
Victory Ball
Celebrating Those Who Serve
Presented by Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation
with support from Henry and Karen Coaxum and Bob and Sheryl Merrick
The 2021 Victory Ball will be a lavish reception featuring cocktails and culinary creations by The American Sector Restaurant & Bar, live music, entertainment, and dancing, as well as unlimited access to the Museum’s pavilions and exhibit galleries throughout the evening.
- VIP CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
6:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception | Hors d’Oeuvres | Exclusive Entertainment: Victory Swing Orchestra
All sponsors will receive early event entry, reserved seating, and exclusive access to a VIP Champagne Reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, private full bar, and entertainment.
- VICTORY BALL
7:00 p.m.The National WWII Museum’s American Sector Restaurant & Bar, BB’s Stage Door Canteen, and US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Open Bars | Music & Dancing | Access to Museum Galleries
Culinary Creations by The American Sector Restaurant & BarIf you require a seat, we strongly recommend you purchase a Sponsor Level Package that includes reserved seating. Though there will be ample general seating throughout the event, it is available on a first-come, first-served basis for general ticket purchases.
- ENTERTAINMENT
Swingaroux
The Victory Swing Orchestra
The Yat Pack
- ATTIRE
Service Uniform, Cocktail Attire, or 1940s Dress Encouraged
Receive 20% off your purchase of 1940s-inspired clothing and accessories at the Museum’s Corner Boutique with proof of ticket purchase! Located at the corner of Andrew Higgins Drive and Magazine Street.
- SALUTE TO VETERANS AND SERVICEMEMBERS
8:15 p.m.
Featuring remarks by Honorary Chairman Major General James E. Livingston (Medal of Honor Recipient)
Read BiographyMajor General James E. Livingston, MOH, USMC (Ret)
Major General James E. Livingston retired on September 1, 1995 following over 33 continuous years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. His last assignment was the Commander of the Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1962 following graduation from Auburn University. Early assignments included service as a Platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, and as a Recruit Training Regiment Series Commander.He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1962 following graduation from Auburn University. Early assignments included service as a Platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, and as a Recruit Training Regiment Series Commander.
Promoted to Captain in June 1966, General Livingston served as the Commanding Officer of the Marine detachment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, before joining the 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam in August 1967.
On May 2, 1968, while serving as the Commanding Officer, Company E, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, he distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces and received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
After his second tour in Vietnam, General Livingston served as an instructor at the Army’s Infantry School, Director of Division Schools for the 1st Marine Division, and, later, as the S-3 for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. In March 1975, he returned to Vietnam and served as the Operations Officer for the Vietnam evacuation operations which included Operation “Frequent Wind”, the evacuation of Saigon.
He then commanded the Marine Barracks, United Kingdom, London, and served as the Commanding Officer, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, then as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. During this period, he earned a master’s degree in Management from Webster University. General Livingston then served with the 2d Marine Division and commanded the 6th Marines before joining the Joint U. S. Assistance Group in the Republic of the Philippines.
Following advancement to Brigadier General on June 10, 1988, he served as Deputy Director for Operations at the National Military Command Center in Washington, D.C. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, General Livingston commanded the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, California, and developed the Desert Warfare Training Program. After commanding the Marine Expeditionary Brigade, he was advanced to Major General on July 8, 1991 and assumed command of the 4th Marine Division (Reinforced). In July 1992 he assumed command of the newly created Marine Reserve Force, and continued through its reorganization in October 1994 with its new title, Marine Forces Reserve.
Major General Livingston is a native of Towns, Georgia. He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Air War College. His decorations include the Medal of Honor; Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal, with Combat “V”; Purple Heart, Third Award; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal, Second Award; Navy Commendation Medal, with Combat “V”; Combat Action ribbon, Second Award; and various other service and foreign decorations. He is also a qualified military parachutist. In 2018 he was awarded South Carolina’s highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto, by Gov. Henry McMaster.
