One World Gala 2024
Honoring Iain Webb and the Sarasota Ballet Company
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024 MICHAEL’S ON EAST
5:00 PM
Bringing our World Closer…Through Dance.
The One World Award is Sister Cities Association of Sarasota’s premier international award that honors one remarkable individual and one organization that have enhanced “understanding and respect” among citizens of the world through their extraordinary work or volunteer service.
This award shines the spotlight on individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their continued ability to create and maintain strong bonds of peace and understanding among the world’s citizens through their extraordinary work and service to the community.
Please join us in an evening of unity and purpose to celebrate our Individual OWA Honoree: Iain Webb, Director of the Sarasota Ballet, together with the Organization OWA Honoree: the Sarasota Ballet Company for their collective contributions through the arts and culture in our community and across the globe.
Iain Webb was recently awarded the 2024 British National Dance Award for outstanding achievement from a field of 311 international creative artist luminaries from performers, choreographers, and companies. The Sarasota Ballet under the direction of Iain, were recently honored by the Royal Ballet in London – the only ballet company in the world invited to perform there on the 100th birthday anniversary of renowned choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton.
Discover what we have in store for you and make your plan to attend OWA 2024 at Michael’s on East
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024
5 PM – 8 PM
Cocktail Attire
1212 S. East Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34239
Get Tickets
Learn About Honorees
See Schedule
Amazing Entertainment, Delicious Food, and A Worthy Cause to Celebrate
The Sarasota Ballet is passionate about offering high-quality education programs for students ages 3 and above. It also has a robust Community Engagement Department offering several impactful outreach programs to connect with the community, including the above.
DANCE – THE NEXT GENERATION (DNG) has had a significant impact on local youth in Sarasota. Through this program, young dancers gain exposure to live classical ballet performances and participate in workshops. DNG nurtures their appreciation for the art form, boosts self-esteem, and encourages higher education.
It’s a powerful way to inspire the next generation of dancers and foster a love for ballet within the community and we are so excited for you to learn more about this and all the other wonderful initiatives the Sarasota Ballet are leading.
Learn More
More About Our Honorees
Iain Webb
Born in Yorkshire, England, he began his ballet journey at 14 and trained at The Rambert School of Ballet and The Royal Ballet School.
As a dancer, his repertoire included roles in works by Ashton, Bintley, Fokine, Balanchine, Cranko, and Nureyev. Webb’s career extended beyond performing; he became Rehearsal Director for Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake and Cinderella productions. Later, he joined Japan’s K-Ballet Company as Ballet Master and Assistant Director.
In 2007, Webb took over the directorship of The Sarasota Ballet.
Under his leadership, the company has performed 183 ballets and divertissements, including 51 world premieres and 13 American premieres1. Recently, he received the British National Dance Award for outstanding achievement2. His accomplishments reflect dedication, creativity, and a deep love for the art of ballet.
Webb was recently awarded the 2024 British National Dance Award for outstanding achievement from a field of 311 international creative artist luminaries from performers, choreographers, and companies. The Sarasota Ballet, under the direction of Iain, was recently honored by the Royal Ballet in London – the only ballet company in the world invited to perform there on the 100th birthday anniversary of renowned choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton.
Webb’s impact on the local dance community in Sarasota has been profound. As the Director of The Sarasota Ballet, he has elevated the company’s artistic standards, fostering creativity and collaboration. Under his leadership, the ballet has engaged with the community through outreach programs, workshops, and performances.
Webb’s commitment to cultural exchange has strengthened Sarasota’s reputation as a hub for dance enthusiasts and artists alike. His vision and dedication continue to inspire dancers, audiences, and fellow arts organizations.
The Sarasota Ballet Company
An American ballet company based in Sarasota, Florida, it was founded in 1987 by former ballet dancer Jean Weidner Goldstein. It has become acclaimed for its performances of Sir Frederick Ashton’s ballets under the direction of Iain Webb and assistant director Margaret Barbieri. Their repertoire is unique and diverse, earning them national and international recognition.
Assistant Director, Margaret Barbieri’s dedication to ballet education and artistic excellence continues to inspire dancers worldwide! As Assistant Director of The Sarasota Ballet, she oversees The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, imparting her wisdom to aspiring dancers.
Her staging credits include iconic ballets like Swan Lake Act II and The Two Pigeons. She has significantly influenced The Sarasota Ballet’s repertoire through her artistic vision and expertise.
Joseph Volpe, the retired General Manager of The Metropolitan Opera, serves as the Executive Director of The Sarasota Ballet since February 2016. His mission is to align the organization’s administrative staff and financial foundation with the Company’s artistic excellence.
During his tenure at The Met, Volpe expanded the repertory season, initiated innovative projects like “Met Titles,” and left a lasting legacy in the world of opera. His expertise now contributes to the vibrant dance community in Sarasota!
Margaret Barbieri and Joseph Volpe will be accepting the OWA Organization Award on behalf of The Sarasota Ballet Company.
The Schedule
The OWA gala promises an enchanting evening and exquisite cuisine. Distinguished guests, arts, cultural, city and community leaders, and diplomats will gather to celebrate our shared commitment to peace, education, and cultural exchange.
The Welcome | 5 PM - 6 PM
Welcome Drink | Cocktail Hour: Cash Bar & Passed Hors d’oeuvres | Silent Auction
Entertainment | 7 PM
Ballet Performances by The Sarasota Ballet
Dinner | 7:30 PM
Dinner is served | Final reminder for Silent Auction
The Ceremony | 7:45 PM - 8:15 PM
One World Award Ceremony presented by Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert and City Manager, Marlon Brown
Tickets & Sponsorships
Individual (Early Bird Pricing)
$250 200
- Early Bird Pricing Until September 30th, 2024
- Live entertainment by The Sarasota Ballet
- Silent Auction
- Cocktail Hour
- 3-course Dinner
We offer several sponsorship levels, each with its own benefits.
We also accept donations in goods and/or services for our Silent Auction. Sponsors and donors will receive recognition on our website, in the gala program, from the podium, as well as social media shout-outs.
We are open to customizing sponsorship benefits to align with your philanthropic goals.
Please contact Yvonne Holmes at yholmes@sarasotasistercities.com or by phone at (941) 318-3616 to confirm your sponsorship or to discuss tailored options.
Platinum Sponsorship
$2500
+ Eight Complimentary Tickets
+ VIP Seating
+ Exclusive recognition in ALL event materials
+ Private meet-and-greet with visiting dignitaries at a pre-event cocktail reception
Gold Sponsorship
$1800
+ Eight Complimentary Tickets with premier seating
+ Prominent logo placement
+ Acknowledgement during speeches
+ Private meet-and-greet with visiting dignitaries at a pre-event cocktail reception
Silver Sponsorship
$1250
+ Four Complimentary Tickets with premier seating
+ Logo inclusion in promotional materials
+ Private meet-and-greet with visiting dignitaries at a pre-event cocktail reception
Print Sponsor
$500
+ 1 Complimentary Ticket
+ Premier Seating
Decorations Sponsors
$450
+ 1 Complimentary Ticket
+ Premier Seating
Valet Sponsor
$250
+ 1 Complimentary Ticket
+ Premier Seating
CONTACT INFO:
Gala Chair: Isabelle Eidet, ieidet@sarasotasistercities.com
Director of Events: Eleonora Surico, esurico@sarasotasistercities.com, (813) 647-8050
Vice President of Fundraising: Yvonne Holmes, yholmes@sarasotasistercities.com, (941) 318-3616
Silent Auction Chair: Xochitl Napoles, xnapoles@sarasotasistercities.com, (231) 633-4110