The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville

A Night at the Races

The 14th Annual Grand Marquee Gala

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Thank you for joining us for A Night at the Races. What an unforgettable Derby Day! Your presence, energy, and generosity helped make the evening a true triumph for The Paramount Theater and the community we serve.

The Annual Grand Marquee Gala is The Paramount Theater ‘s signature fundraising event, supporting our mission to educate, enchant, enrich, and enlighten the Charlottesville community through the arts. This cherished Spring tradition brings together friends and supporters for an unforgettable evening of purpose and celebration – featuring a silent auction, dancing, and exceptional food and cocktails, all in support of our historic nonprofit theater.

Since reopening in 2004, The Paramount Theater:

Hosted over 1.1 million patrons at 2,800+ events.
Provided several thousand community access tickets to nearly 70 nonprofit partners annually, hosting numerous free events open to the community.
Welcomed 230,100 students and teachers for live performances on stage through the Arts Education Program.
Continues to serve as an essential part of the cultural and economic vitality of Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall.

For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shawn Puller | 434-218-1590

Photo Finish Fabulous

Relive the magic and click the link below to browse the full gallery.
Photos courtesy of Rob Garland Photographers.

View the Photo Gallery

Silent Auction

A run for the roses!

This year’s Silent Auction was packed with luxury getaways, private tours, 3 course dinners, epic Paramount parties, original artwork, and much, much more. While the final bids have been placed and the hats tucked away, there’s still time to support your favorite “horse” in our Count Me In campaign. Every dollar goes toward impactful initiatives like arts education, community access, and diverse programming. The race isn’t over just yet, and we’d be honored to have your continued support.

If you are interested in donating items for next year’s Grand Marquee Gala Silent Auction and Raffle, please contact Shawn Puller, shawnpuller@theparamount.net.

Count Me In!

2025 Sponsors & Patrons

Parke & Coran Capshaw
Smith Vicars Family Foundation
Anonymous

Caplin Foundation
Core Real Estate Partners
Sharon B. Donovan
Pam & Frank Edmonds
James River Runners
Martha & Chip Jordan
Elsie & Mac Thompson
UVA Arts
Williams Mullen

Mary Jae Abbitt
Antoinette & Benjamin Brewster
Sterling & Gerry Frank
Catherine & Bill Goodrum
Autumn & Vann Graves
Carla & Nick Hallman
Amanda & Gladstone Jones
Kris Kasselman & Bob Emmett
Susan & Ludwig Kuttner – IX Art Park
Margaret & Craig Littlepage
Diane & Howie Long
Sherri & Preston Moore
Mary Buckle & Stewart Searle
Laurie Turner

2025

Grand Marquee Gala Committee

Carla Hallman, Chair

Maia Bannan
Antoinette Brewster
Patti Cary
Sharon Donovan
Pam Edmonds
Clay Eure
Sterling Frank
Janna Gies
Mark Hahn
Erin Hall
Amanda Jones
Martha Jordan
Diane Long
Julie Montross
Sherri Moore
Shawn Puller
Emma Rhodes
Mary Buckle Searle
Shannon Thomas
Laurie Turner
Adrienne Woodard