Photo of Tom Culligan Tom Culligan Chair 2006 Wolf Trap Ball In the 09/07/2006 edition of ExecutiveBiz we had a chance to catch up with Tom Culligan, Chair of 2006 Wolf Trap Ball. Tom Culligan this year's chair for the 2006 Wolf Trap Ball. This year's theme is 'Sailing Denmark' to be held on September 15th. We discuss with him how they decided the name of the theme, who should attend this event, and what causes it will benefit.

ExecutiveBiz: Why did you accept the invitation to chair the 2006 Wolf Trap Ball? Tom Culligan: Wolf Trap is central to the fabric of the culture of the Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. When our children were young, my wife Eileen and I would take them to picnics at Wolf Trap followed by a show. Today, often we bring out-of-town guests or business associates. Wolf Trap has been, and continues to be, a big part of my social life. Chairing the Wolf Trap Ball was a way to give back. ExecutiveBiz: How did you decide on the theme: "Sailing Denmark"? Tom Culligan: As you know, each year the ball centers a theme around a specific culture and nation. Denmark is one of the most remarkable nations in the world. The surrounding water ways are ingrained in the Danish culture. The concept that one could visually "sail" the country, to capture its essence and feel the pulse of its people, seemed particularly enthralling. You will be delighted with the visual depiction that we are planning. ExecutiveBiz: What can attendees expect to find at this year's Ball? Tom Culligan: Attendees should depart with a sense that they have been brought more fully in touch with the Danish people and its culture. We have worked very closely with the Danish embassy to ensure that we are depicting the most compelling aspects of their wonderful nation. While a genuine trip to Denmark, of course, is the best way capture such a feeling, this year's ball just might be the next best thing. ExecutiveBiz: How much money is going to be raised and for what causes? Tom Culligan: While our fundraising is not yet complete, I am aware thus far that we are exceeding past year performance in the number of tables sold. The contributions, of course, will go to continuing and extending the wonderful Wolf Trap programs. ExecutiveBiz: Who should attend this event? How many attendees? Tom Culligan: Anyone who is interested in the arts in the Washington area, or the intersection of European culture with the arts, would find the ball to be a most rewarding experience. If you are civic minded, and want to support the arts in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, this is the place to be. ExecutiveBiz: Why is this event so important to Wolf Trap and to the Washington community? Tom Culligan: Wolf Trap is part of the colorful mosaic of life in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Those who benefit from and love the arts have an inherent responsibility to support the arts. One way is to attend a Wolf Trap musical or theatrical performance. Another way is to support the fundraising efforts themselves. It is a very enjoyable way to underwrite the artistic future of our region. For more information about 2006 Wolf Trap Ball, visit www.wolftrap.org. Interview with Tom Culligan conducted by JD Kathuria. Enjoy this interview? Digg It! Check out more Executive Spotlights ...