| EVENT REPORT 03.14.08 4:30 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Latin Ingredients |
| D.C. Scores partnered with restaurant group Latin Concepts to kick off the nonprofit's annual Soccer Ball. |
|
The planning process for this year's Soccer Ball for D.C. Scores—a nonprofit that provides children with after-school sports and creative writing classes—began at the 2007 edition, when the organization's executive director, Amy Nakamoto, met Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld, owner of Latin Concepts. "[Latin Concepts] knew they wanted to be a part of D.C. Scores and make it their charity of choice," said Tohry Petty, the nonprofit's communications and events director.
The first change was to move the event from the more traditional National Press Club to the Organization of American States building, which is right off the Mall and features a jungle-like, canopied atrium and the classical, flag-filled Hall of Americas ballroom. Fraga-Rosenfeld and Latin Concepts communications and marketing director Jessica Gibson then worked with Petty to bring a more casual, Latin vibe to the evening. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | The building's atrium held a predinner V.I.P. reception.
Photo: Paul Morigi |
|
|
 | Tropical-style florals in the reception area matched the garden setting.
Photo: Paul Morigi |
|
|
 | A duo from Duende Camaron Music provided some authenticity with Latin tunes.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | The windows behind the silent auction area glowed red, thanks to the uplit ballroom.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Yellow and red hues covered the ballroom, which featured food stations from the five participating restaurants.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Photos and poetry from the D.C. Scores kids accented the table's soccer-ball-inspired centerpieces.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Yaku, a new restaurant from Latin Concepts opening in May, gave guests a sample of its menu, with vegetarian spinach and potato causas.
Photo: Paul Morigi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The V.I.P. reception filled out the atrium space, featuring a duo from Duende Camaron Music, and the dinner changed from a seated setup to a series of tables and stations representing restaurants from Latin Concepts, with technical help from Cuisine Solutions. The five stops included Ceviche (with a tasting of mixed seafood ceviche) and Chi-Cha Lounge (with three styles of empanadas). "One concern was transitioning from a seated meal to an open networking stations concept," Petty said. "Without having seen it, I didn't know what to expect."
In the ballroom, yellows and reds in the linens and lighting helped bring out the Latin feel, while centerpieces took a cue from D.C. Scores, with blossoms arranged like soccer balls set beside photographs and poems from the children involved in the organization. In fact, the children were the stars of the evening, reading their poetry as part of the program, with local sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak of NBC4 serving as M.C.
—Danielle O'Steen
RELATED TOPICS
D.C. Scores, Latin Concepts
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
National Geographic Debuts Exhibit With Chinese Dragon, Tented Lounge
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
MSNBC and Rodale Fete Jeff Corwin's New Book and Documentary at the Occidental
Dark and Moody Accents, Animal-Inspired Decor Appear on Tabletops at Diffa's Dining by Design
MORE STORIES ABOUT D.C. SCORES
Washington's Top Benefits 2009
Washington's Top Benefits 2008
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Wolfgang Puck Catering at the Newseum
Blending five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and interactive exhibits, the expansive Newseum features nine levels of galleries, theaters, and conference spaces that will take you and your guests behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. The fundamental features of the Newseum—size, stature, technology, flexibility, furnishings, and support systems—combined with the exclusive catering services of Wolfgang Puck Catering create an environment for the most newsworthy events imaginable. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
E-vents Registration
E-vents Registration offers comprehensive solutions for meeting planners and conference and trade show organizers. Services include an advanced, customizable, secure online registration system; robust e-vite systems; a call center; full event housing; Web development; HTML email marketing; and professionally staffed on-site registration services. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Windows Catering Company
Windows Catering Company, one of the premier off-premise caterers in the Washington, D.C., area, has built its reputation on exceptional food and presentation, combined with unparalleled customer service. The culinary team—led by one of Food & Wine’s Top 25 chefs, Henry Dinardo, award winner Pasquale Ingenito, and 2005 national pastry champion Laurent Lhuillier—creates tantalizing menus to showcase each season’s unique delights. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
