On Friday, April 17, Save Venice hosted its annual Un Ballo in Maschera at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, raising over $1.3 million in support of the preservation of Venice’s historic art and architecture. More than 450 guests gathered for Celestial Serenissima, sponsored by Oscar de la Renta, Graff, and Tilt Beauty.

Image: An aerialist stuns with a gravity-defying performance as guests are seated for dinner in the Grand Ballroom
(Photo: Jean-Pierre Uys)

Inspired by the night sky above Venice, the theme was brought to life by Bronson Van Wyck and his team at Van Wyck & Van Wyck. Cocktails shimmered in sunset tones as guests mingled and paused for tarot readings with astrologer Lisa Stardust before dinner. Inside the grand ballroom, tabletops were adorned with flickering candles amid metallic flowers, all set beneath an animated ceiling of constellations and byzantine-inspired zodiac motifs.

Dinner opened with a surprise performance by a starlit aerialist suspended on a spinning moon above the dance floor. Remarks followed by President of the Board Charles Tolbert and Board Vice President and Fondazione Save Venice Board President Alberto Nardi, who travelled from his native city of Venice for the evening.

Save Venice Board Members Adelina Wong Ettelson and Alexandra Lind Rose introduced the evening’s Best Mask Judge, curator, collector and model Racquel Chevremont, who presided over the Ceremony for Outstanding Masks. Prizes generously donated by Oscar de la Renta, The Plaza Hotel, Tilt Beauty, and Save Venice were awarded to the evening’s standout masks.

Most Creative Mask | Patricia Zajacova received a generous gift certificate from Oscar de la Renta.
Most En Thème Mask | Bach Mai was awarded The Essentials Edit from Tilt Beauty and afternoon tea and champagne for four guests at the Plaza’s Palm Court.
Most Venetian Mask | Lisa Sher-Chambers Save Venice membership at the $5,000 Sustainer level, for one year.

After the ceremony, Young Friends—supporters aged 39 and younger—joined the festivities for Drinks, Dessert, and Dancing. DJ Olivier Meiji kept the energy up with help from saxophonist Nick Biello who joined guests on the dance floor, with the festivities continuing into the early hours of the morning.

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