27th Annual Atlanta Ballet Luncheon: A Celebration of Art, Community, and Impact

This year, I had the honor of co-chairing the 27th Annual Atlanta Ballet Luncheon. This event is deeply meaningful to me, not only because of my passion for the arts, but because it represents what is possible when a community comes together to champion creativity, education, and opportunity.

In a digital age, encouraging originality and artistic expression is more important than ever. Supporting the arts ensures that creativity continues to thrive, inspire, and connect us all.

The State of Arts Funding

Let’s look at the numbers: arts programs all across the state are being impacted. Fulton County budget cuts slashed arts funding from roughly $3 million to $1.3 million in 2025—a 56% reduction. Arts nonprofits generate hundreds of millions in revenue, and these cuts threaten jobs and tourism. Many arts organizations, often small and community-embedded, rely heavily on these funds, with 40% of surveyed nonprofits reporting zero operating reserves, according to Arts Capital. Events like this luncheon play a critical role in filling the gaps and sustaining the arts ecosystem in our community.

Bringing the Vision to Life

The luncheon took nearly 11 months of thoughtful planning and collaboration, including countless meetings, walk-throughs, and conversations. Working alongside an extraordinary committee and dedicated volunteers made the journey both rewarding and inspiring. A huge thanks to Canaan Marshall of Canaan Marshall Designs for our stunning florals, which added elegance and beauty to every detail of the event.

Did you know that The Atlanta Ballet is the oldest continuously operating ballet company in America? Being part of an organization with such a rich legacy made this year’s luncheon especially meaningful.

An Afternoon of Fashion, Performance, and Philanthropy

Held at The St. Regis Atlanta, this event gathered nearly 500 of Atlanta’s most fashionable guests, who came together to celebrate the arts in style. The luncheon featured an elegant afternoon of fashion with a stunning Akris presentation by Neiman Marcus Atlanta, showcasing looks from the Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Our emcee, Ronnel Blackmon, kept the energy high from the first look on the runway to the final paddle raise.

The afternoon included silent and live auctions and a captivating performance of Handle With Flair by Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers, uniting fashion and performance in an unforgettable way.

Making a Lasting Impact

For 27 years, the Corps de Ballet has hosted this annual luncheon to raise essential funds for The Atlanta Ballet, supporting scholarships and community engagement programs, including the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s Decade 2 Dance initiative.

The 2025 Corps de Ballet Fashion Show and Luncheon raised an incredible $455,150, marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking fundraising. These funds directly support students, aspiring dancers, and programs that expand access to high-quality dance education, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive future for ballet in our city.

With Gratitude

Thank you to Mayor André Dickens, our generous sponsors PNC and Georgia Light & Gas, the Corps de Ballet, and our dedicated volunteers for making this remarkable event possible.

We are also deeply grateful to our silent and live auction partners, whose generosity played a vital role in the event’s success:

Barnsley Resort, Boll & Branch, Weezie, La Fête Rosé, Canaan Marshall, Tio Lucho’s, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Angel’s Envy, Davio’s, Liz Stewart, The St. Regis, The Plaza Hotel, Blue Box Café, Swoozie’s, Livin’, Diptyque, Pricci, Kyma, Aria, Bar Taco, The Americano, Waldorf Astoria, and Le Colonial.

Looking Ahead

I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together and look forward to continuing to support The Atlanta Ballet. Thank you to everyone who contributed, attended, donated, and believed in the power of the arts. Together, we are helping shape the next generation of dancers and storytellers—and sustaining an arts community that is under real pressure but more vital than ever.

If you love an afternoon like this one, you will also enjoy my visit to Garden & Gun Club in Atlanta.

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