Local and national arts devotees to celebrate and support Wolf Trap’s arts and education programs
Vienna, Virginia (August 7, 2015) – Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces the 2015 Wolf Trap Ball, to be held Saturday, September 19, 2015 on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Hosted in partnership with the Embassy of Italy and in cooperation with the National Park Service, this year’s Ball honors the thriving arts and culture of Italy. As Wolf Trap Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, the Ball and its proceeds benefit the Foundation’s nationally recognized arts and education programs.
His Excellency Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy, and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero, are Honorary Hosts for the evening. The Ball is Co-chaired by Wolf Trap Foundation Board Members Ms. Hillary Baltimore and Mr. Charles L. Prow.
“Wolf Trap Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Embassy of Italy for our largest fundraiser of the year. Italy’s elegant blend of ancient and modern art parallels Wolf Trap’s commitment to honoring the classic and exploring the contemporary on our stage. We are grateful to His Excellency Claudio Bisogniero and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero for their involvement in this event and for their support of the Wolf Trap mission,” said Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO Arvind Manocha.
“It’s a real privilege to have been chosen as the Embassy of Honor for this year’s Wolf Trap Ball,” stated Ambassador Bisogniero. “We are honored to support Wolf Trap’s mission and we are proud to join forces one more time, in the name of culture, with such a prestigious institution, with whom we have an excellent record of cooperation. The event will not only showcase the beauty and the charm of ancient and modern Italy, but also enhance cultural exchanges, which are a pillar of the relationships between Italy and the U.S.”
Wolf Trap and the Embassy have crafted an evening that celebrates the arts, culture and cuisine that are unique to Italy. Upon entering, guests will see 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 and a hand-painted backdrop of the Trevi Fountain. Guests will be immersed in Italian culture through the magnificent décor and authentic cuisine. Dancing to live music is a highlight of the evening, and guests may participate in a raffle with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s arts and education programs.
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.
Each year, the Wolf Trap Ball attracts a diverse guest list of philanthropic, business, political, and cultural leaders, and generates more than $1 million in support of Wolf Trap Foundation’s arts and education programs. Approximately 800 guests are expected to attend this year’s Ball.
The 2015 Wolf Trap Ball Host level sponsors are The Boeing Company and Dan and Gayle D’Aniello. Diamond level sponsors to date include APEX Foundation, Hillary and Tom Baltimore, FedEx Corporation, KPMG, MAXIMUS Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, National Counseling Group, RLJ Lodging Trust, and Russell Reynolds Associates.
2015 Wolf Trap Ball –Saturday, September 19, 2015
7:00 p.m. Cocktail reception begins on stage
8:00 p.m. Program and dinner begin
Remarks by Co-Chairs, Honorary Host,
and Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO
9:00 p.m. Dancing begins
10:00 p.m. Raffle prize drawing from stage
Midnight Event concludes
Tickets start at $750 for individuals, with access to a VIP Reception starting at $1,500. Sponsorship opportunities range from $10,000 to $100,000.
For details on reserving a seat or table for the 2015 Wolf Trap Ball, please contact Wolf Trap Special Events at 703.255.4030 or email events@wolftrap.org.
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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 Information:
High-resolution images are available upon request or at
Emily Smalling, Coordinator, Public Relations
703.255.4096 or emilys@wolftrap.org
Michelle Pendoley, Director, Public Relations
703.255.1917 or michellep@wolftrap.org