Petersburg, VA, March 2, 2020 – “It was Out of this World!” That was the most common response from those who attended Historic Petersburg Foundation’s Moonlight Magic Ball on Leap Day, Saturday, February 29. The “heavenly” event was held at the Country Club of Petersburg and raised funds that will allow the organization to continue its important work toward preserving Petersburg’s historic structures.
Ticket sales for the Ball were at record levels several days before the event and had to be capped due to space restrictions at the Club. HPF President Louis Malon described the situation as “a nice problem to have.” He added, “We had a lot of new and younger people attending this year which was especially good to see.” Alex Dandridge, who came with Petersburg’s Kate Sangregario and her youthful group commented, “It was really great being able to talk with members of the community, local government, and the foundation and to and raise money for the preservation of such a special city.”
In addition to record ticket sales, donations from local businesses and individuals for the auctions the night of the ball surpassed expectations. Close to 100 items, get-aways, dinners and gift certificates were up for bidding in either the silent auction or the high-spirited live auction, conducted by state champion auctioneer Chip Jones. An online auction preceding the ball added to the competition as it allowed those not able to attend the opportunity to try to win some of the auction offerings.
One highlight of the evening was readings by Nathan Brown, astrologer/owner of Sky Fossil Astrology in Richmond. Originally booked for just 2 hours – the cocktail phase of the ball – Brown attracted a long line of people wanting to know what was in the stars for them. There was so much interest that he was still giving readings at 11:45 as the ball was wrapping up. High Street resident Lisa Jordan, who had her reading done earlier in the evening, said she felt that predictions made by Brown were probably “spot on.”
As has become tradition with the Ball in the ‘Burg, many attendees came in costume. The Moonlight Magic theme resulted in a variety of space creatures and travelers, celestial gods and goddesses, and astronauts (NASA was well represented.) Male winner Dino Lunsford came as the Man in the Moon. His lovely date was the galaxy of stars that come out with the moon. Female winner Kena Treadway was a “Trekkie.” Husband Brad was Mr. Spock.
Emcee this year was Michelle Olgers who did a fantastic job keeping the night’s activities on track. One of her final duties was the selection of the raffle winner for a trip to Florida’s Space Coast. The winner was not there but attendee Ken Pritchett, who sold that ticket, offered to deliver the good news to her.
Speaking of Pritchett, he and his wife Patty played a major role in making the ball a success. Malon noted, “Ken and Patty were involved with almost every aspect of the ball – being sponsors, getting other sponsors, donating and getting auction items, decorating, seating arrangements – you name it, they were there to help. Our sincerest thanks go out to them.”
HPF would like to express its gratitude to everyone who attended the ball or was involved in one way or another. “It was huge success and you all deserve a huge THANK YOU for making it so. Due to the wonderful response, we raised some significant funds for HPF. Our hope that it would be “One small step for HPF – One giant leap for Petersburg” became reality. ” Malon declared.