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Contact: Heather Rybka
Ph: 896-6700 ext. 224
hrybka@orlandophil.org
Orlando, FL – October 17, 2006 – Last night at Gaylord Palms Resort, on behalf of Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic, David Schillhammer announced that Jim and Alexis Pugh will be honored at this year’s Grande Masque gala. Mr. Schillhammer is the executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic.
The Pughs will be honored for their extraordinary leadership for the Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC), and have graciously and humbly accepted. Both Mayor Crotty and Mayor Dyer have been invited to Grande Masque to present the award. Grande Masque is a benefit for the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, three of the major tenants for the proposed OPAC.
In this exciting time of development, the Pugh’s have personally and professionally donated significant resources to the success of OPAC, a project that will greatly impact the history of Orlando’s arts. OPAC has worked closely with the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra equally to create a venue that will meet their needs, and the Pugh’s leadership has been steering the effort for success.
“Jim and Alexis Pugh do not seek the limelight, so this recognition from the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic, and Orlando Opera is humbly received, yet duly appreciated," said Kathy Ramsberger, executive director of the Orlando Performing Arts Center. "The Pughs are true philanthropists
because they do so much more than give money. Through their selfless service to the community, they set an example for all of us."
The theme for this year’s gala is An Evening in Venice, and will be held at Gaylord Palms Resort on December 31st, 2006. Awarded “Best Charity Gala” two years in a row by Orlando Magazine, Grande Masque has won numerous accolades for its groundbreaking collaboration between Orlando’s premier classical arts groups. Because OPAC so greatly affects the future of these three organizations, Grande Masque is a perfect opportunity for Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic to show their support and gratitude for Jim and Alexis Pugh’s success with OPAC.
Tickets start at $300 per person, and includes open bar, gourmet dining, entertainment by the host organizations, party favors and champagne toast, silent auction and brief live auction.
Corporate tables are also available, and are great way to support three arts groups with one donation.
Call 407-426-1700 for ticket sales.
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