MajGen Livingston retired from the Marine Corps in 1995. He is Chairman Emeritus and an Honorary Board Member of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and Advisory Board Chairman of the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum in Mount Pleasant, SC. He also serves as a founding Board Member of the Beacon Community Bank in Charleston, South Carolina and was recently awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution’s highest award for patriotism, leadership, and service, the DAR Medal of Honor.
Major General Livingston is married to the former Sara Craft, a graduate of the University of South Carolina. They have two daughters, Kimberly and Melissa. Kimberly, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Medical University of South Carolina is a MOHS Surgeon in a private practice. Melissa is a graduate of Tulane University, New Orleans, and holds a Master in Public Administration degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
Don’t forget to visit the Museum on Thursday, November 11, 2021, for our annual Veterans Day celebration. Join us as we honor all of our nation’s servicemen and women. The ceremony and related programming is free and open to the public and all active-duty military and veterans are invited to attend. Free admission for all veterans to Museum exhibit galleries.
2021 Victory Ball Committee
- CO-CHAIRS
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Henry and Karen Coaxum
Bob and Sheryl Merrick
A general ticket purchase for Victory Ball includes event entry at 7:00 p.m. with food, beverages, and entertainment as well as access to the Museum’s pavilions and exhibit galleries throughout the evening.
Open seating for general admission is available throughout campus during the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
- $100
Event Ticket - One general ticket purchased for Victory Ball Buy Tickets
- $80
Member/Veteran Ticket Available for veterans and Museum Members only. Museum Membership or proof of veteran status will be checked at the door.
- One discounted general ticket purchased for Victory Ball Buy Tickets
- $50
Active-Duty Military Event Ticket Available for active-duty military only. Proof of military service will be checked at door. Limit two per servicemember.
- One discounted general ticket purchased for Victory Ball Buy Tickets
The National WWII Museum observes all local, state, and CDC guidelines regarding events and large gatherings. Prior to the event, sponsors will be informed of any additional safety protocols or event modifications required. If the Museum is unable to hold the event due to restrictions, your ticket purchase will be considered a 100% tax-deductible donation.
SPONSOR EXCLUSIVE RECOGNITION BENEFITS
Victory Ball Sponsors receive reserved seating and early event entry at 6:00 p.m. for a champagne reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and a private full bar for the first hour of the event.
Sponsors receive recognition on all printed materials, including event invitation, event web page, and day-of-event signage.
All Victory Ball sponsorships underwrite complimentary and discounted tickets for local veterans to attend Victory Ball.
- Medal of Honor Sponsor: $20,000
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Sponsorship will help underwrite travel expenses for Medal of Honor recipient, Major General James E. Livingston, and one guest to attend Victory Ball:
• Premium recognition as the Medal of Honor Recipient Sponsor prior to and during the event
• 20 VIP tickets purchased for Victory Ball plus all sponsor exclusive recognition benefits listed above
• Designated tables with reserved seating for your guests in the main ballroom
• Invitation for you and your guests to attend a special reception prior to the event with Medal of Honor recipient, Major General James E. Livingston
• Premium acknowledgment with link to corporate page on event website, social media recognition, and email blasts, as well as a listing on the 2021 Annual Donor Wall and Annual Report - VIP Reception Sponsor Sponsor: $15,000
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• Exclusive recognition as the Victory Ball VIP Reception Sponsor prior to and during the event
• 20 VIP tickets purchased for Victory Ball plus all sponsor exclusive recognition benefits listed above
• Designated tables with reserved seating for your guests in the main ballroom
• Ability to provide promotional items for the VIP Reception with exclusive logo recognition
• Premium acknowledgment with link to corporate page on event website, social media recognition, and email blasts, as well as a listing on the 2021 Annual Donor Wall and Annual Report - Service Salute Sponsor: $10,000
