With its planned fundraising spring gala impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is basking in a “show must go on” mentality and will host its live-streamed Progressive Party on Monday, April 20.
Originally planned as a progressive dinner in partnership with José Andrés’ Oyamel and China Chilcano, the now free online party will feature performances from Woolly company members and guest artists, include an exceptional lineup of auction experiences, and will offer special sneak peeks into Woolly’s upcoming 41st season. To attend, guests need only RSVP.
The live stream party will be hosted by Woolly Mammoth’s Artistic Director Maria Manuela Goyanes and Managing Director Emika Abe and will raise money for the theatre.
“Since the event is now online—and free—we’re excited by the prospect of reaching a wider national audience and engaging Woolly supporters around the country,” Abe says. “We want to target people who would have never been able to attend our in-person gala. Every gift counts. We already have 750+ registrants and counting.”
Last year, the theatre raised nearly $250,000 at its gala, but because it costs a lot more to throw an in-person party than a virtual one, it is anticipating a much higher net revenue this year plus a much further reach than ever before.
“We’ve had to be flexible with our fundraising goals as we weather the ups and downs of this unprecedented time,” Abe says. “We were fortunate that most of our original event sponsors agreed to put their contributions towards this newly imagined online event. Between sponsorships, the online auction, and general donations we are hoping to raise about 35% of our $500,000 Mammoth Marathon Fund goal on Monday night.”
The auction is open for preview; new items are being added each day. Some items up to bid include virtual experiences such as a wine tasting and “virtual drinks” with Goyanes and NPR’s Ari Shapiro. Other auction items include a cooking lesson with Joe Yonan, food and dining editor of The Washington Post; a signed BoJack Horseman script; a round of golf for four at the Kenwood Golf and Country Club in Bethesda; and a private one-hour yoga class with up to 10 of your friends led by Woolly board president Linette Hwu.
Auction items can be viewed at bit.ly/WoollyAuction.
“It is going to be an exciting and innovative experiment,” Abe says.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre’s Progressive Party
Monday, April 20.
7:30pm: Cocktail half hour
8pm: Show time!
RSVP All who register will be entered for a chance to win a Woolly Swag Bag and tickets for Season 41.
