On Friday night, the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s women’s committee hosted nearly 800 people for its annual ball, which raises money for the attached college of fine art. Organizers capitalized on the uniqueness of the museum’s inherent college, the only cultural institution with a school in Washington, through pre-event promotions and donation solicitations. The effort resulted in a 26 percent increase sponsorship dollars.
“We wanted to bring home that we are not just a gallery, we are a college, and we do a lot of education and outreach,” ball chair Tammie Collins said.
The committee also opened the event’s late-night dance Club Corcoran, which started in 2009, to the museum’s young professionals group, the 1869 Society. “It’s been a huge success with ball attendees, so we thought it would be fun if we introduced it to a younger demographic by giving them the chance to come at a separate ticket price,” Collins said. Dinner tickets began at $500 each; the Club Corcoran tickets sold for $150 per person or $250 per couple.
Occasions Caterers designed and produced the event again this year, with the dinner tables set up through the various gallery rooms, each decorated with a different palette and theme. Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs also contributed again, with numerous floral arrangements of varying heights and flower combinations in tune with the room’s decor.
The Radio King Orchestra performed on the main floor throughout the cocktail hour and dinner service. McCusker and Barrick Music entertained at Club Corcoran, which was set up in two gallery rooms on the third floor, until nearly 1 a.m.