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• 10 VIP tickets purchased for Victory Ball plus all sponsor exclusive recognition benefits listed previously
• Designated table with reserved seating for your guests in the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
• Premium acknowledgment with link to corporate page on event website, social media recognition, and email blasts, as well as a listing on the 2021 Annual Donor Wall and Annual Report
Buy Tickets
- Freedom Sponsor: $5,000
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• 8 VIP tickets purchased for Victory Ball plus all sponsor exclusive recognition benefits listed previously
• Designated table with reserved seating for your guests in US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
• Premium acknowledgment on event website, social media recognition, and listing on the 2021 Annual Donor Wall and Annual Report
Buy Tickets
- Stars and Stripes Sponsor: $2,500
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• Two VIP tickets purchased for Victory Ball plus all sponsor exclusive recognition benefits listed previously
• Reserved seating at shared Stars and Stripes Sponsor tables for your guests in US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
• Premium acknowledgement on event website, social media recognition, and listing on the 2021 Annual Donor Wall and Annual Report
Buy Tickets
- Patriot Sponsor: $500
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• Two VIP tickets purchased for Victory Ball plus all sponsor exclusive recognition benefits listed previously
• Access to reserved sponsor seating areas in both the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center and BB’s Stage Door Canteen (all seats in the reserved seating areas are first-come, first-served basis)
Buy Tickets
- I am unable to attend but wish to make a contribution in support of the Museum.
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Proceeds from Victory Ball will support ongoing preservation efforts and public programming at The National WWII Museum.
Donor Opportunity
THANKS TO OUR 2021 SPONSORS
- Presenting Sponsor
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Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation
- Supporting Sponsors
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Henry and Karen Coaxum
Bob and Sheryl Merrick
- Medal of Honor Sponsor
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The Duchossois Family Foundation
- VIP Reception Sponsor
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Adrea Heebe and Elizabeth Heebe – Russo
- Service Salute Sponsor
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Joe and Sue Ellen Canizaro
Ochsner Health
Paul and Madlyn Hilliard
Priddy Family Foundation
- Freedom SPONSORS
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Ginger and David Blomstrom
Mrs. Maggie Ramsey Clarkson, Dr. Jim Clarkson, Mrs. Kathy Ramsey Weiss and Cdr. Charles H. Weiss (Ret).
Kevin G. Clifford and Michele T. Reynoir
Crown Family Philanthropies
Edward and Nancy Diefenthal
Margaret Dragisic
Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
Andrew Higgins Family
Dot Klock
Ann and John Koerner
Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Mimi Moyse Schlesinger and Claude A. Schlesinger
Marc and Cathy Smith
- Stars and Stripes Sponsor
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Susan Dorsch
Pam Davis Friedler
Lou Kennedy and Stephanie Roman
PACIFIC-GULF MARINE, INC.
PJ's Coffee
ThirtyNorth Investments, LLC
- Patriot Sponsors
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Paul and Kathleen Barletta
Scott and Erin Beech
Patricia and Vernon Brinson
Pierre and Cheryl Champagne
Walter Christy
Dorothy Clyne
In loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Isidore Cohn, Jr.
Corporate Lighting & Audio
Ralph and Patricia Cox
David and Sandra Haspel
In honor of Dr. E. Bruce Heilman
Lt Col John Hensz and Trishelle Cannatella
Joe Inabnett
Colonel Thomas M. Jones and Helen W. Moore
Lt. Col. Sam Joplin
Vernon and Beth Kliebert
Sally and Jay Lapeyre
Gregory Lopes
Jimmy and Lillian Maurin
Dr. Gregory and Mary O’Brien
Pete and Stephanie November
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez
Steve Schluter
Sandra and Gregg Sims
Jerry Singleton
Jeffrey and Karen Smoyer
Frank B. and Paulette D. Stewart
Tom Willingham
John and Edie Wilson
Cheryl Whitley
To honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country, special admission prices are offered to veterans and active-duty servicemembers. Proceeds from Victory Ball will support ongoing preservation efforts and public programming at The National WWII Museum.
For more information on the 2021 Victory Ball, please contact us at 504-528-1944 x 508 or fundraisingevents@nationalww2museum.org.