| EVENT REPORT 05.12.09 1:09 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Big Lots |
| A $270,000 sports car and several internships offered at auction contributed to the Race to Erase MS gala's $2 million take. |
|
What recession? Some people were likely wondering that during the live auction portion of the 16th annual Race to Erase MS gala Friday evening, as a 2009 Lamborghini LP 560-4 Spyder brought in an arresting $270,000. The black sports car, the first model delivered to the U.S., customized with accents in the charity’s signature orange, was part of the extensive array of auction items Hollywood blue blood Nancy Davis was able to attract for the benefit she co-chairs with Tommy Hilfiger. Davis’ event at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza brought in some $2 million—as much as it did in 2008, although this year’s net take for multiple sclerosis research is expected to outstrip last year’s because new sponsors turned out to underwrite more of the event’s cost.
“She’s very well liked and respected in the community,” says Race to Erase MS executive director Liz Seares of the daughter of the late Marvin Davis, a billionaire oilman and former Fox studio head. “Karma comes back to her. She really puts it out there.”
One place the grim economy did make its mark was around the unusually busy silent auction table hawking internships. There concerned parents and friends hovered over the half-dozen work opportunities in fashion, entertainment, and publicity until the auction closed. Jessica Lefever spent $825 on a two-week internship with Next Models for a friend’s fashion-loving son. “I got a text message [from the friend] saying, ‘Please go up to $2,000,’” she said. “It’s difficult to find anything. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.” |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | The Eagles and Michelle Branch performed at this year's Race to Erase MS gala.
Photo: Kevin Winter/Wireimage.com |
|
|
 | The charity's signature orange-topped tables.
Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Wireimage.com |
|
|
 | Shades of orange showed up in flowers, signage, linens, and fabrics.
Photo: Kevin Winter/Wireimage.com |
|
|
 | Silent auction lots contributed to the overall $2 million take.
Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Wireimage.com |
|
|
 | This year, the benefit's theme was "Rock to Erase MS."
Photo: Kevin Winter/Wireimage.com |
|
|
|
|
|
Unifying the cavernous silent auction anterooms on a nonprofit budget is a challenge any year, and Davis’s longtime collaborator Mindy Weiss Party Consultants again used color to unify the space. MS orange was everywhere—in the orange-and-white draping, scattered vases of tulips and roses, tissue paper poking out of handbags up for auction, folds of fabric in jewelry display cases, silent auction sign-up sheets, glitter on signage, and illuminated cocktail tables. Orange tablecloths and floral centerpieces carried over into the ballroom, where guests dined on upscale comfort food—mini grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and filet mignon. The dessert reflected this year’s theme—“Rock to Erase MS”—with chocolate guitar-shaped boxes holding cookies 'n' cream mousse.
This year, Hilfiger suggested dropping the fashion show to shake things up, Seares said. That shortened the evening by about a half hour, enabling organizers to fend off the gift bag rush—and enticing guests to stay until the end of the performances by the Eagles and Michelle Branch—by printing 11 p.m. on the gift bag cards distributed at check in.
“We think it’s rude to artists to hand out gift bags before their sets are over,” Seares said. “You create this snowball effect of people running out to get gift bags. We’ve had people hounding us at 9 p.m., but this year we didn’t have people lining up for gift bags until 10:45.”
—Irene Lacher
RELATED TOPICS
Race to Erase MS, Davis Family, The Eagles, Michelle Branch, Next Models
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Us Weekly Takes to Voyeur With Scantily Clad Models, Burlesque Feel
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
Chrysalis Benefit Cuts Ticket Prices in Half, Draws Same Crowd
Wende Museum Closes Wilshire for Cold War Anniversary Celebration
MORE STORIES ABOUT RACE TO ERASE MS
$2 Million Race to Erase MS Gala Hawks IVF, Shopping With Hiltons
$2M MS Benefit Packs in Talent, Onstage and Off
MORE STORIES ABOUT DAVIS FAMILY
No Sign of Economic Woes at $4 Million Carousel Ball
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Highlands Nightclub & Restaurant
This multilevel special events venue, nightclub, and restaurant offers a feast for the senses. Offering state-of-the-art audio and video options and indoor and outdoor dining areas, with food prepared by world-renowned Wolfgang Puck Catering. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Fourth Dimension Events L.L.C.
Fourth Dimension Events is a technical production company that excels at meeting the needs of their clients with integrity and attention to customer service. Delivering audio, video, lighting, and staging solutions to productions of every size, they’re the right team to bring quality and excellence to your production. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Goodman Audio Services Inc.
Goodman Audio provides live sound reinforcement services for corporate and entertainment venues and events. They are distinguished by a reputation for extensive knowledge, innovative solutions, and professionalism, and by a commitment to acquiring quality people with positive and friendly attitudes. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
