARTS
vanilla | lemon | pistachio | salted caramel| amaretti cookies | pizelles | chocolate barolo cookies
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Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues: the outdoor Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located down the road from the national park and adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. The 7,028-seat Filene Center is operated in partnership with the National Park Service and annually showcases an extensive array of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, dance, and theatre, as well as multimedia presentations, from May through September. The Barns at Wolf Trap is operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation year round, and during the summer months is home to the Grammy-nominated Wolf Trap Opera, one of America’s outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap’s education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, a diverse array of arts education classes, grants, and a nationally recognized internship program.
Media Contacts:
Emily Smalling, Coordinator, Public Relations
703.255.4096 or emilys@wolftrap.org
Michelle Pendoley, Director, Public Relations
703.255.1917 or michellep@wolftrap.org