More than 120 art enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Venice from June 25 to June 28 for Save Venice’s biennial Gran Gala a Venezia. Held with the support of Dolce & Gabbana and Paolo Costagli, the four-day extravaganza featured Save Venice restorations and the 57th International Art Biennale by day and sumptuous meals and special performances in spectacular Venetian settings by night. The pinnacle of the Gala was A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ball in the storied Palazzo Pisani Moretta when Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland performed an American Songbook inspired by Cole Porter’s summers in Venice against the breathtaking backdrop of a sunset on the Grand Canal.
Save Venice extends its deepest gratitude to Ashley and Josh and musicians Jim & Lori Abbott for donating their time and talent, and to Thomas Schumacher and Matthew White for making this magical performance possible.
Save Venice gratefully recognizes the many individuals, institutions, corporations, and foundations that contributed to this year’s Venetian Affair, raising important funds in support of its mission to preserve the art and culture of Venice, Italy.
Save Venice also thanks the Gala Sponsors and Hosts, Jill & Richard Almeida, Tina & Jeffrey Bolton, Francesca Bortolotto Possati, Sherry & Larry S. Davis, Dolce & Gabbana, Beatrice & Pepé Esteve, Anne Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Locke & John Staelin, Paolo Costagli, Dr. Frederik Paulsen, Cat Jagger Pollon, and Matthew White & Thomas Schumacher; Gala Benefactors, Danielle & Ronald M. Bradley, Valerie & Harry Cooper, Bruce Horten, and Tracey Roberts; Scholar Chairs, Christopher Apostle, Patricia Fortini Brown, C.D. Dickerson III, Frederick Ilchman, Sarah Blake McHam, and Irina Tolstoy; and Corporate Supporters, Assouline, The Bauers, Bellini Cipriani from Harry’s Bar, Belmond Hotel Cipriani, and Acqua dell’Elba.
