Napa Valley Opera House GALA 2009
Shaken, Not Stirred featuring Pink Martini

Saturday, October 3, 2009

On Saturday, October 3, a luxurious Pink Pavilion served as the backdrop for a night to remember, featuring a performance by Pink Martini that had guests dancing in their seats, a martini and wine bar, magnum auction, gourmet dinner, and spectacular live auction. A pink carpet led guests from the Opera House across Main Street to the tented reception and dinner area. The auction itself raised more than $250,000 in funds for the Napa Valley Opera House (NVOH), which was a 30% increase over the 2008 funds raised.

“The amount raised for the Opera House at this year's Gala is an encouraging sign of the support that we're continuing to build for this wonderful theatre and organization,” said NVOH President Larry Tsai. “After a string of successful performances and events like the Gala, we are happy to see our supporters and the community standing up for the arts.”

The live auction featured items including once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities: a guided photographic adventure of Cuba, deluxe trips to Italy and France, a hands-on glass blowing experience (complete with cocktails with internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly) in Seattle and a guided fly fishing adventure in Jackson Hole. Other items featured included a private dinner with award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch, and a winery dinner prepared by a world-class Napa Valley chef followed by a guided star-gazing outing.

The community was tremendous in supporting the Gala. The evening’s wine was provided by Beringer Vineyards, Kelham Vineyard and Winery, and Mumm Napa. The pink martini bar was provided by Proximo Spirits and JV Wine & Spirits.

Proceeds from the Gala support the Opera House’s on-going operational costs including the presentation of an extraordinary array of live performing arts programs.


2009 Gala Chairs and Committee
Chair: Usha Burns
Auction Chair: Barbara Neimann
Honorary Co-Chairs: Margrit Biever Mondavi and Bill Kieschnick
Honorary Committee: Lauren and Bob Ackerman, Thomas Bartlett, Moira Johnston Block and Lee Block, Mary and Bill Dodd, Mark Farley, Valerie and Jeff Gargiulo, Kathryn and Craig Hall, Pepper and Michael Jackson, Lisa Klairmont and Harold Kleiderman, Mary Ann and Don McComber, Sandra and David Norwitt, Leslie Rudd, Evalyn and Bob Trinchero, Congressman Mike Thompson, Delia Viader, Anita and Ron Wornick

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