The fourth annual Pirouette, held at the Delta Grand on February 5th, 2011, raised the barre with its 2011 edition, providing an unforgettable experience and raising over $120,000 to support Kelowna's own professional ballet company. The combination of five superstar chefs, fabulous wineries, 'amuse bouche' performances, a successful auction and an all star team of Tom Budd as Presenting Sponsor, Jamie Maw and fiancé Yvonne Drinovz as Honourary Chairs, and Debbie MacMillan as Event Coordinator, meant the event was a sold-out success!
Tom Budd, whose Thomas Alan Budd Foundation has already committed to being the Presenting Sponsor of Pirouette for the next three, took the opportunity to announce his ongoing commitment to Ballet Kelowna by also becoming the Presenting Sponsor of the Kelowna performances for the Spring and Fall Ballet Kelowna Seasons for the next three years. A long time supporter of Ballet Kelowna, Mr. Budd has expanded his commitment to exceed more than $100,000 over the next three years.
"The reason I get involved is a real simple story," shared Mr. Budd at Pirouette. "My parents actually gave me a gift. The gift was, it isn't how much you've accumulated, it isn't how much wealth you have, it isn't how many toys you have. You treat your neighbors well, and if you get lucky in life, you give it back. My dad helped everybody out. That's why I do it, because it makes my parents happy. I love them and it makes me happy."
The event was everything it had promised to be: Bold Local and Incomparable with the perfect pairing of the culinary and performing arts. Superstar Chefs Rod Butters (RauDZ Regional Table), Bernard Casavant (Wild Apple - Manteo Resort), Mark Filatow (Waterfront Restaurant), Stuart Klassen (Delta Grand Okanagan) and Roger Sleiman (Old Vines Restaurant - Quails Gate) along with the Junior Chefs of the Okanagan Chefs Association wowed guests with their individual creations for each course, and also with the tremendous team work and fellowship they demonstrated by working together to deliver the sumptuous dinner.
The auction offered unique experiences such as a fishing trip to Langara Fishing Lodge that had bidders casting their bid cards high. The package sold for a record $16,000 and the entire evening garnered a net profit of $120,000, which is critical money to support Ballet Kelowna's operations.
"When you have so many professionals working on Pirouette, it's hard for it not to be a huge success," said Event Coordinator Debbie MacMillan. "The incredible committee, team of volunteers, chefs and wineries are amazing and it really is a group effort."
Ballet Kelowna is a proudly 'Made in Kelowna' professional dance company, now is in its eighth year of presenting our signature 'inno-classical' style featuring both classical and innovative, modern ballets . The Company is getting ready to tour its Spring Season 'Actions Consequences' to 13 communities in BC and Alberta before closing the Season in Kelowna on April 29 and 30, 2011 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.