Festival Luncheon Honorees

Festival Continues Tradition to Toast Annual Honorees

This year we raise our glasses to Donna & Donald Baumgartner at the 2021 Brunch

President Gerald R. Ford once said he “never attended luncheons,” and yet he never missed this special event that was first hosted by Joan Whittenberg in 1991. In 2021, we will carry the event’s great history forward in new ways, but alas will say goodbye to the luncheon originally held at the Lodge at Vail’s Wildflower Restaurant, and more recently hosted by Lourdes and Paul Ferzacca at La Tour. Laughs, memories, good food and long-time friendships have all been part of this special afternoon. Tradition has also included the creation of unique gifts by Barb and Rob De Luca, owners of Currents Fine Jewelers, that are bestowed upon the honoree, season presenters and artistic director. As we conclude our tradition this year, we are overjoyed to honor Donna and Donald Baumgartner for the lasting impact they have made on the Vail Dance Festival.

Linda Waterhouse being honored at the 2018 luncheon and receiving her signature gift from Barb De Luca. HONORING DONNA & DONALD BAUMGARTNER For more than 30 years, the Baumgartners have enjoyed their mountain home in the Lake Creek Valley. They have been active supporters of both the visual and performing arts in their hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and have shared their passion locally with their support of the Vail Dance Festival. Donald is a car buff and has a pretty nice collection of hot cars. Together they have spent many hours honing their skills on tracks in the US, Canada, and Europe. Over the years Donna & Donald have provided unwaivering support and enthusiasm for new works produced at the Festival and the Celebrate the Beat program.

PAST HONOREES First Lady Betty Ford* Mme Sophia Golovkina Giordano Family John Paul and Eloise DeJoria

Paul Mitchell Systems Jane & Phil Smiley Marlene & John Boll Allie Coppeak Katherine Kersten Judy Berkowitz Damian Woetzel Oscar Tang Joan Whittenberg Joanne & Jack Crosby Sheika & Pepi Gramshammer Lourdes & Paul Ferzacca Town of Vail Leni & Peter May Betsy & George Wiegers Susan & Harry Frampton Priscilla Brewster Linda & Stephen (posthumously)

Waterhouse Pam & Ernie Elsner Donna & Donald Baumgartner All Vail International Dance

Festival Patrons

Mme Sophia Golovkina, President Ford, Joan Whittenberg, and Mrs. Ford at the 1992 luncheon.