Pirouette Launch
For Immediate Media Distribution with photo:
A Turning Pointe for Kelowna Fundraiser
“Ballet Kelowna Raises the Barre for Annual Fundraising Event”
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, November 16, 2009. Ballet Kelowna will raise the barre for their signature fundraiser - Pirouette 2010 - with the addition of many new elements to the event.
Honourary Chairs for the February event are Jamie Maw and fiancée Yvonne Drinovz. Maw is well known to culinary and travel enthusiasts as the nationally acclaimed Food + Travel Editor for Vancouver Magazine for the last 14 years. He has appeared as a judge on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and has received over 25 awards for his culinary and travel writing.
Maw has played an integral role in raising the culinary profile of the event, “Yvonne and I are delighted to be Honourary Chairs for Pirouette. We have assembled a brigade of high-profile master chefs who will create a menu that - like Ballet Kelowna itself - exemplifies the very best of where we live. The dinner component called “Local Heroes” - which recognizes both our outstanding Okanagan produce and our local chefs - will see our chefs develop an exclusive, multi-course menu and will include wines from Quail’s Gate, Laughing Stock, Aces Okanagan Estate Winery, Le Vieux Pin and Mission Hill. The all-star chefs are currently being confirmed, and we’ll announce the complete slate and the menu shortly.” states Maw.
Third year title sponsor Canaccord Wealth Management sees Pirouette as a very important event to Kelowna’s culture scene. “Supporting the arts in a thriving community is a corporate responsibility that is both a pleasure and privilege in which to participate. We see this as an unforgettable evening that benefits a strong contributor to performing arts in Kelowna” states VP and Branch Manager Bruce Dickson.
The event commences with an opening reception, followed by a brief performance by Ballet Kelowna, the Local Heroes Dinner, and highly sought-after silent and live auction items up for bid. Development and Events Coordinator Debbie MacMillan believes Pirouette 2010 will create a new standard for the event in years to come. “Our volunteer committee is making this night one not to miss in 2010, the food, wine, entertainment and auction make up an incredible package” says MacMillan.
Pirouette is Ballet Kelowna’s major fundraising initiative, raising over $115,000.00 each year for the company. No one knows more about that need than Artistic Director David LaHay. “As one example, our dancers go through two pairs of dance shoes a week, which alone adds up to over $19,000 a year just to keep them on their toes.” Other funding goes towards defraying touring and staging costs.
Ballet Kelowna is breathtakingly beautiful and elegantly bold. This proudly ‘Made in Kelowna’ professional dance company is now in its 7th Season of presenting its signature ‘inno-classical’ style featuring both classical and innovative, modern ballets. Named ‘BC Touring Artist of the Year in 2008’, Ballet Kelowna will be touring to 40 communities in the 09/10 Performance Season.
“Pirouette – A Turning Pointe”, takes place Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at the Delta Grand Okanagan with 250 seats available. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.balletkelowna.ca for $250.00 until November 30th, and $275.00 thereafter.
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For media interviews with Jamie Maw, Debbie MacMillan or David LaHay please contact:
Debbie MacMillan Jamie Maw & Yvonne Drinovz
Development and Events Honourary Chairs
Pirouette 2010 Pirouette 2010
P) 250-764-4803 P) 250-801-4040
E) debbiemacmillan@shaw.ca E) think@telus.net
About Ballet Kelowna: Visit http://www.balletkelowna.ca
Photo Caption:
“Ballet Kelowna Gets to the Pointe”
Artistic Director David LaHay and professional dancers take to the streets to show their excitement for the upcoming Pirouette, the signature black-tie fundraiser for Ballet Kelowna, which takes place at the Delta Grand Okanagan February 6, 2010. Tickets and info at www.balletkelowna.ca.
Photo Credit: Glenna Turnbull
Stylized Magenta Photo: Design: Tarynn Parker
(l-r): Davin Luce, Eloi Homier, Christina Cecchini, Raelynn Heppell, David LaHay, Cai Glover and Tiffany Bilodeau
