| EVENT REPORT 10.13.09 3:20 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| East Meets West |
| The Alfred Mann Foundation's annual fund-raising dinner and auction got a luxe Chinese look. |
|
The Alfred Mann Foundation's annual fund-raising dinner moved West this year while looking to the East for its design inspiration. The gala dinner for the medical research foundation moved across town from recent downtown venues like Vibiana and the Millennium Biltmore hotel to the Santa Monica airport's Hangar 8—and took design and theme inspiration from China. Alfred Mann's wife, Claude Mann, who is also the foundation's chairperson for gifting and development, oversaw the event, tapping Poko Event Productions to produce it.
A set piece reminiscent of a Chinese temple beckoned guests into the cocktail area, where about 300 people sipped drinks served at illuminated bars decorated with dragon designs and browsed silent auction wares that included jewelry, art, and technology. Afterward, Poko's Inna Poncher banged a gong that signaled the beginning of dinner, and guests moved into the main party space in the hangar. Around the perimeter, projections showing various images evocative of China's landscape and imagery blanketed the walls, and rotated throughout the evening. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | The Alfred Mann Foundation gala had a Chinese theme at Hangar 8.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | A set piece reminiscent of a Chinese temple beckoned guests inside.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | Dragon designs decorated bars, and strips of red fabric hung above the cocktail area.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | Projections of Chinese imagery rotated throughout the evening.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | Tiny lanterns hung from bamboo branches in table centerpieces.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | Decorative fans in the gift bags at each place setting added to the theme.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | Performers from Ka entertained the crowd.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | A Ka dancer created a dramatic look using ribbons that extended from costume sleeves.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | A seven-year-old Chinese girl who benefited from a cochlear implant—developed with the help of the foundation—danced for the crowd.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
 | Michael Bolton performed a short set to end the night.
Photo: Dale Wilcox |
|
|
|
|
|
|
On tabletops, tiny lanterns hung from bamboo shoots in centerpieces. Lazy Susans allowed for family-style service of a multicourse meal from An Catering that included the An family's secret-recipe garlic noodles, port wine-glazed short ribs, Chilean sea bass with pineapple ginger sauce, flambé orange chicken, sauteed Asian vegetables, and vegetarian fried rice. Custom fortune cookies served with dessert included messages like "Debbie Allen says, 'Use your head and live in your heart.'" (Allen was the gala's M.C.)
A live auction followed, and Alfred Mann and David Hankin, C.E.O. of the Alfred Mann Foundation for Scientific Research, presented the evening's awards to recipients including Leeza Gibbons (who was also honored earlier the same day at an event for Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing). A varied entertainment lineup included dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, performers from the Cirque du Soleil show Ka in Las Vegas, and a short set from Michael Bolton to end the night.
—Alesandra Dubin
RELATED TOPICS
Alfred Mann Foundation, Ka, Michael Bolton, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Debbie Allen
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 ALFRED MANN FOUNDATION
Moulin Rouge Inspires Dramatic Alfred Mann Gala Decor
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Hollywood & Highland Center
Featuring iconic architectural design and basking in the shadow of the Hollywood sign, Hollywood & Highland Center boasts an array of upscale retail, dining, and entertainment options; indoor and outdoor event locations; and the Kodak Theatre (home to the Academy Awards and other star-studded productions). The center is connected to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, plays host to 18 million visitors annually, and is the perfect location for promotional launches and corporate and social events. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Moss Inc.
Add depth and drama to any environment with tensioned fabric event solutions from Moss Inc. Moss Events is a comprehensive line of innovative shapes and decor designed to add three-dimensional flair to any event. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Brand X Furniture
Brand X Furniture is a unique special event rental furniture solution for event planners, producers, art directors, and industry professionals. No catalogues, no inventory. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
