Ballet San Jose Gala – A Night On Swan Lake

Having been tailored to the delight and preference of guests, the evening will be a culmination of style, society, entertainment and fund raising; seamlessly merging new highlights, such as a private wine cellar auction, and moving away from previous standards, such as the traditional silent auction.

Ballet San Jose continues to grow in acclaim throughout the arts community, and the geography of those who support the company simultaneously increases. Encouraged by the new challenges the ballet continually faces and the determination with which each challenge is met, it’s no surprise this year’s Gala event chairs have been inspired to re-create the ballet’s premiere fund raising event.

Ballet San Jose Council President and Operating Board member Debbie Martin, and Operating Board member Michelle Rose have re-invented the Gala, raising it to a whole new level of unsurpassed elegance.

In addition to taking the initiative to create this new and exciting event, Debbie Martin and Michelle Rose continue to create new ways to increase the visibility and support of the ballet. As co-creators of the Auxiliary, Debbie and Michelle have fashioned a compelling new opportunity for philanthropic leaders to support Ballet San Jose. Auxiliary membership is by invitation only and is sure to become a “Who’s Who” of arts supporters throughout the Bay Area and Peninsula.

In its inaugural year, the Ballet San Jose Auxiliary already boasts such prominent members as Daniela Brooks, Sandi and Richard Conniff, Heritage Bank, and Sanjay and Suniti Subhedar. The enormous success of Ballet San Jose is due in no small part to the support of donors such as these and it’s that generosity which has made it possible for the Auxiliary to be embraced with such enthusiasm.

Even as the magnitude of this remarkable company grows, those involved remain cognoscente of its humble beginnings, and are inspired by the dedication of those who made the company possible. It is therefore infinitely appropriate the “A Night on Swan Lake” White Tie & Diamond Gala Honorary Chairs are Karen & Walter Loewenstern.

Many throughout the Valley are aware of these ground breaking visionaries, and their passion for ballet, which was instrumental in bringing world-class professional ballet to San Jose. As the Founding Chairman Emeritus, Karen’s determination and fortitude continue to be a stellar example that anything is possible, proving each challenge to be merely an opportunity to gain new ground.

Karen and Walter, one of the founders of ROLM, remain a motivating force as Ballet San Jose attains new heights with innovative productions, creative collaborations, and inspirational artistry.

In May and June of this year, Ballet San Jose will embark on an international good will tour with productions sure to enchant audiences throughout Asia. The future of Ballet San Jose, envisioned by exceptional individuals such as Karen Loewenstern, has never looked brighter.

Being among those who work to ensure the success of ballet and the arts, Michelle Rose is shining example of those who carry on the legacy of the Ballet San Jose founders: “It is a privilege and honor to be following in the footsteps of Karen and Walter, who dare to dream. People tend to lose sight of the value the arts provide to our community, it is more than entertainment. Ballet San Jose reaches out to under-served children in the community. Through this experience children are given the opportunity to lose themselves in an art form that encourages dreams, nourishes the soul and enriches the mind. Every time I see the smiles on the faces of children leaving the theater, I am joyous.”

The “A Night on Swan Lake” White Tie & Diamond Gala is positive proof of the strength and sophistication of the arts community. While each of the 200 guests personifies all that is fashionable in society; at the heart of the event, and indeed of Ballet San Jose, is the joy and passion of supporting ballet and the unparalleled value the arts bring to our community. -- www.balletsanjose.org