| EVENT REPORT 03.10.09 11:36 AM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Fashion for a Cure |
| The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis shut down the Bal Harbour Shops for its biannual fashion-focused fund-raiser, filling the shopping center with food, decor, and entertainment tied to the past four decades. |
|
Continuing a biannual tradition, the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and event producer Barton G. again took over the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami for the foundation's Destination Fashion fund-raiser on Saturday, this time taking guests on a journey—in decorations, at least—through the decades from the 1970s to today.
"When we started the fund-raiser in 2004, no one had taken over the Bal Harbour Shops before to close it down for a big party," said Stephanie Sayfie Aargaard, director of major gifts, corporate relations, marketing, and events for the Buoniconti Fund. "We wanted to do something that was out of the ordinary besides just a gala that integrated sports with fashion and entertainment." |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | As guests walked through the mall's main courtyard, the decor progressed from the 1970s to today.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | The 1970s were represented by a Charlie's Angels-themed bar sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Chocolate-drizzled Rice Krispies treats, fudge brownies, mini cupcakes, and an assortment of candy were served on the cosmetics counters inside Saks Fifth Avenue.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | A private sit-down dinner inside Neiman Marcus followed the Michael Kors fashion show outside.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Tiffany & Company set up a wall of blue boxes on the red carpet, where guests could purchase one for $250; each contained a piece from the jeweler.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Images from 1980s TV show Miami Vice served as the backdrop for the '80s stage, where break-dancers performed throughout the night.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Studio 54 was among the iconic elements used to represent the different decades.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Bubble Miami provided hot pink bucket-style seating in the '80s area sponsored by the Eden Roc hotel.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | The Pointer Sisters performed for nearly an hour on the outdoor stage erected in the parking lot.
Photo: Manny Hernandez/TheSceneMiami.com |
|
|
 | Seal wrapped up the night with an hourlong performance.
Photo: Manny Hernandez/TheSceneMiami.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Headlined by a Michael Kors fashion show and performances from Seal and the Pointer Sisters, the event drew more than 1,500 celebrities, athletes, and donors to the high-end shopping plaza. Days before the event, Barton's team began constructing a performance stage and 324-foot square runway in the parking lot to host the fashion event and performances.
Following a video presentation about the Buoniconti Fund's origins and research efforts to find a cure for paralysis, Kors showcased his fall 2009 collection before the 45 Women of Substance and Style honorees—a signature aspect of the event—hit the catwalk alongside celebrities like event co-chair Tommy Lee Jones and Jerry Rice.
While V.I.P.s retreated to a private sit-down dinner among the clothing and footwear collections inside Neiman Marcus, the doors to the main shopping plaza were opened for an additional 500 guests. As they walked through the mall's main courtyard, they progressed through scenarios meant to recall the various decades, with era-appropriate food stations, branded bars, and entertainment: a Charlie's Angels bar and disco dancers in the '70s, an Out of Africa food station and break-dancers in the '80s, a Pretty Woman vignette in the '90s, and a Devil Wears Prada bar and performances from the Miami Heat dancers for the present. Silent auction tables were also set up throughout the courtyard.
Before heading back out to the parking lot for the headlining performances, V.I.P.s joined partygoers inside Saks Fifth Avenue—one of the top sponsors—for dessert a la Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Countertops in the cosmetics department were cleared of their wares to display the evening's desserts. Rice Krispies treats drizzled in chocolate, mini cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, coffee cake, fudge brownies, and key lime tarts were among the choices, as well as an extensive array of candies, lollipops, and the movie's signature Wonka Bars.
The night wrapped up around 12:30 a.m., following hourlong performances from the Pointer Sisters and Seal. The fund-raiser brought in nearly $3.8 million.
Note: This story has been changed to reflect the correct spelling of the Buoniconti Fund.
—D. Channing Muller
RELATED TOPICS
The Buoniconti Fund, Bal Harbour Shops, Eden Roc, Carnival Cruise Lines
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
Diesel Wraps International Music Tour With Kid Cudi, Santigold
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
More Photos From Sleepless Night: Giant Slingshots, Fire Dancers, Parades
Public Art, Performances Draw 100,000 at Audi-Sponsored Sleepless Night Miami Beach
MORE STORIES ABOUT BAL HARBOUR SHOPS
Dominican Charity Stages Interior Design Contest at Its Largest U.S. Event To Date
MORE STORIES ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Amigos for Kids Domino Night Surpasses Last Year's Fund-Raising Dollars
Carnival Cruise Lines Woos Travelers With Virtual Aquariums in Six Cities
In The News: Citigroup Corporate Gifts Cause Stir, Gaultier Dirties Parisian Runway
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Strike Miami
Strike Miami is a 37,000-square-foot multimedia playground that offers various catering and bar options for any event. It features a sports lounge with seating for 125, a 40-foot bar, a 12-foot projector screen, and 12 Plasma TVs. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
AFR Event Furnishings - Orlando
AFR Event Furnishings is thrilled to introduce a new, captivating custom line of event furnishings. They provide exceptional rental solutions for special events, corporate meetings, and trade shows nationwide. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Panache: A Classic Party Rentals Company - Pompano
Based in Southern Florida, Panache is a multi award-winning Event Rental Company known for quality, distinctive products and dedicated customer service. The product line spans from fine crystal, china and silver to majestic linens. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
