BizBash Toronto
ADVERTISE   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   ABOUT US  |  RSS
EVENT REPORT   05.05.08 5:28 PM PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
Low Budget
For the sixth annual Red & White Ball, Rethink Breast Cancer's volunteer planners secured donations from more than 20 sponsors to organize an event for 500 guests without spending a dime.
Throwing an event for 500 guests with no budget to speak of might sound like an impossible task, but Marissa Morettin, chair of the Red & White Ball—an annual benefit in support of Rethink Breast Cancer—and a handful of friends did just that at the Courthouse on Friday. "This is truly a volunteer-driven event," Morettin said of the sixth-annual fund-raiser. "We're all friends and we pull this event off in our spare time. We want to encourage people our age to get into the spirit of philanthropy."

Morettin worked with a team of six people to organize the 2008 event. "Last year it was myself and someone else.... Every year I don't know why I do this, but it just amazes me—the number of people who step up to the plate is unbelievable," she said. "We don't spend a penny. Our costs are nothing. We get everything donated." The team used social media tools like Facebook to create buzz for the event, and Elliott Chun of Optimum Public Relations donated his PR skills to attract media.
CONTINUED >
Photo Gallery 
                      Telus offered Pink Pearl cupcakes to guests.

                      Telus offered Pink Pearl cupcakes to guests.                        
  
                      Event sponsor Schick Quattro displayed its Booby Wall, a virtual, interactive exhibit designed to educate women about early breast-cancer detection.

                    Organizers chose to hold this year's event at the Courthouse in an effort to create a warm atmosphere for guests.                      
  
                        Raffle prizes included New Balance running shoes, a Toronto FC soccer ball signed by the team, a Diesel fragrance package, and a pink BlackBerry Pearl.

                        Diesel models dressed in angel wings promoted the company's new fragrance.                          
  
                        Dancers from Flirty Girl Fitness performed a burlesque routine for the 500 guests.
Telus offered Pink Pearl cupcakes to guests.
Photo: BizBash

Morettin created atmosphere by filling two fireplaces with tealights, which she placed throughout the venue in an effort to avoid any decor costs. "We don't spend any money on decor. We're trying to leverage our sponsors to create visual appeal," she said. Flirty Girl Fitness—the studio that offers classes in pole and lap dancing—provided dancers for a burlesque performance. Telus created a lounge for guests and offered Pink Pearl cupcakes to those who posed for photos with the new pink BlackBerry Pearl phone. Models wearing angel wings also posed for pictures at a display sponsored by Diesel fragrances.

Morettin reported that the name recognition associated with Rethink Breast Cancer helped to secure sponsorships this year. In fact, several companies approached the organization offering to help out with the event, including the HGTV program Petal Pushers, which debuts this summer. "They approached us and asked if they could be a part of it [and provide the flowers]," Morettin said. "We find that people are coming to us now."

Event sponsors included Schick Quattro, Speed Stick, Telus, Diesel, Finlandia, Moët, Belvedere Vodka, Yellow Tail, and New Balance.   —Susan O'Neill

 

Rethink Breast Cancer's Red & White Ball

Entertainment Flirty Girl Fitness
PR Optimum Public Relations
Venue Courthouse Market Grille & Chamber Lounge

RELATED TOPICS Rethink Breast Cancer, Schick Quattro, Speed Stick, Telus, Diesel, Finlandia, Moët, Belvedere Vodka, Yellow Tail, New Balance
Search Our Venue Directory