| EVENT REPORT 04.07.09 11:32 AM |
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| Plan B |
| Since the Children's Place Association began work on its annual gala before the economic meltdown, organizers had to readjust expectations for ticket sales, fund-raising, and corporate support. |
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At Saturday night's Once Upon a Time gala, a black-tie benefit for the Children's Place Association, more than one guest hummed "It's a Small World" at some point during the evening. With a troupe of high school dancers clad in traditional Lithuanian, Indian, and Mexican costumes, mini hot-air balloons hovering above dinner tables, and a specialty Grey Goose vodka cocktail dubbed the "World Traveler," the evening's "Passport to the World" theme was readily apparent.
As it did last year, the gala took place in Union Station—a choice that came with pros and cons. Simone Wheeler, the association's director of development, began planning the event in mid 2008. "If we had known last year what we know now" about where the economy was headed "perhaps we would have done some things differently—perhaps scaled down the event, chosen a smaller venue, things of that nature," she said. But ultimately, "we did decide to keep the event at Union Station. This allowed us to use vendors we have worked with before—those that we knew would help us create a wonderful night for our guests." |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Jewell Events Catering decorated appetizer trays with postcards and paraphernalia from different countries.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | Joseph Leigh Designs' decor included miniature globes and table numbers printed on fake passports.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | On dinner tables, colorful flowers spilled out of prop suitcases.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | Dancers from Wheeling High School performed a traditional Mexican dance.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | The event took place at Union Station, which Sound Investment bathed in yellow, pink, and blue lighting.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | Grey Goose provided specialty martinis with thematic names such as "French Kiss" and "World Traveler."
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | During cocktail hour, servers circulated with sliders on sticks—an homage to Argentine meat.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | Dinner began with a trio of chilled soups garnished with a sour-cream swirl.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | Model hot-air balloons floated above tables covered in bright yellow and blue linens.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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 | Dancers from Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company performed during the cocktail hour.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash |
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Though they didn't relocate to a smaller venue, the gala committee did find some ways to scale back. Wheeler said that she and her team printed fewer event-related materials this year, creating a smaller program book and distributing one per couple, as opposed to one per guest. And although the committee mailed out hard copies of the silent auction book before last year's gala—a $500 expenditure—this year they made do with an electronic version. "They may be small things," Wheeler said, "but the costs do add up in the end."
Although the committee reigned in some of its expenses,it didn't have as much control over ticket sales for the $300-a-head function. "When we originally started planning this event, we were hoping to see the same attendance as last year," when the benefit drew 460 guests, Wheeler said. But "the change in the economic climate forced us to re-examine our expectations," and this year's event ultimately saw about 350 attendees.
Another economy-related obstacle: the loss of support from companies who had donated substantially to the gala in years past. Declining to name any specific organizations that backed out of sponsorship, Wheeler said, "The year was a challenging one for fund-raising, which I'm sure every nonprofit will tell you. Many corporations were unable to support [us] due to financial struggles and—in some cases—very heavy public scrutiny."
To help make up for the loss of funding, the association focused on inviting individual donors. "In addition, our message to the corporate community was that this year, more than ever, every dollar counts," Wheeler said, "thus encouraging underwriting support if [companies] could not purchase a full table."
In the end, Wheeler expected the gala to raise about $400,000, a sum that's about level with last year's proceeds.
—Jenny Berg
RELATED TOPICS
The Children's Place Association
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