Debra Kraft; Jenny Wallace, Olwen Pongrace, Catherine Jones, Diane Schaefer, Bob Ryan at last year’s Gala
The Choral Arts Society of Washington will host the 33rd Annual Holiday Gala, Monday, December 16, 2013 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The fundraising event will be donating all proceeds to Choral Arts’ artistic programming and community initiatives. Last year’s event raised $625,000. For the last 20 years, the Gala has raised more than $6 million.
The Enchanted Christmas holiday concert will be followed by a black-tie reception, dinner and dancing on the Roof Terrace Level, as well as the event’s annual silent auction. Referred to as “the best silent auction in D.C.,” added to the program in 1993.
Olwen Thorpe Pongrace, Choral Arts Board Member, is the Chair of this year’s gala.
“Choral Arts is an amazing arts organization that epitomizes how good art positively impacts community,” said Pongrace. “For 48 seasons, this organization has presented significant, critically-acclaimed choral works in the Kennedy Center and in other renowned venues around the world, while also being committed to connecting under-resourced children in Washington, D.C. to the power of music through its award-winning student concerts and education programs.”
This year, the event is celebrating the Year of Italian Culture in the U.S. As a result, the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Bisogniero agreed to serve as Honorary Patrons.
“The Year of Italian Culture in the United States is about showcasing the impact Italy has on culture and the world’s economy,” said Pongrace. “The Embassy’s involvement with the Choral Arts Gala is a perfect fit, as the Gala blends arts and business.”
Scott Tucker, Artistic Director, also commented saying the Choral Arts society looks forward to “celebrating Italy’s past and present cultural contributions during An Enchanted Christmas concert and at the Gala.”
The Choral Arts Society was honored in early July with being included in the 2013-2014 Catalogue of Philanthropy: Greater Washington. The Catalogue’s mission is to connect citizens with worthy community causes and recognizes nonprofits in the culture, nature, education and human sector services.
“It is invaluable to receive a seal of approval from such a respected organization: the recognition communicates to the community that supporting Choral Arts is a worthwhile investment,” said Debra Kraft, executive director of the Choral Arts Society.
Barbara Harman President and Editor of the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, said in a statement, the “charities selected were among the best community-based nonprofits in the Washington region.”
Known for her commitment and dedication to the arts, Cathy Jones is a long-time member of the Choral Arts and serves as veteran Finance Committee Chair. She has been in that role since 2009. WashingtonExec spoke with Jones last December, and we asked her about her involvement with the organization. To read our interview with Jones, click here.
For more information on the Gala, click here.
