Kimberly left, Caroline right
The Masterpiece 2022 team is busy planning “Under the Desert Sun” – our annual “party with a purpose” which takes place July 9, 2022, at the iconic Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Touted as the not-to-miss event of the summer, this year’s theme offers a nod to the glamorous desert nightlife of 1960s Palm Springs. The entirely outdoor event kicks off at sunset with cocktails, swanky mingling, a fabulous silent auction, and live entertainment. The evening will progress to a gourmet dinner presented by the culinary team from Behind the Scenes, followed by a highly competitive and good-natured Live auction. Then it’s time to slip the heels off and dance the night away under the stars to the phenomenal musical talent of NRG!
This signature event is more than a great party, it is the cornerstone of the Patrons of the Prado mission to make a tangible impact on the Beneficiaries. While the fundraising success takes the effort of all the Patron members, it is spearheaded under the vision of the Gala Chairs, who work tirelessly throughout the year to pull it all together. This year PoP is excited to share that our Vice president, Kimberly Alessio, has joined Caroline Wohl as this year’s Masterpiece Chair duo!
The Chairs have set a sponsorship goal this year of $250,000, which will support all 10 beneficiaries. Launching the fundraising efforts with a bang, $52,000 has already been raised in January!
“This year it is our great privilege to celebrate 25 years of impact, with a focus on the future, and continued efforts to ensure that the largest urban cultural center and park in the U.S. is here for generations to come!” states Gala Chair, Caroline Wohl.
Please consider supporting PoP by investing in our mission and giving directly back to these institutions.
Visit our website for updates and sponsorship opportunities: patronsoftheprado.org
To become a 2022 Masterpiece Sponsor or donor please contact Caroline (crmedia@cox.net) or Kim (kalessiolj@gmail.com) Thank you!
The Beginning of a Legacy
Patrons of the Prado Founders (pictured left to right) Barbara McColl, Joyce Glazer, Kathleen Buoymaster, and Gloria Wallace
In 1996, Kathleen Buoymaster, Joyce Glazer, Barbara McColl, and Gloria Wallace met for lunch at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla to talk about starting a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for museums and arts organizations on the Prado in Balboa Park. A year earlier, Kathleen and Joyce found themselves at a New Year's Eve Gala benefiting one of New York’s cultural organizations. They discussed how San Diego was ready for their own major philanthropic organization and signature event that would soon become the annual MASTERPIECE Gala hosted by the Patrons of the Prado.
At this first organizing meeting of the four founders, Barbara McColl agreed to serve as founding President, Kathleen offered to chair the first fundraising event to be called The Prado Ball, and Joyce was appointed the founding chairman and treasurer. Gloria was asked to host a membership tea where 50 Charter Active Members and Charter Patrons were invited to help form the new organization. This nucleus of the Founders and Charter members formed a Board, wrote By-Laws and Standing Rules, selected eleven beneficiaries, and presented the first New Year’s Eve Gala on the Prado in Balboa Park. Patrons of the Prado were officially Incorporated on April 7, 1997. Over the years, the events evolved from the New Year's Eve Gala to become the premier summer event MASTERPIECE gala held outdoors in the stunning Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park benefitting our now 10 beneficiaries!
PoP In The Media
Patrons are excited to announce a media partnership with the San Diego Union-Tribune!
The Patrons of the Prado is excited to partner with the San Diego Union-Tribune in honor and recognition of the 25-year legacy of the Patrons of the Prado. Every Sunday from January 30th thru July 17th, the UT will feature a half-page Tribute regarding Patrons of the Prado, their Bucks4Buses Program, their 10 Prado beneficiaries, their history, and their sponsors. The series will be launched with highlights from the San Diego Junior Theatre.
For information on sponsoring a Patrons of the Prado Tribute, please contact Katherine Annunziata at the UT (619)-293-1555 or Julie Cowan Novak, President at (210)-416-6071.
PoP Member Spotlight: Vicky Eddy
Vicki Eddy
The 113th Anniversary Charity Ball, chaired by PoP member, Vicki Eddy, will be held at the Hotel Del Coronado on March 5th 2022, featuring formal dinner in the historic Crown Room followed by libations and dancing to in the Grand Ballroom. Themed "The Power of Love" with a whimsical Victorian spin, the 2022 Charity Ball will benefit the new Neuroscience Institute at Rady Children's Hospital. The Committee includes 15 Patrons of the Prado members!
For tickets and information please visit radyfoundation.org/charityball.