A MAGICAL EVENING TO SUPPORT THE ARTS:
OGLEBAY INSTITUTE BOARD BENEFIT SEPTEMBER 11

WHEELING, W.Va. (August 24, 2009)- -Area residents can enjoy one of Wheeling’s premier social events and support arts and culture in the Upper Ohio Valley by attending the 2009 Oglebay Institute Board of Trustees Benefit Friday, September 11.

Taking place at the Mansion Museum, located in Oglebay Resort, the board benefit is a great way to spend a memorable summer evening. Held from 6:30-9:30 p.m., the party will fill the lawn of the Mansion and overflow into the elegant and historic facility. Music, gourmet refreshments and beverages will be served to make the party complete.

An annual tradition begun by the board of trustees, board benefit fundraisers at Oglebay Institute support the public programming offered by the local arts, nature, theater, dance and museum organization. With hundreds of classes, workshops and events offered throughout the year, Oglebay Institute works to attract thousands of people to its inspirational programming.

“Our board members go above and beyond their regular service by holding this event,” Oglebay Institute president Kathleen McDermott said. “Board Benefit not only raises funds but also heightens community awareness of Oglebay Institute programming and the importance of personal experiences in the arts. We are sincerely grateful to the board members for this wonderful event and their ongoing support and guidance.”

The Mansion Museum is a popular location for the Board Benefit because of its beauty, elegance and historical significance.

“Those who attend this event each year look forward to it and show up ready for a wonderful time,” McDermott said. “First time attendees are always welcomed and inspired and usually become annual guests.”

Food for the benefit is always extraordinary and many favorite dishes will be on hand as well as some new additions to the menu. The popular beer garden is back again this year, and guests will discover delicious treats spread throughout the facility. Guests may end their meal with a trip to the dessert and coffee buffet. The Wheeling Park High School String Quartet will provide entertainment, and the Oglebay Institute Astronomy Club will have telescopes set up on the front lawn so guests can observe the night sky.

McDermott commented that many aspects of this event are enjoyable, but the main attraction is simply the event itself.

“This event is first-class in every way,” she said. “Our board members and staff members work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure this party is one of the best events of the year. From the carefully selected menu to the elegant décor, no detail is overlooked.”

All proceeds from the 2009 Oglebay Institute Board Benefit will support the ongoing tradition of excellence in local performing and visual arts, historic museums and exhibitions and environmental preservation and education.

Led by Oglebay Institute Board of Trustees chairperson Richard H. Carter, officers for the board include: James B. Kepner, vice chariperson; Anthony Gentile, vice chair for finance; and Phyllis R. Sigal, secretary.

Other board members include: John S. Bodkin Jr., Saun Capehart, Brian K. Felici, Donna Glass, Timothy A. Gompers, J. Milton Gutman, Wilbur S. Jones, Jr., Charl Kappel, Dr. John G. Kramer, Anne Madarasz, Martin Maness, Kris Molnar, John W. Moore, Jr., Elsie Reyes, Cheryl Dean Riley, James E. Seibert, Kathy Shapell and David Weaver.

Everyone is invited to enjoy this festive party in the elegant ambiance of the Mansion Museum while supporting quality public programming by attending Oglebay Institute’s annual board benefit. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made by calling any member of the board of trustees or by calling the Institute at 304.242.4200.

Tickets are priced at $60 per person and include all food, drink and entertainment. ($45 is a tax-deductible contribution.)

Offering public events, classes and workshops throughout the year for all ages, Oglebay Institute is the largest private arts organization in West Virginia and is recognized as the oldest arts council in the nation. Operating out of six Wheeling locations, the Institute includes the Towngate Theatre & Cinema, the Mansion Museum, the Schrader Environmental Education Center, the Stifel Fine Arts Center, the School of Dance and the Oglebay Glass Museum and also includes an educational mountain camp, located in Terra Alta, W.Va. and was begun in 1930 through the generosity of Earl W. Oglebay and family.