Fostering Community and Connection in Wolf Trap’s Donor Lounges
October 21, 2024 | Wolf Trap Community
In addition to the recently constructed Pavilions at Wolf Trap National Park, two spaces are dedicated to members, welcoming them to relax and enjoy themselves before and after performances, and for special events. Wolf Trap’s two donor lounges—Encore Circle Lounge and Meadow Lounge—provide comfortable and special VIP experiences for visitors.
Behind the scenes at both lounges are dedicated staff working to make guests feel at home. Alex Greeves, who in addition to serving on the lounges’ hospitality team since 2022, completed an internship with the Wolf Trap Special Events team in Summer 2024. “My time at this renowned facility has shown me that our role in the hospitality and entertainment industry extends far beyond providing exceptional service; we are the custodians of a very special environment. Quite simply, we create a hallowed place where people love to be,” notes Alex.
Chris Mattocks, Manager of Donor Hospitality at Wolf Trap, articulates this vision, emphasizing that “the lounges offer more than just a transactional relationship for guests to come in, order drinks, and then go on their way. Several staff have worked in the lounge for many years and have built relationships with members, creating a more familial experience. Members come in to see good friends and catch up.”
The newest space, Meadow Lounge, is part of the Meadow Commons building that debuted in Summer 2024. Steps from the Filene Center, this space offers Great Performer-level donors and higher particularly stunning views, a robust top-shelf bar menu, access to Concessions offerings, and wine lockers for wine enthusiasts. But the gathering space is more than a shiny new VIP amenity. It is a place where donors are cared for and feel at home.
My favorite thing about my job is watching how the staff develops relationships with our donors, making them feel truly cherished.
Chris Mattocks, Manager of Donor Hospitality at Wolf Trap
Chris shared his guiding motto from author Maya Angelou stating, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” He continued, “My favorite thing about my job is watching how the staff develops relationships with our donors, making them feel truly cherished.”
Chris’ approach underscores the importance of the Foundation’s drive for personal connections. By fostering an atmosphere where genuine relationships are made and valued, Chris and the lounges team enhance the overall experience for all guests and build a loyal community of supporters who view their time at Wolf Trap as a meaningful and memorable part of their lives. Their goal is to ensure that everyone feels appreciated and engaged.
Moreover, the staff help create opportunities for donors to connect with one another, bonding over shared experiences, building a sense of camaraderie, and fostering conversations.
Patty Walk, a 27-year veteran of the lounges’ hospitality team, echoed similar sentiments. Describing the work environment, Patty shared, “Everybody comes here to have a good time, and that positivity just radiates. I have made a lot of relationships with the donors and the staff through the years. There is mutual respect, and we look forward to seeing each other each summer. I find it rewarding because I am providing a service that is appreciated.”
When asked to speak on what sets apart the Wolf Trap hospitality team, Patty shares: “It’s the work ethic, it’s the camaraderie, it’s a family… Everyone is willing to pitch in and help each other, and that is really what makes a good team.”
This commitment to fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere helps ensure that each guest and staff member feels a sense of belonging and value, enriching their overall experience and solidifying the Foundation’s role as a cherished arts organization.
Meadow Lounge and Encore Circle Lounge are not just gathering spaces, they are sanctuaries where relationships flourish. Dedicated staff members like Alex, Chris, and Patty serve as a testament to the essence of Wolf Trap’s mission, blending elegance with heartfelt hospitality to forge a loyal and engaged community.
The next time you visit one of the lounges, after you grab a drink and bite to eat, we hope you will soak in the warmth and fellowship and take a moment to appreciate how every visit is a shared experience of joy and connection.
Learn more about the Wolf Trap donor lounges.