United by a shared love for Venice, more than 140 enthusiastic supporters from around the world gathered from February 14 to 16 to celebrate Save Venice’s Carnevale Gala, All the World’s a Stage. The festivities came at a crucial time for Venice, following the devastating floods of this past November. The fundraiser not only supported Save Venice’s mission, but brought meaningful patronage to local businesses, artisans, and institutions who are still recovering.
With more than $500,000 (net) raised to support projects including the 50th Anniversary restorations at the church of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello and the Italian Synagogue, Save Venice gratefully thanks those who made this success possible: sponsor Select Aperitivo, the Chairs and Hosts Tina & Jeffrey Bolton, Lee Essex Doyle, Beatrice & José A. Esteve, Cassandra & Frederick Ilchman, Karin & Peter Leidel, Elizabeth Locke & John Staelin, Cat Jagger Pollon, Juan Prieto, Tracey Roberts, Francesca Bortolotto Possati, Matthew White & Thomas Schumacher, John Wilson & Annasue McCleave Wilson, and Benefactors Amy Harmon, Bruce Horten, Alan Howard & Caroline Byron, Christopher Todd Page, and Merrill Shields & Dr. M. Ray Thomasson. We also thank Alberto Nardi for donating an Arlecchino brooch as the prize for the winner of the Treasure Hunt, and the Venetian ateliers who donated a portion of proceeds from costume rentals: Atelier Antonia Sautter, Atelier Pietro Longhi, Atelier Tiepolo, and Atelier Nicolao.
Guests enjoyed daytime programming with special opportunities to learn about conservation by viewing works of Paolo Veronese, Pietro Longhi, and Palma il Giovane, restored by Save Venice, and by participating in an expert-led conservation workshop at the Uni.S.Ve. restoration lab. Other special highlights included a lecture by British biographer, playwright, and actor Ian Kelly, Casanova on the Stage of Venice, and a private premiere performance of Phantasmagories: The Life, Deaths, and Miracles of Pulcinella at the famed Teatro La Fenice.
Themed evenings in spectacular settings included La Festa di San Valentino at The Glass Cathedral on the island of Murano, the Royal Garden Reverie Masquerade Ball in Palazzo Pisani Moretta, cocktails in a private palazzo on the Grand Canal, and the Clash of the Centuries Ball featuring a performance by Broadway star Ashley Brown at the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello in Palazzo Pisani.
Select press:
W Magazine
New York Social Diary
133 East 58th Street, Suite 501
New York, NY 10022
Palazzo Contarini Polignac
Dorsoduro 870 30123 Venice, Italy
The Rosand Library & Study Center is accessible by appointment.
133 East 58th Street, Suite 501
New York, NY 10022
Palazzo Contarini Polignac
Dorsoduro 870 30123 Venice, Italy
The Rosand Library & Study Center is accessible by appointment.