| EVENT REPORT 05.11.09 9:42 AM |
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| Golden State |
| The Petersen Automotive Museum celebrated its 15th birthday with a gala honoring Auto Club chairman Tom McKernan that was filled with references to Southern California. |
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The Petersen Automotive Museum hosted its 15th annual gala on Thursday night, benefiting the museum's foundation, which funds field trips for L.A. school children between the institution and their schools. Auto Club chairman Tom McKernan picked up the Icon award for his years of service.
The museum’s director of special event sales, Kari Lusti, oversaw the gala, and put in place its California theme. “How do you honor the Petersen on its 15th anniversary [while] communicating our mission statement and also tying in the Auto Club? What we ended up [with] was 'California Dreaming.'” Decor tied in the glamour of Hollywood, as well as the coastal nature of California, highlighting Southern California’s tourism efforts through the Auto Club. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Patterned gobos and warm colors illuminated the Petersen Automotive Museum gala.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Guests examined vintage cars that served as decor.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Brian Wilson performed on a stage set with a starry backdrop, palm trees, and sunset hues.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Multiple buffet stations offered California-inspired foods.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | A vintage convertible carrying surf boards and emblazoned with the words "California Girl" tied into the theme.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | The walkway from the cocktail reception to the dining tent got the look of a freeway with signs and black-and-white carpet.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Palm trees and vintage cars lined the entrance to the dining tent.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Wait staff wore tropical attire.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Bright linens and floral arrangements topped tables.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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 | Passed hor d'oeuvres included barbecued meats with citrus flavors.
Photo: Christophe Wu for BizBash |
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A walkway to the dinner area from the cocktail reception space featured black carpet with a broken white stripe, representing California’s highways. A beach-chic scheme using bright colors, patterned gobo projections in sunset hues, decorative vintage vehicles, and an elaborate stage set with multiple palm trees.
Catering tied in to the theme with multiple buffet stations featuring regional Californian dishes, and wait staff in tropical attire. Entertainment included Grammy-winning artist Brian Wilson, a former Beach Boy, along with his 10-piece band.
—Shilpa Gopinath
RELATED TOPICS
Beach Boys, Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation, Petersen Automotive Museum
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