| EVENT REPORT 10.11.07 11:08 AM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Dressed Down |
| The 700 guests at the Tiger Woods Foundation block party donned jeans—on a Saturday night, no less—for a performance by John Mayer and nibbles from Giada de Laurentiis. |
|
One standout feature of the Tiger Woods Foundation’s block-party benefit is the dress code—or lack of it. For the third annual fund-raiser, 700 guests showed up this past Saturday in jeans or their equivalent. Backyard-barbecue-friendly casual wear is a rare sight at a Saturday-night fund-raiser, and it helped set an unusually relaxed tone for the event at the Grove of Anaheim.
Even featured performer John Mayer commented on the mood as revelers danced at their tables during his hourlong set. “Sometimes these things are awkward,” he said, “but you’re like the people who come to my concerts.”
The evening, orchestrated in-house by Michelle Bemis, the foundation’s director of events, began with a silent auction—not surprisingly, heavy on sports memorabilia—just outside the Grove’s doors. The doors opened to reveal the cavernous venue, dramatically dressed in red (the golfer’s preferred color, which he wears every Sunday, according to foundation president Greg McLaughlin) and black. The color scheme was also designed to complement the Italian sensibility of Food Network celebrity Giada de Laurentiis, who oversaw a three-course meal of polenta with marinara sauce, tomato, and goat cheese; filet mignon with balsamic syrup and Gorgonzola; crab and ricotta manicotti; and zuccotto with raspberry coulis. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Tiger Woods's preferred hue, red, dominated the color scheme.
Photo: Gary Newkirk |
|
|
 | Signage indicated the event's beneficiary, the Tiger Woods Learning Center.
Photo: Gary Newkirk |
|
|
 | John Mayer performed for the crowd of 700.
Photo: Gary Newkirk |
|
|
 | Tiger Woods piddled in the kitchen at the tasting event, which featured a three-course meal overseen by Giada de Laurentiis.
Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As guests arrived, red light poured over four giant oval fringed chandeliers suspended above a sea of tables, alternately laid with burgundy burnt velvet or black damask cloths. Red roses filled ornate gold urns, some enhanced with four arms holding votive candles. Large tufted red panels and photos of Woods and kids who have been helped by the foundation—all in gold frames—were suspended along the sides of the vast room. The size of the venue was partially offset by dim lighting, which added an intimate feel to the evening. The event raised more than $1 million for the Tiger Woods Learning Center, a 14-acre youth-education facility in Anaheim.
—Irene Lacher
RELATED TOPICS
Tiger Woods Foundation
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
With Help From Lexus, Cedars-Sinai Gala Breaks Fund-Raising Record
Hello Kitty's Anniversary Pop-Up Takes Over Japanese-Inspired Royal/T
Gen Art's Fresh Faces Opens Inaugural Rock Fashion Week L.A.
Microsoft Introduces Windows 7 With Cute Kid, Product Vignettes
This Is It Premiere Sprawls Over L.A. Live With Aerialists, LEDs, and Fans Galore
MORE STORIES ABOUT TIGER WOODS FOUNDATION
Southern California's Top Benefits 2009
Southern California's Top Benefits 2008
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Dodger Stadium
There’s nothing like being at a major league ballpark, especially when you can have it all to yourself! Dodger Stadium offers a fun and festive setting for intimate or sell-out crowds. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Benarroch Productions
As a full-service event production and management company, Benarroch Productions has earned a reputation for cutting-edge design and execution of dynamic high-profile events nationwide. A staff of award-winning industry professionals collaborates to produce press-worthy events and strategic partnerships that both define and achieve clients’ goals with innovative style. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Town & Country Event Rentals
L.A.’s fresh new alternative, Town & Country Event Rentals, opened its doors in 2005 under the direction of Classic Party Rentals founder and former owner Richard LoGuercio. In two short years, T&C has gained respect and accolades from many of L.A.’s top event producers and caterers by offering a dedication to personal service and outstanding quality, as well as a massive inventory of the latest designs and trends. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
