Great Meadow Foundation’s Inaugural Gala to Celebrate 40 Years

Gala to be hosted by renowned Broadway and TV actor Chris Hanke and will feature live music and dancing.

THE PLAINS, VA — The Great Meadow Foundation, a cornerstone of the Northern Virginia community, is thrilled to announce its inaugural gala, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 40th Anniversary Gala,” celebrating 40 years of preserving and enhancing the iconic Great Meadow. The celebratory event will take place on Saturday, June 14, at 6 p.m. at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. Go to greatmeadow.org for more details and visit my.onecause.com to purchase tickets.

Guests are invited to an evening featuring cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing, entertainment, and a live auction. The gala will be hosted by renowned actor Christopher Hanke, known for his appearances on the HBO miniseries, “I Know This Much Is True.” He also appeared in FOX’s “The Resident,” as well as “A Million Little Things,” “Odd Mom Out,” and “Breaking Fast.” Hanke starred in four Broadway shows, appeared on the Tony Awards red carpet, and was in a theater production alongside Tom Hanks and Martin Short in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Entertainment will be provided by the talents of Freedom Imani and Bryan Fox and Friends, who have shared the stage with music legends like Patti LaBelle and paid tribute to Frankie Beverly.

“For four decades, Great Meadow has served as a vital community space, hosting world-class equestrian events, fostering conservation, and providing a beautiful backdrop for countless memories,” said Karen Crane, Great Meadow Foundation’s chairwoman. “We are deeply grateful and excited to launch the AWA Great Meadow Heritage Award and the Great Meadow Spirit of Sport Award as we celebrate this milestone and look forward to an enchanting evening under the stars with our friends and supporters.” This special night will not only commemorate Great Meadow’s rich history and raise funds, but also mark the debut of two significant awards.

The Arthur W. Arundel (AWA) Great Meadow Heritage Award, named in honor of the founder of Great Meadow, will be presented to the Arundel family. In subsequent years, this award will recognize distinguished individuals whose remarkable contributions embody Arundel’s legacy in land and nature conservancy.

The inaugural Great Meadow Spirit of Sport Award will be bestowed upon Michael and Wendy Smith, whose passion and dedication to horses, equestrian sport, land protection, and the embodiment of equestrian excellence and values have made a significant impact. This award will annually honor individuals who uphold these standards and positively influence land conservancy and equestrian sport with excellence.

For those unable to attend, there are still meaningful ways to support Great Meadow, including: sponsorship opportunities, auction donations, gala program tribute ads, tax-deductible direct donations, and in-kind support or services. As a nonprofit, Great Meadow relies solely on the generosity of supporters and donors to maintain its mission.

Photos courtesy of Great Meadow.

Posted on: June 4, 2025