Vienna is known for its grandiose balls, a tradition on which the city prides itself. But a reason to be even more proud is the annual Life Ball, a reinvention of the classic event to benefit HIV and AIDS relief projects. Begun in 1993, Life Ball has been declared Europe’s most extravagant HIV and AIDS benefit, last year raising $1.4 million dollars in a single evening.
To further glam up the occasion, which takes place Saturday, May 15, New York-based Steele Luxury Travel will offer the exclusive North American tour experience, an airfare and hotel package which includes a nearly-impossible-to-secure-otherwise ticket to the ball. Leaving from JFK the day before, guests will fly on a private, chartered Austrian Airlines jet bound for Vienna. Dubbed the “party plane,” other passengers include celebrities and members of the press, all headed to the same glamorous charity weekend.
Guests will stay at the five-star The Ring, Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel, located at the famous Ringstrasse. The two-night stay allows guests to take part in all aspects of the Life Ball, from the decked out City Hall to the grand finale fashion show, this year presented by Patricia Field. Pop-star Katy Perry will perform at the opening ceremony, after which, the dancing and party begins.
The all-inclusive package costs $2,605 per person, with a portion of the proceeds going to Life Ball to support future efforts. The package also includes a pre-departure orientation dinner at New York’s Paris Commune the weekend of May 9. Contact Dane Steele Green at (646) 688-2274. Visit steeletravel.com/lifeball.html.