The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) hosted a sold out, spectacular Gala on June 2, 2022, with over 350 attendees to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NSLM’s Museum and the organization’s public launch of their $14M Capital Campaign.
The Honorary Gala Committee was co-chaired by Jacqueline B. Mars, Vice Chair of the NSLM Board of Directors, and Jack S. “Jay” Griswold. Also serving on the Committee were Anita M. Antenucci; John E. Cay, III; Karen H. Crane; Timothy J. Gardner; Winton S. Holladay; George S. Hundt, Jr.; Sheila Johnson; Susan S. Mullin; Mark J. Ohrstrom; Sarah F. Perot; Nicole H. Perry; Sarah L. Slack; John R. Staelin; and Viviane M. Warren. The NSLM thanks each of them for their hard work and support of this milestone event.
Guests were treated to an evening of dinner and dancing accompanied by performances by the New York-based Bob Hardwick Sound. A surprise caviar bar flanked by dramatic ice sculptures generously provided by Lugano Diamonds welcomed guests alongside a rose-blanketed sculpture of Paul Mellon’s 1993 Kentucky Derby winner, Sea Hero (by Tessa Pullan, 1995). The anniversary exhibition A Decade Afield: Celebrating 10 Years of the NSLM’s Museum was opened for an exclusive preview before its official opening the next day, showcasing the enormous growth of the Museum’s collections over the past decade through ten thematic galleries.
A highlight of the evening was a proclamation from the State of Maryland in recognition of Jacqueline B. Mars’s contributions to the state’s horse industry presented by Jack S. “Jay” Griswold; Secretary of Commerce R. Michael Gill; Chairman, MD Stadium Authority Thomas E. Kelso; Chairman, President, and CEO of McCormick & Company and NSLM Board Member Lawrence E. Kurzius. Jay Griswold presented a gift of $100,000 to the NSLM’s Capital Campaign in her honor from a group of individuals involved with the Maryland Horse Industry.
One lucky guest won the $25,000 raffle experience generously donated by Jacqueline B. Mars and will enjoy an all-expense-paid VIP experience at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L presented by MARS Equestrian™.
The Gala also served as the official public launch of the NSLM’s Capital Campaign. The generous support of donors, as well as 100% participation by the Board of Directors, has allowed the NSLM to raise over $12 million towards its $14 million goal. Chairman of the NSLM Board, Manuel H. Johnson, shared, “We are excited about the enormous enthusiasm and support we have experienced so far with our Capital Campaign and are hoping to blow through the $14 million goal.” Continued support from the community is needed to fulfill the goal and ensure the longevity of the institution, preserving sporting life and culture as well as advocating for the conservation of open space and waterways for generations to come.
Press inquiries may be addressed to NSLM Marketing & Communications Manager Cynthia Kurtz at 540-687-6542 x13 or CKurtz@NationalSporting.org. Additional high resolution photographs of the event and attendees, as well as the NSLM and its collections, are available upon request.
Images available on Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3h788xgnszum9xg/AACXaxK2v48gS_BYljhBXqXma?dl=0