Elevating hallmark events and fundraisers through celebration
BY SABINA DANA PLASSE
As the Wood River Valley wraps up winter and looks toward summer, there’s much to get excited about, especially as significant fundraising and celebrations are planned. Much like every summer in Sun Valley, there is an endless list of things to do. For 2024, summer event organizers gathered together to help offer a June outlook of happenings through a cross-promotion campaign, “StART Summer in Sun Valley.”
“To be part of an all-encompassing group of forward-thinking supporters and directors in our Valley’s nonprofit community boosts everyone,” said SVCI Executive Director Karl Uri. “We accomplish a great deal when we are all in support, and these efforts last way beyond the summer in delivering great programming and events all year long for the community and visitors to enjoy—it’s why Sun Valley is so special. SVCI is excited to lead this collaboration and work for everyone to be part.”
Honoring the events contributing to the community’s fiber and soul, “StART Summer in Sun Valley” is a weeklong kickoff to the Valley’s hallmark events. Celebrating the arts in our Valley is an opportunity to enjoy Sun Valley and its incredible location and community. These much-anticipated galas and events provide funding and opportunities throughout the year to support the entire Wood River Valley through the culinary arts, art education, and world-class dance.
“The summer collaboration came from one of our SVMoA board members who also sits on the Sun Valley Culinary Institute board and supports Ballet Sun Valley,” said Sun Valley Museum of Art Executive Director Jennifer Wells Green. “The three executive directors agreed that we would all benefit from this partnership and would love to include other nonprofits moving forward. This collaboration is a fantastic way to celebrate the beginning of the summer season, work with our nonprofit colleagues, and support fundraising events for local nonprofits that bring arts and culture to our Valley to benefit our community.”
Beginning in June, signature Sun Valley events, including The Welcome Party, A Summer Soiree presented by Sun Valley Culinary Institute (SVCI), Sun Valley Museum of Art’s 43rd Annual Sun Valley Wine Auction, and Ballet Sun Valley’s 2024 Festival featuring the Sun Valley debut of The Joffrey Ballet are where patrons can enjoy all or any to start the summer.
“StART Summer in Sun Valley tees up summer for a range of events and activities throughout the community with the many like-minded individuals who make these celebratory occasions happen,” said Visit Sun Valley Executive Director Ray J. Gadd. “Among the galas and live performances are many other events to support the community and welcome visitors, including the 10th annual Sun Valley Brewfest and the debut of the Baldy Bluebird Music Festival at River Run. With air service to and from Sun Valley available earlier in the season, attending events and festivals is now more accessible.”
Sun Valley Culinary Institute presents The Welcome Party on Saturday, June 22 at 6 p.m., for “A Summer Soiree” celebration at a private Sun Valley home with good friends, exceptional wine, and fabulous food prepared by celebrity chef Art Smith and Food Network insider Bruce Seidel. Enjoy a seated dinner, live and silent auction, paddle up, and then dance the night away with music by DJ SID3S. The Welcome Party supports the Sun Valley Culinary Institute Scholarship Fund, which assists with student education costs while supporting Wood River Valley’s restaurant community. Tickets start at $350-$500 and $5,000 for table sponsorship. To learn more, visit sunvalleyculinary.org.
The Sun Valley Museum of Art’s 43rd Annual Sun Valley Wine Auction, Wednesday, June 26, through Friday, June 28, celebrates wine and benefits for arts and education. This iconic event includes gastronomic adventures, wine symposia, vintner dinners, a signature River Ranch Wine Walk, and a legendary Auction and Paddle-up. Individual event ticket prices start at $45, and packages start at $1,200. For more information, visit svmoa.org.
Ballet Sun Valley presents The Joffrey Ballet on Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30, for their debut in the renowned Sun Valley Pavilion. Known as the Mavericks of American Dance, The Joffrey Ballet celebrates 68 years of artistic excellence and is an important part of the fabric of American dance. The performances will feature more than 30 dancers in two unique and distinct programs, including a “sneaker ballet” with dancers performing in sneakers. Tickets are $35-$500, and Donor Packages start at $2,500. For details and to explore donor benefits, visit BalletSunValley.org.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this special place that cultivates a love of the arts through community involvement and education,” said Ballet Sun Valley Executive Director Kelli Quinlan. “With the summer season beginning in June, we are excited to add to the rich cultural offerings with the debut presentation of The Joffrey Ballet—a renowned American ballet company that will perform two totally different programs. With something for everyone, we invite the entire community to come out and join us for two magical nights of dance in the mountains.”
Building up the summer with StART Summer in Sun Valley is a foray into the 2024 summer season of many more exciting events. These include several milestone celebrations, including 30 years of the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference and 40 years of the Sun Valley Music Festival, a testament to the passion and support that span generations in the Sun Valley community. Other events supporting the Wood River Valley and beyond include Sun Valley Film Festival summer screenings, concerts, galas, dinners, festivals, and more, which can all be found on Visit Sun Valley’s calendar of events.