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Princess Diana is the toast of the Queen City

Sold out premiere event kicks off final stop of Diana, A Celebrationexhibition at Cincinnati Museum Center

CINCINNATI – It was an evening fit for royalty. There were sapphires and diamonds, champagne and beef wellingtons and not a seat in the house. Cincinnati Museum Center hosted a sold out premiere event for Diana, A Celebration complete with British-inspired food and cocktails, a silent auction and even a few tiaras. But the night was about Diana, Princess of Wales and the philanthropic spirit she inspired through her example.

“What an incredible night,” said Dianne Dunkelman, premiere event chair. “The sold out crowd and the enthusiasm really speak to the power that Diana still holds in the hearts of people even today.”

The belle of tonight’s ball was, of course, Diana, Princess of Wales herself. Premiere guests were given an exclusive peek at the exhibition, the first to see the world-renowned exhibition at the final stop on its 11-year world tour. The exhibition features items that not only highlight the beauty and style of Diana, including her royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses, but also chronicles her pioneering humanitarian work with AIDS and victims of landmines.

“It’s incredible to see how people lit up when they saw Diana’s wedding gown and dresses,” said Dunkelman, “and to see how humbled those same people were in the face of her remarkable contributions to society.”

Guests were able to indulge their own philanthropic spirit with a silent auction featuring items local businesses generously donated in support of Cincinnati Museum Center and its mission to educate, captivate and inspire people of all ages. Silent auction items included a Diana-inspired diamond and sapphire ring and earrings crafted by Krombholz Jewelers, two English Rose Tea Sets donated byChurchill’s Fine Teas, an ATP Tennis Tournament package donated by the Western & Southern Open and fresh flowers and sweet treats for a year donated by Del Apgar Florists and the BonBonerie. And while the bidding was silent, the enthusiasm for the items could not be contained.

Chef Craig James, a transplanted Brit, prepared the evening’s menu with fitting inspiration. “As a trainee chef I was fortunate enough to cook for Charles and Diana during a visit to Norfolk where they were on a visit to the Royal Palace Sandringham,” said Chef James, “and also for Diana separately in Nunsmere Hall in Cheshire.” Premiere guests were truly able to dine in the style of Diana with items like beef wellington, Yorkshire pudding with roast beef and Scotch quail eggs.

“I’d like to think this is Diana’s kind of event,” said premiere gala chair Dianne Dunkelman. “People joyously gathered together in the name of charity.”
Diana, A Celebration opens at Cincinnati Museum Center on February 14 for the conclusion of its 11-year world tour. The exhibition will close its doors for the final time on August 17, 2014.

For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.