Maserati stars at the Venetian Heritage Gala Dinner in Venice

The "La Dolce Vita" Charity Gala Dinner, organised by Venetian Heritage and The American Friends of the Louvre with support from Maserati, took place last Friday at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia in Venice, once the historic Republic's most important social institution. The charity auction to raise funds for the completion of the restoration of the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice and Anne of Austria's apartment in Paris was held during the evening.

For the auction, Maserati donated a "Tribute to Venetian Heritage" Quattroporte GTS GranLusso, a one-off car in three-layer white colour with black Full Premium Leather interior, carbon fibre trims and a dedicated plaque. The Maserati flagship was sold to Jill and Calvin  Schlenker, originally from Houston (Texas), but currently residing in Carmel (California).

Besides the Trident’s flagship saloon, Venetian Heritage auctioned works of art, exclusive travels and money can’t buy experiences, such as a stay at Château de Balleroy in Normandy, historic home of the Forbes Family, reaching a total of over 1,5 million dollars.

Maserati - the Foundation's automotive partner - was represented by its CEO Reid Bigland, who consigned the keys of the car to its new owners in person. Also present amongst the evening's glittering guest line-up were Becca Cason Thrash - Managing Director of Venetian Heritage and impeccable master of ceremony – and Toto Bergamo Rossi, Director of Venetian Heritage, Valentina Marini Clarelli Nasi, Christopher Forbes, Vice Chairman of the Forbes Publishing Group, Maria da Gloria Orléans Bragança de Bourbon, Duchess of Segorbe, Luca Marzotto, artist Fabrizio Plessi and his wife Claudia, Director of Miami Design Rodman Primack, Monika Bacardi, Francesca Bortolotto Possati and Hamish Bowles.

Thanks to the funds raised, it will be possible to complete the restoration of the historic buildings selected by Venetian Heritage and The American Friends of the Louvre, who have jointly undertaken this important initiative and allow the collections to be open to the public.