If I reserved space, will I be able to attend Twilight on the Terrace or swim this summer? Well, as we write this, there are still many unknowns, but here’s what we know today:
TWILIGHT ON THE TERRACE
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, California State Parks officially cancelled Twilight on the Terrace, originally scheduled for June 6th. Plans are in the works to allow tours and events to resume safely at Hearst Castle as soon as it’s deemed appropriate.
The good news is, we do plan to host Twilight on the Terrace next year on the first Saturday in June!
If you purchased tickets for this year’s fundraiser, again, thank you for your support of our mission. Since it has been cancelled, you have two options:
A) Apply your tickets to next year’s event, already scheduled for June 5, 2021.
To show our gratitude for sticking by us, any 2020 tickets will grant entry into the VIP Lounge at next year’s event!! With shaded luxe seating and a private bar plus fancy dessert table, our VIP Lounge provides a brief respite from the crowd and great people-watching in a comfortable space.
If you choose this option, there is no action required; you will automatically be added to next year’s VIP list.
B) Request a refund.
Given the unusual circumstances, we will grant refunds upon request.
JUNE SWIM EVENTS
We are postponing member events scheduled for this June at both the Neptune and Roman Pools. Plans are in the works to allow tours and events to resume safely at Hearst Castle as soon as it’s deemed appropriate. We’ve identified a number of alternate dates for swim experiences this fall and winter, which we’ll announce as soon as we can.
If you already reserved space for a June date at either pool, again, thank you for your support of our mission. Since they’ve been postponed, you have two options:
A) Choose an alternate date.
We will communicate new dates as soon as they’re confirmed. Alternatively, let us know if you prefer a date already on the calendar or opt to wait to see our 2021 calendar.
To show our gratitude for sticking by us, any member who transfers a reservation will receive an authenticated marble tile from the Neptune Pool restoration. Workers removed 9,000 square feet of original marble tiles and replaced them with new ones from the same Vermont quarry where the originals were cut!
If you choose this option, there is no action required; we will email you alternate dates within the next couple months.
B) Request a refund.
Given the unusual circumstances, we can grant refunds if preferred. To process a refund, please send an email to our operations assistant, Robin Salin robin@foundationathearstcastle.com. You will receive a confirmation within a few business days.
FUTURE EVENTS
There are still many unknowns, but we hope to be able to welcome our members and guests back to Hearst Castle soon enough. There will likely be new precautions in place and limits on group sizes. We’ll do everything in our power to make your experience safe and glorious. After all, this is Hearst Castle.
WE VALUE YOUR SUPPORT
Financially, we are doing okay at the moment. The most anticipated annual fundraising event on the Central Coast, Twilight on the Terrace, may very well be cancelled; however, we’re hopeful the majority of our charity events will proceed as planned. Thankfully, many of our supporters are renewing their memberships and some are even reaching out to upgrade, knowing how strongly we feel about leveraging this magnificent place to inspire kids.
On that note, we’d like to emphasize how much we appreciate the way our constituents — many going back over a decade under the Friends of Hearst Castle banner — have supported Hearst Castle, and specifically our mission to conserve this historical monument and fine art museum, to ultimately inspire the next generation of visionaries and doers.
Thank you for supporting us, for supporting underserved middle school kids who might not ever otherwise have a chance to experience the powerful inspiration of Hearst Castle!
