A Day At The Castle: WSW’s 6th Annual Gala
October 2, 2013Imagine spending your day at a beautiful Victorian castle on the Shawangunk Ridge, where the hallways are filled with history. You make your way outside to catch a glimpse of the beginnings of fall, then retire to the Lake Lounge for a nice, warm cup of afternoon tea. When the clock strikes six, you put on your party shoes and are welcomed into the dining room for an evening of culinary treats, bidding wars, and prosecco toasts.
The guests at our annual gala got to experience this and much more at the historic Mohonk Mountain House. With over 200 people in attendance, there was plenty of schmoozing and catching up with old friends. The silent auction was especially popular, with a great variety of interesting items to bid on and a close proximity to the “spoons” appetizers. Following the bite sized portions of wild mushroom and brie or curried chicken, Mohonk took guests on a delicious culinary tour of the world, including beet and potato fritters from India, and guacamole and ceviche from Mexico City.
The silent auction was a popular spot for guests.
Our honorees had a fabulous time. WSW co-founder Barbara Leoff Burge spent the evening chatting with old friends and relaxing, and later she even gushed that the evening was “like a dream”.
Honoree & WSW Co-Founder Barbara Leoff Burge
The guests of honor each had an opportunity to speak during the evening; Barbara gave a quick and gracious thank you, while Tim and Laurel both took the chance to speak about their community philanthropy. Their warmness and sincerity are clear examples as to why they were chosen as our honorees for our Gala this year.
Honoree Laurel Sweeney
Honoree Tim Sweeney
The evening closed with an exciting live auction, and guests trickled out in high spirits. Each year, WSW strives to make the Gala a wonderful experience for all involved. With such a magical atmosphere, lovely guests, and fantastic honorees, this may have been our best Gala yet! Many thanks to everyone who made the evening possible!
Couldn’t make it to the event? Check out this interview with honoree Barbara Leoff Burge:
Proceeds from WSW’s annual gala helps fund our artistic programming throughout the year. For more information or to donate, visit our website at wsworkshop.org or contact us at [email protected].