“Hooray for Hollywood! — “Save Venice ‘Los Angeles Celebration’ Raises Funds for Historic Art Preservation Efforts in Venice, Italy

Over President’s Day Weekend from February 16th to February 18th, the American non-profit organization Save Venice hosted a three-day fundraiser based in and around Beverly Hills to benefit its mission to preserve the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy.

The event, which drew nearly 100 guests from around the US and U.K., marked Save Venice’s triumphant return to California with its first major special event in over a decade. Themed “Hooray for Hollywood!,” the weekend blended Venetian Splendor with the timeless allure of Old Hollywood Glamour, raising $430,000 in the process.

---

---

Festivities commenced during golden hour Friday the 16th at the legendary Dawnridge Estate in Beverly Hills, graciously hosted by esteemed Los Angeles Celebration event Directors, Ruth & Hutton Wilkinson.

Guests explored the property’s lush gardens spread over three terraces as they enjoyed cocktails, dinner, music by the Johnny Holiday Quartet, and captivating dance performances by The Isadora Duncan International Institute, Inc. weaving a spellbinding tapestry of artistry and elegance under the moonlit sky.

---

---

The former residence of the acclaimed American artist and Hollywood costume and set designer Tony Duquette, the Dawnridge Estate is renowned for its eclectic and extravagant design, and filled with a unique blend of art, antiques, and Duquette’s own creations.

Earlier in the day, the event’s “Producers” gathered for an intimate welcome lunch hosted in Bel Air at the Tudor Revival home of filmmaker Tom Dolby & Spencer Alcorn, built in 1937 and once the residence of film star Betty Grable.

---

---

---

---

On Saturday the 17th attendees gathered at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the preferred hotel for the weekend’s activities, for an illuminating lecture on “Venice in the Movies” by Anthony Lane of The New Yorker, followed by a lavish lunch. Mr. Lane captivated the audience with his witty humor and carefully selected scenes from cinematic treasures such as “Senso” and “Summertime,” positing that the dramatic intensity created by the Venetian Old Masters like Jacopo Tintoretto capture a depth of emotion and narrative power unmatched by any film.

---

---

---

---

As twilight descended, the festivities shifted to the historic Cicada Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Los Angeles, where guests donned sparkling white-tie or black-tie inspired by their favorite movie stars and were treated to a dazzling cocktail reception and dinner followed by performances by Johnny Holiday and his orchestra, and the sensational Honey Taps.

The Art Deco designed ballroom housed in the historic landmark Oviatt Building radiated with energy as attendees danced the night away, reveling in the enchantment of the “Glittering Gala Dinner Dance.”

---

---

---

---

---

The grand finale on Sunday the 18th featured an exclusive afternoon of art immersion at The Getty Center. Led by Senior Conservator of Paintings Ulrich Birkmaier, Senior Curator of Drawings Dr. Julian Brooks, and Senior Curator of Paintings Dr. Davide Gasparotto, attendees enjoyed intimate private art tours including a visit to the Getty’s conservation lab, and encountering masterpieces by artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Francesco Guardi, and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo up close.

---

---

---

The weekend closed with a golden hour farewell cocktail reception generously hosted by Scott & Gina Jordan in their Beverly Hills penthouse featuring stunning views of the city and an exceptional collection of rare books. Interiors of the Jordan’s home were designed by Matthew White & Frank Webb of White Webb.

---

---

Whispering Angel, the corporate sponsor of the LA Celebration, generously contributed Rosé wine at the weekend’s events, while Juan Prieto and Hutton & Ruth Wilkinson’s in their roles as “Directors” ensured festive and unforgettable celebrations at Dawnridge and the Cicada Restaurant & Lounge.

---