The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced a new at-home fundraising event, Backyard Ball, taking place on June 26. Featuring a special selection of appetizers, wines and special surprises in a commemorative Party Pack, this online fundraiser takes the place of the museum’s traditional Art Ball gala. The DAI made the decision not to hold Art Ball in 2021, for the safety of guests and staff, and began planning for Backyard Ball earlier in the spring.
“We are excited to present Backyard Ball, a fresh, new take on Art Ball! We know how much the community treasures Dayton’s oldest gala, and this format allows the museum’s friends and patrons to continue their support. Our Art Ball chairs, Ariel and Brian Walker, along with the members of our Associate Board, have created a fun and festive event to welcome the first days of summer,” said Dayton Art Institute Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger.
As with the traditional Art Ball, Backyard Ball will be themed around a featured artwork from the DAI collection. Event chairs Ariel and Brian Walker have chosen Janet Fish’s Embroidery from Uzbekistan (2008) as the featured artwork for Backyard Ball.
Backyard Ball Party Packs go on sale May 26, at www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball.
Two levels of Party Packs are available, Patron and Grand Patron. Each includes two bottles of wine, a specially designed cocktail-hour party box for two guests and access to an exclusive online party taking place on June 26. Grand Patron packages also include an additional bottle of sparkling wine and a floral centerpiece from The Flower Shoppe.Grand Patron Party Packs are $395 each and Patron Party Packs are $295.
Each Party Pack includes: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and Terre d’OroRosé; an appetizer box from Kohler Catering featuring various mini appetizers, charcuterie board and desserts; and access to the online party on June 26. The upgraded Grand Patron level includes a bottle of Mumm sparkling Rosé and a floral centerpiece from The Flower Shoppe, specifically inspired by the Backyard Ball featured artwork, Janet Fish’s Embroidery from Uzbekistan.
Backyard Ball also includes a Grand Draw Raffle, featuring five prize packages of gift cards valued at $1,000 or more. Each gift card was purchased by a DAI Associate Board member or DAI staff member from local Dayton businesses that usually donate gift cards to the Art Ball raffle.
Ariel Walker
“This year, we really wanted to show our support for our beloved Dayton businesses who generously donated to Art Ball in previous years,” said Ariel Walker, Backyard Ball chair. “We know local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and we just wanted to show the same generosity they’ve shown this event and the DAI.”
Raffle tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online atwww.daytonartinstitute.org/artball beginning May 26. A Party Pack does not have to be purchased in order to purchase raffle tickets. Raffle winners will be drawn on June 26.
“We hope that our museum friends will host a Backyard Ball of their own and celebrate the DAI as we reach the end of the pandemic. This fundraiser is vital to us coming out of the COVID-19 crisis financially sound and stronger than before,” Roediger said. “The exclusive online party will include music, wine tasting presentations and a special gallery tour of previous Art Ball featured artworks from the DAI’s collection, as well as many other surprises,” Roediger said.
Party Packs are only available for a very limited time and must be purchased in advance via the DAI website. Sales end June 16, with pickup taking place at the museum on Saturday, June 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. This is a pickup-only event; Party Packs cannot be shipped. The DAI will announce additional details about Party Pack pickup in early June. The online party begins at 8 p.m. on June 26.
All proceeds from this new fundraiser help benefit operations at the Dayton Art Institute.
Party Pack and Grand Draw Raffle purchasers must be at least 21 years old and residents of the state of Ohio. Participants who place orders are asserting that they are 21 years old or more and are Ohio residents. Participants must produce a valid photo identification, including proof of Ohio residency and age, when picking up Party Packs. No exceptions will be made.
The Dayton Art Institute collection galleries are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a visit, go towww.daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4ART (4278).
