The 28th Annual Bacchanal Wine Gala and Auction
Join us for an evening surrounded by exceptional art, fine wine, and extraordinary company in celebration of the people who make PAFA, and its future, possible.
28th Annual Bacchanal Wine Gala & Auction
Saturday, November 14, 2026
6 PM
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building
128 North Broad Street
Philadelphia
Black Tie Optional | Valet Parking
Benefactor Party
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Mezzanotte Residence
Newtown Square, PA
Honoring
Donald R. Caldwell and Linda Aversa-Caldwell
View Sponsorship Opportunities
About PAFA
Since 1805, PAFA has advanced American art through world-class education, exhibitions, and public programs. Proceeds from Bacchanal support PAFA's mission to inspire creativity and champion artists at every stage of life—from emerging talent to lifelong learners. Your generosity helps ensure that American art continues to thrive for future generations. Thank you for investing in the power of art and education.
About Donald R. Caldwell and Linda Aversa-Caldwell
For nearly three decades, Don Caldwell has been one of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts' most visionary leaders, steadfast advocates, and generous philanthropists. Through his leadership and strategic vision, Don has helped shape the Academy into the thriving institution it is today.
Don served as Chair of PAFA's Board of Trustees for fourteen years, from 1997 to 2011, and again from 2024 to 2026. In addition to his service as Board Chair, he served as Interim President on three separate occasions, guiding the Academy through critical transitions with dedication and focus on PAFA's mission.
Don's passion for the Academy is perhaps best reflected in the enduring tradition he established. In 1998, he founded Bacchanal, envisioning an event that would celebrate art, community, and philanthropy while providing critical support for PAFA's mission. Today, Bacchanal has raised more than $10 million to advance scholarships, exhibitions, and community education.
Linda Aversa-Caldwell is an equally dedicated champion of PAFA. As Past President of the Women's Committee, Chair of its 75th Anniversary Celebration, and liaison for PAFA's 220th Anniversary Soirée, she has generously shared her leadership and commitment to strengthening the Academy and its community.
Together, Don and Linda have exemplified what it means to lead through generosity, vision, and service. It is with profound gratitude that PAFA honors Don and Linda Caldwell for their extraordinary leadership, enduring generosity, and lasting impact on the Academy.
Featured Fare & Fine Wine
Nicholas Bazik
Chef & Owner, Provenance
Philadelphia chef Nicholas Bazik is the chef and owner of Provenance, his intimate fine-dining restaurant in Philadelphia’s historic Society Hill neighborhood. A longtime fixture in Philadelphia’s culinary community, Bazik spent more than 15 years working in and leading the kitchens of acclaimed restaurants including Fork, The Good King Tavern, Lacroix at The Rittenhouse, Kensington Quarters and La Chinesca before opening Provenance.
At Provenance, Bazik brings together classical French technique, exceptional seasonal ingredients and subtle Korean influences inspired in part by his wife Eunbin’s heritage. The restaurant’s seafood-forward tasting menu reflects his deeply personal approach to cooking, travel and hospitality.
In 2025, Provenance earned one MICHELIN Star in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to Philadelphia, making it one of the first three restaurants in the city to receive the prestigious distinction.
Selah Wines
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Selah Wines is a boutique Napa Valley winery founded by former Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton. Nestled on Howell Mountain, Selah is dedicated to producing limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the region's exceptional terroir. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, Selah wines are celebrated for their balance, elegance, and world-class quality. Named after the Hebrew word selah, meaning "to pause and reflect," each bottle embodies a moment to savor life's most meaningful occasions.
28th Annual Bacchanal Wine Gala and Auction Committee
Co-Chairs
Aaron Cohen and Sean Edwards
Committee
Heather and Peter Andrews
Kristin and Jamie* Biddle
Elliot H. Clark*
Amy M. Coes*
Allitia DiBernardo
Betsy and Kevin* Donohoe
Bill* and Rosemary Hankowsky
Larry R. Kaiser
Ro King*
Elizabeth Kelly Le Vine *
Michael Madrigale
Barbara McCollum*
Sandra* and Bill Mezzanotte
Vanessa Oliver
Katie Rhodes
Timothy P. Speiss*
*Board of Trustees as of July 1, 2026
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Premier
Diamond
Connelly Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. John S. Middleton
Tim Speiss and Judite Morais
Gold
Donald R. Caldwell and Linda Aversa-Caldwell
Aaron Cohen and Priscilla Coblentz Cohen
Ro and Martin King
Sandra and William Mezzanotte
Arlen and Marijke Shenkman
Bill and Rosemary Hankowsky
Bronze
Heather and Peter Andrews
Tom and Carolyn Bennett
Julie Jensen Bryan
Elliot Clark and Rita Chack
Amy and Putnam Coes
Allitia DiBernardo, MD
Marianne Dean
Betsy and Kevin Donohoe
William J. Farrell
Susan and Leonard Klehr
Mrs. Elizabeth Le Vine and Mr. Jarad Poor
Vanessa & David Oliver
The Victory Foundation
List complete as of September 4, 2026.
We're so excited you're planning to visit PAFA!
Make time for art — visit us Thursday to Sunday.
Before reserving your tickets, please review helpful information about museum hours, accessibility, building access, and special admission programs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!