Traditions
Opening Gala
Overview
Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:00 pm
Explore the Gala Auction lots, which feature one-of-a-kind items, from travel experiences around the world to culinary adventures and even behind-the-scenes Spoleto packages.
Even if you cannot attend the Gala, you can still bid! Contact the Events Team at [email protected] or by phone at (843)724-1188 by 12:00pm EST on Wednesday, May 20 to submit your absentee bid.
We invite you to celebrate the start of another extraordinary Spoleto Festival USA at the Opening Gala! Raise a glass to the season ahead with cocktails, a seated dinner, and a thrilling live auction – all in support of Spoleto’s mission.
Be among the first to experience Charleston’s stunning new hotel, The Cooper at Waterfront Park, where the evening will come alive with captivating performances from some of this season’s artists including the inimitable acrobats of Circa and other surprise guests.
Together, we’ll kick off the Festival in true Spoleto spirit and celebrate an unforgettable evening of artistry and splendor.
2026 CO-CHAIRS
Sarah Beardsley
Lee Bell
Wenda Harris Millard
Andrea Strawn
2026 Opening Gala Host
Carolyn Murray
WCBD-News 2 Anchor
Event Tickets
To purchase tickets, please contact Special Events at [email protected] or call the events team at 843-724-1188.
Event Supporters
For more information about individual and corporate event contributions and sponsorship opportunities for 2026, please contact the Special Events Team at (843) 724-1188 or email [email protected].
Opening Gala Sponsors
SUPPORTERS:
As of April 27, 2026
Legend
Sarah Beardsley and Dr. Christopher Randolph
Lee Bell and Fotios Pantazis
Jay Millard and Wenda Harris Millard
Steven and Andrea Strawn
Visionary
Nicole and Amir Dan Rubin
Saga
Grace Atwood
Anderson and Julie Caperton
East West Partners
Carlos and Lisa Evans
ExploreCharleston.com
Rebecca Darwin, Garden & Gun
M. Edward Sellers
SouthState Bank
United Bank
Splendor
Harry and Susan Frampton
Good Neighbour Fund
Mrs. Roger Hanahan
Anne and Scott Perper
Jay & Melissa Wilkinson
Idol
Steven Caras
Sam Easley
Russell Holliday and Hal Cottingham
Sue and Neel Keenan
Tricia and Ted Legasey
Julie Bell Lindsay
Spencer Lynch
Martha and Charley McLendon
Dr. Alex Pappas & Dr. Ann Maners
Tim Rogers
Phillip and Lesley Smith
Ann and Michael Tarwater
Star
Anonymous
David Abrams
Richard and Jill Almeida
Mary and Richard Bodzy
Kathleen and Bob Carroll
Chris Clark and Maggie Winterfeldt Clark
Priestley and Cynthia Coker
Rachel Coker and Nigel Parry
Croghan’s Jewel Box
Harvey Danner and Anda Olsen
Marie J. Delcioppo
Gary and Susan DiCamillo
Allan Duncan
EcoSteris, Inc.
Michelle Edwards and Bob Crutchfield
Ms. Michel V. Faliero
Betsy Fleming and Ed Weisiger, Jr.
Michael Furlong and J. Eric Larsen
Jonathan Green
Judith Green and Dr. Michael Fritz
Curry Hagerty
Mr. John B. Hagerty and Ms. Susan W. Simons
Brandon Huff
Marvin Jenkins
Dr. and Mrs. George H. Khoury
Steve and Elaine Krameisen
Matt and Teresa MacGillivray
Liz and Jim MacLeod
Bernard and Denise Mansheim
Heather McFarlin
Kyra Hollowell Morris & Robert S. Morris
Ms. Kathleen Parramore and Sen. Thomas F.Taft, Sr.
The Drs. Vincent and Melinda Paul
The Peninsula of Charleston
Susu Ravenel and Bob Kirby
Dr. and Mrs. Eddie Robinson
Tyler Rollins
Abby Rosenthal
Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Sandel
Helen Savard and David Savard
Luke and Susan Simons
Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson
Bettie and Mark Tullis
Victoria & Jeff Vinzani
Peggy and Brian White
Betsy & Ridley Wills
Mindelle and Loren Ziff
Special Thanks & Gifts In-Kind:
Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC)
Brackish
Cathead Distillery
Gibbs Floral Studio
Hill and Co. Creative
Carolyn Murray
Nelson Printing
Nuage Designs
Production Design Associates
Snyder Events
Stradley Davidson Linen Collective
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Doug Warner