We had a chance to catch up with Sarah Mullen, Director of Annual Giving at the University of Virginia Art Museum to explore Harvest Moon’s Corporate Counsel Level Sponsorship.
In the spirit of continued efforts to increase University of Virginia and Charlottesville Community partnerships, the Museum has partnered with Harvest Moon Catering to provide fare to its patrons and guests with HMC moving forward.
Last spring, UVaM decided to bring Harvest Moon on board as their signature caterer, partnering to book all of their events in the coming fiscal year . This ensures that HMC will be the premier caterer for all events from cocktail receptions to plated dinners with featured wine pairings to large plated dinners and wine pairings for Patrons.
Partnerships like this are what Owner Mark Hahn and Rob Gustafson are all about. As part of their sponsorship level, these two UVA Alumni Entrepreneurs are donating a $5,000 trade value as Corporate Sponsors of the Museum. They truly believe in supporting Charlottesville’s many arts organizations.
“We are very grateful for Mark’s generosity. HMC’s corporate sponsorship made it possible for us to hold an innovative, elegant Patrons’ Reception for our highest level donors, who were thrilled with the event.” For this event, HMC created a tour of Italy through food and wine pairings in celebration of the opening of the Museum’s exhibition, Bartolo di Fredi’s Adoration of the Magi: A Masterpiece Reconstructed.
The Museum still relies on its Volunteer Board a great deal to cater and staff numerous events. With a growing number and frequency of events, however, Mullen realized last year that they would benefit from bringing in a company like Harvest Moon. HMC’s level of professionalism, especially the service component, quickly separated them from other catering options in the area.
“We feel very fortunate to work with Event Planner Barbara Shifflett, who without fail designs beautiful and creative events that always come in on budget. And in our experience, HMC’s event captains and other staff are a real pleasure to work with,” Mullen said of the customer service.
As part of the Corporate Counsel level of sponsorship, UVaM will feature Harvest Moon in upcoming publications, and HMC also has the option to host an event at the Museum free of charge. Other benefits include a behind-the-scenes tour with Director Bruce Boucher, and Museum membership for five employees.
Mullen said of her experience, “Working with Harvest Moon has been a true pleasure, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in years to come. I would also highly recommend HMC to anyone who seeks refined events, delicious food, and top-notch customer service.”