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• His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba and Mrs. Abeer Al Otaiba serve as Honorary Hosts.
• Event Co-chairs are Mr. Tim Keating of The Boeing Company and Gen (Ret.) Lester L. Lyles.
• Invitations and décor feature symbolic Arabic art commissioned specifically for the event.
• Evening highlights include fine foods, true Arab hospitality, and a grand prize raffle!

Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces the 2014 Wolf Trap Ball, to be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Hosted in partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and in cooperation with the National Park Service, this year’s Ball honors the thriving arts and culture of the U.A.E. 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 Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, and Mrs. Abeer Al Otaiba, will serve as Honorary Hosts for the evening. The Ball is Co-chaired by Wolf Trap Foundation Board Members Mr. Tim Keating and Gen (Ret.) Lester L. Lyles.

 “We are thrilled to partner with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, and to pay homage to the country’s rich history and modern culture. Their commitment to the arts is a reflection of their belief in the future, in creativity, and in investing to making the impossible possible. We are grateful to His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba and Mrs. Abeer Al Otaiba for their involvement in this event and for their support of the Wolf Trap mission,” said Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO Arvind Manocha.

Wolf Trap and the Embassy have crafted an evening that celebrates the arts, culture and cuisine that are unique to the U.A.E. Upon entering, guests will hear tunes on an oud (a classical Arabic string instrument) and will see the Filene Center – one of the largest stages in the nation –transformed with vibrant, Emirati-inspired décor. Experiential entertainment throughout the evening includes the opportunity to try henna body art, and following dinner, guests will have access to a full Sheesha (hookah) lounge.

Throughout the evening, guests may participate in a raffle for a chance to win two business-class tickets on Etihad from Washington D.C. to Abu Dhabi with a four-night stay at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel. 

Culinary highlights begin with Arabic-spiced hors d’oeuvres and two specialty drinks: a pomegranate rose twist and a ginger and basil cocktail. The seated dinner features seared scallops with quince gelée, beef tenderloin and a pistachio cake.

Inspired by the falcon – the official emblem of the U.A.E., symbolizing force and courage – several event themes celebrate this important part of Emirati heritage. Event organizers commissioned master calligrapher Josh Berer to create zoomorphic designs combining the image of a falcon with Arabic script that translates as “lifted by the arts, we soar.” The art is featured in the Ball invitations, event décor, and in stunning art pieces which will be presented to the Ambassador and chairs. 

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’s programs have 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 Wolf Trap Ball attracts a diverse guest list of philanthropic, business, political, and cultural leaders generating approximately $1.1 million in support of these programs. Approximately 800 guests will attend this year’s Ball.

The 2014 Wolf Trap Ball Lead Sponsor is The Boeing Company. Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello serve as Host Sponsors, and other major sponsors include BSI, The Collis Warner Foundation, The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, General Dynamics, Hillary and Tom Baltimore, Northrop Grumman, The Pence Group, The W. Russell and Norma Ramsey Foundation and USAA.

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 $7,500 to $50,000. 

For details on reserving a seat or table for the 2014 Wolf Trap Ball, please contact Wolf Trap Special Events at 703.255.4030 or 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 and internationally. 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.

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High-resolution images available upon request.

Michelle Pendoley, Director, Public Relations
703.255.1917 or michellep@wolftrap.org