Virginia Rep celebrates the 16th annual Fairy Tale Ball on March 23, 2013 at Virginia Rep Center (formerly the Empire Theatre) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Over 600 jeweled princesses and seafaring buccaneers will gather for this year’s Pirate and Princess Paradise. The Fairy Tale Ball is Richmond’s only formal gala for the whole family and raises over $100,000 annually to share nationally acclaimed programs with less advantaged families and schools and to support innovative health initiatives including Hugs and Kisses, Virginia’s principal child sexual abuse prevention program since 1983.
The Fairy Tale Ball is unique for a fundraising gala in that it is geared for both adults and kids. Event Chair and board member, Ellen Bonbright, elaborates, “After the merger of Barksdale and Theatre IV last year, we knew there was one tradition that would not change. The Fairy Tale Ball is not only a magical night out for the entire family; it is also a gift to the Richmond community. This year we are thrilled to introduce a new online auction through Bidding for Good. Beginning March 9, bidders can log on to www.biddingforgood.com/fairytaleball to bid for items offered through various outlets nationwide. The online auction does not close until March 24 (the day after the event) so guests can still win great items even if they don’t secure any treasures at the event. Bidders do not have to be present at the Fairy Tale Ball so it is a great way for people who cannot be at the event to support our programming.”
Attendees of all ages will enjoy dancing on stage with the fabulous Jangling Reinharts, a scrumptious buffet dinner, children’s activities, and the bounty up for grabs in the silent and online auctions. Many guests consider the Fairy Tale Ball a family tradition (including grandparents) and never miss a year. The gala will also feature a musical performance by favorite storybook and theatrical characters.
Jennings Whiteway, manager of donor stewardship and events at Virginia Rep, estimates that the event has raised over $1.1 million since 1998 to bring the arts to thousands of children and families from Virginia’s most challenged neighborhoods. Funds are generated through ticket sales, a silent auction, and corporate sponsorships. For more information or tickets contact call 282-2620 or visit www.va-rep.org/fairytale.html. Ticket prices are $85 for adults and $30 for kids 12 and under.
Fairy Tale Ball Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor: Printpack
Gold Sponsor: Linden Group
Silver Sponsors: KPMG, Capital One, Kjellstrom & Lee, NewMarket Corporation, Ferguson Enterprises
Bronze Sponsors: Lewis Insurance Associates, CSC Leasing Company, Commonwealth Event Company, Adams and Garth, Real Estate Capital Markets , LLC, VA Oral & Facial Surgery – Drs. Niamtu, Keeney, Harris, Metzger, Dymon & Associates, ON-LINE Computer Products, Inc.
In-Kind Sponsors: Bizport, Coca-Cola Refreshments, Commonwealth Event Company, Communication Design, Inc., Guardian Parking Management Services, P.D. Brook Co., Inc, Greg Garner, Richmond Cold Storage, Schwarzschild Jewelers, Absolut Vodka, Virginia Linen, Vogue Flowers, Worth Higgins and Associates
Special Thanks: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Mr. Magic, OPUS, Richmond Family Magazine, Spotts Fain
About Virginia Repertory Theatre
Virginia Repertory Theatre, located in Richmond, VA, combines the talents and strengths of two nonprofit companies that shared facilities, resources, and management teams for over a decade. Now the heritages of Barksdale Theatre (founded in 1953) and Theatre IV (founded in 1975) live on in their new form, as Central Virginia’s leading professional theatre company. Virginia Rep presents national caliber productions of the great dramas, comedies, and musicals including classics, contemporary works, and world premieres, always seeking to demonstrate the unique power of theatre to engage, enthrall, educate, and inspire. The touring arm presents educational, assembly style plays in schools throughout Virginia and 32 other states. Mainstage productions in Richmond take place at four distinct venues: the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre and Theatre Gym at the downtown Virginia Rep Center, Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre of Virginia located at Willow Lawn, and Virginia Rep’s Barksdale Season at Hanover Tavern.
