Come one, come all!
The annual Summer Gala to benefit the Audrain Automobile Museum takes place August 31 at famed Ochre Court in Newport Beach, Rhode Island.
Themed as a Vintage Circus, the event includes a Big Tent and Midway with 20-plus circus acts, featuring seasoned performers from famed companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and Big Apple Circus.
“Aerial silk acts, contortionists, tightrope walkers, fire breathers, jugglers and more will astound and amaze everyone as you enjoy amazing hors d’oeuvres and dinner, circus-theme cocktails and spectacular cars from the museum’s collections,” says Marketing Director Rick Schad.
The Audrain Automobile Museum, 222 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, owns 200 rare vehicles from 1899 to today. Inspired by the motto, “Preserving Newport’s History One Car At A Time,” the museum showcases vehicles around changing exhibition themes. “By displaying 15–20 cars at a time, the museum gives our patrons and visitors a unique experience with each visit,” he adds.
David B. Ford returns as event, with the evening entertainment provided by comedian, former Tonight Show host and car enthusiast Jay Leno, as well as writer, appraiser and TV personality Don Osborne.
Exclusive products have been provided by Louis Vuitton, including a “trip of a lifetime” which includes visits to all of his company’s LVMH vineyards, a Paris fashion week and more. In addition, guests will enjoy a charity auction and raffle prizes, live music, circus-theme games and Tarot card readings.
And, of course, Audrain Museum cars will be displayed on site at Ochre Court, today the gateway to the campus of Salve Regina University. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt as a summer home for Ogden Goelet, a New York banker and developer and yachtsman, and built in 1892, the fabulous Gilded Age getaway appeared in the film True Lies.
The funds raised from the gala will support the museum’s curatorial and educational missions, including acquiring and preserving automobiles with historical significance to Newport and southern New England and helping locals of all ages learn about the artistic, cultural and historical importance of classic automobiles.
“This is an opportunity for you to step right up and join the growing Audrain family as well as converse with and enjoy the company of other automobile enthusiasts,” Schad says, noting that next year’s gala will be held with the museum’s first concours, Oct. 3–6, 2019. “The unique turn-of-the-century circus theme and evening of opulence will provide memories of a lifetime.”
For tickets, please contact Samantha Fowler or Crystle Welch, 401.856.4420 or events@audrainmuseum.org and see audrainautomuseum.org. For those coming in from the West Coast and other parts of the country, they can direct you to Newport area resources for quality accommodations and other amenities.
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