Midnight In Paris Gala

On the evening of October 9th, the Patrons of the Prado organization created a Parisian-styled venue at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park to welcome their guest to a festive evening with a lively reception, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, and a sumptuous sit-down dinner on a starlit night.

The Patrons longtime support of the various museums within the park has over these many years contributed millions of dollars and thousand of volunteer hours benefitting what is one of San Diego's finest treasures.

Message from the President of Patrons of the Prado, Ms. Julie Novak - 2020 - 2021

As we navigate challenging times, the art, culture, and healing of Balboa Park help lift our spirits and soothe our souls, providing solace, renewal, health promotion and celebration. Thank you for celebrating “Midnight in Paris” with us in the cultural hub of San Diego. After two years of planning, our wonderful beneficiaries, sponsors, underwriters, Honorary Chairs/Honorary Committee, French community partners, 84 Patrons of the Prado Members, and Masterpiece Chairs, Roxi Link and Merridee Book made Masterpiece 2021 a glorious night to remember.       

 "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." Audrey Hepburn.   In helping us raise over $90,000 for Bucks 4 Buses in "Paris" on October 9, you are planting a garden.  Because of your generosity, we will continue to bring nearly 50,000 San Diego K-12 schoolchildren to Balboa Park annually on a bus or virtually. Many of the children are visiting museums or live theatre for the first time. A passion for the arts often begins in childhood. We are honored to play a role in providing these opportunities with all of you!      

As of year-end 2020, Patrons of the Prado had contributed $4,696,746 to our 10 Balboa Park beneficiaries. 

Unrestricted Patrons of the Prado grants from our Masterpiece event are currently being tallied and will be presented to our beneficiaries at our annual Holiday Party/Beneficiary Directors’ Dinner on December 12, 2021. 

These theatres, museums, history, and science centers enrich the lives of children and adults, inspiring cultural awareness, sensitivity, humility, and fluency for current and future generations.      

Thank you again for your tremendous support! We look forward to our ongoing partnership!

Photography by Gilda Adler