“I would like to thank everyone involved in helping 'Derby Dreams' become a reality,” said a smiling PONCHO President Michael Alhadeff.  “One measure of success is how much money we raised and I am thrilled that this is the most successful Gala since 2002.  That means increased funds for our arts organizations and artists and that makes it all worthwhile."  

Under the creative eye of Gala Chair Marjorie Alhadeff, wife of PONCHO President Michael Alhadeff, the evening was a celebration of the arts with the passion, pageantry and excitement of horseracing. For the cocktail hour and the Silent Auction reception, patrons sipped Kentucky-style Mint Juleps served from a sparkling horse sculpture ice bar, as they socialized with friends and browsed the many special Silent Auction items. With no shortage of beautiful gowns, ladies in Derby hats, and gentlemen dressed to impress, the "Derby Dreams" Gala was a special and meaningful evening for everyone involved, celebrating and showing our support for the arts.

And speaking of winners and excitement, where else but at the PONCHO Gala could you get some of the most unique items and experiences available.  An autographed Pearl Jam guitar, a priceless piece of Seattle’s history, raised $7,000. An all-inclusive, behind the scenes, fast-paced trip with the Renault Formula 1 race team to the Formula 1 Race in Milan, Italy fetched $18,000.  And a one-of-a-kind painting by renowned local artist William Cumming went for $27,500!  Additionally, PONCHO’s patrons raised $175,000 for Arts Education and Outreach initiatives that evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated or volunteered at the PONCHO Gala. We could not have done it without your support!

And as always, to view the photographs from the PONCHO Gala, visit the TeamPhotogenic website.

The Founders Award was established in 2001 to recognize the civic leaders who formed PONCHO in 1963 to raise money for the arts. In its 44-year history, PONCHO has given over $31 million to the arts and is credited with being the early catalyst for establishing and sustaining many of Seattle’s world renowned arts organizations.

“I am very proud of my association with PONCHO,” Arnold said. “I treasure the memories and friendships that came out of working hard together to support the arts. We all had one thing in common – do whatever it took to grow and maintain arts organizations that would make a difference in the community.”

To underscore his life-long relationship with PONCHO, Arnold has awarded the $10,000 that comes with the Founders Award to PONCHO.

“I realize I had my choice of any arts organization but I can’t think of a better way to support all of the arts that we enjoy than by giving it back as a gift to PONCHO,” Arnold emphasized. “I hope I encourage others to lend even greater support to PONCHO, an organization that is dedicated to all of the arts at the highest level of artistic achievement.”

Arnold is a Seattle native with a distinguished military and business career and an extraordinary history of civic leadership, especially in the arts. He has served on the boards of United Way, Providence Hospital Foundation, Museum of History and Industry and the King County Arts Commission. He is currently a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Art Museum and PONCHO boards.

“What I remember the most about Bob is that he was always looking out for the good of everybody,” said PONCHO President Michael Alhadeff. “He understood the power of an arts community and always put that above any single group. In this respect he was the perfect PONCHO board member.”

Past PONCHO Founders Award recipients have been: Margery Friedlander, Kayla Skinner, Peggy Golberg, the Alhadeff family, and Herman and Faye Sarkowsky.

A luncheon to honor Arnold will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, June 8 at the Sunset Club, located at 1021 University St. For details, please contact Inna in the PONCHO office at inna@poncho.org or 206-623-6233 ext. 203.

Sponsors and Underwriters:

$25,000 and up
The Boeing Company and Macy*s

$10,000 and up
Michael D. & Marjorie Alhadeff, The Alhadeff Companies, Mellon, Doug & Janet True, Wells Fargo

Donors:

$25,000 and Above
Michael D. & Marjorie Alhadeff, Barrier Motors, Inc./Volvo, Calidora Skin Clinic, Emerald Downs, Gordon Woodside/John Braseth Gallery, Robert Maki, Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Special Contributors:

Premier Benefactors
Paul & Joyce Birkeland, Jane & JJ Ewing, John Keppeler, Ken & SaSa Kirkpatrick, Mark Levine, Lex Lindsey & Lynn Manley, Robert & Lynn Lucurell, Kip Toner.

Benefactors
Bob & Tina Alexander, Anthony & Lillian Bay, Alan & Bonnie Cashman, Susan Cashman & Jim Vito, Michael Corliss & Lauri Darneille, William Cruzen, John & Polly DeFeo, Lonnie & Susan Edelheit, David Friedenberg, Brad & Marci Hinthorne, Craig & Marion Hopkins, Stephen Kutz & Courtney Womack, Dan McCarthy & Mila Chistoserdova, Chloe & Lance Mueller, Mardi Newman & Tracy Madole, Glenna Olson, Eric & Heidi Overton, James & Sherry Raisbeck, John & Mary Snyder, Tony & Jean Stewart, Theodore Tuttle, Bill & Lisa Vipond, Joe & Hilary Winkler, Sandy Young & Barry Martin.

Corporate Tables
Kenny & Marleen Alhadeff, Michael D. & Marjorie Alhadeff, The Boeing Company, The Citigroup Private Bank, Ederer Investment Company, Elsie Katz Couture, Holland America Line, KeyBank, Pacific Portfolio, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Downtown Partners:

Additionally, PONCHO would like to thank the following downtown retailers for their generous support of PONCHO and for producing creative window displays promoting this year's Gala:
Barneys New York, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Jeri Rice, Mario's, Ruth Hill, Tiffany & Co.