Arts for All Ball
An Evening Where Art Meets Purpose
Join Us for the Inaugural Arts for All Ball
January 24, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Step into a night of wonder, elegance, and purpose at Christopher Newport University’s first Arts for All Ball, a dazzling celebration of creativity and community hosted by First Lady Angie Kelly. Together, we’ll honor the power of the arts to unite, uplift, and transform lives.
This isn’t just a gala, it’s a movement. By joining us, you're opening doors, sparking dreams, and helping ensure that the magic of the arts is accessible to everyone.
About the Arts for All Ball
Wander through the inspiring halls of the Ferguson Center for the Arts and the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center. Enjoy exclusive exhibitions, breathtaking performances, and surprise moments that will awaken your imagination and stir your soul.
Treat your palate to an exquisite evening of gourmet cuisine and signature cocktails. From crafted canapés to delectable desserts, every bite is an experience.
At CNU, we believe in the arts as a force for good, a way to ignite curiosity, bridge divides, and empower the next generation. But for too many, cost and access keep this powerful experience out of reach.
That’s why Arts for All was born. It’s more than a program, it’s our promise.
A promise that everyone, no matter their background, can feel the thrill of live performance, the joy of creating, and the connection that only art can bring.
Every ticket, every donation, every toast raised at the Ball helps to:
- Bring children from Title I schools to their very first performance
- Fund scholarships and internships for aspiring artists
- Provide accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities
- Offer nonprofit groups world-class cultural experiences at little to no cost
- Host summer art camps that unlock creativity in young minds
- Deliver workshops and performances directly to neighborhoods in need
Let’s make art accessible. Let’s make it unforgettable.
Join us on January 24 and be part of something beautiful.
Tickets will go on sale in the summer of 2025.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors for their generous support. Your contributions have made this event possible, and we are truly grateful for your partnership.
Executive Producers — Co-Presenting Sponsors
Mary Katherine Evans Hogg*
Mary Neale*
Diamond Chandelier (Premier Sponsor) — $25,000
Shelly Fink-Brackett ‘81*
Bill and Janice Grace*
Creative Producer — $10,000
Carolyn Abbitt*
Anne and Gus Edwards*
Sharon and Phil Frix
Steven and Joan Marks*
Randolph D. Rouse Foundation
Bob and Candy Snyder*
Keith and Greta Vander Vennet*
Alan and Debbie Witt*
Whimsical Ensemble — $5,000
Robert and Ramona Deal*
Jennifer Dunn and Damon Saetre*
Larry King Law*
Lee Lockwood*
N. Scott Millar*
Tricia and Scott Russell*
Weymouth Funeral Home*
Gina Wilson*
Shining Star — $2,500
Susan and Rob Goetz*
René Kauder
The Chesapeake
Distinguished Curator — $1,000
Chesapeake Wealth Management
Hilton Garden Inn
Kim Hinson
Ann Hunnicutt*
*Ambassador
This list was updated June 3, 2025.