| EVENT REPORT 04.25.08 5:14 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Starry Starry Night |
| Returning from a three-year hiatus, Fight for Children's School Night benefit went for a star-filled dinner featuring John Legend. |
|
Last night, the Fight for Children’s School Night benefit—for the nonprofit’s quality schools initiative—returned after a three-year absence, taking over the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The massive venue was awash in blue lighting, accented with star-shaped gobo projections that blanketed the walls (courtesy of Fandango).
“We haven’t done this event since 2004, and in the past it didn’t involve the award ceremony,” said Fight for Children events coordinator Libby Barton, referring to the $100,000 grants given that night to three district schools—one public, one charter, and one independent. “We wanted to play up the fact that we’re bringing the event back.”
The starry pattern also reflected the nonprofit’s new, more colorful logo. Orange and powder blue—prominently displayed in the graphic design—also became the inspiration behind the evening’s color scheme, visible in the blue linens and the orange centerpieces of tulips, roses, and snapdragons. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Songs from the Urban Nation H.I.P. H.O.P. choir echoed in the convention center's atrium during the predinner reception.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | The reception included kiosks for guests to put $100 (given as a voucher at the start of the evening) toward the educational program of their choice.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | The Fight for Children School Night dinner glowed with deep-blue lighting and star-shaped projections.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | Powder blue and orange were the night's colors, with centerpieces featuring orange snapdragons, tulips, and roses in staggered square glass vases.
Photo: BizBash |
|
|
 | The evening included a 45-minute performance from John Legend.
Photo: Evy Mages |
|
|
|
|
|
The evening's other focus was schoolchildren. The predinner reception, held on the landing outside of the ballroom, showcased the Urban Nation H.I.P. H.O.P. student choir. The group, dressed casually in sports jerseys, filed across the convention center’s large atrium, filling the space with songs such as Mariah Carey’s “Hero” and “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent.
Next up on the entertainment docket was the evening's headliner, John Legend—wrangled by School Night chairman and B.E.T. co-founder Sheila C. Johnson—who performed a 45-minute set. Big Ray and the Kool Kats followed with big-band music for late-night dancing.
—Danielle O'Steen
RELATED TOPICS
Fight for Children, John Legend
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Microsoft Introduces Windows 7 With Cute Kid, Product Vignettes
Shriver's Women's Conference Adds Second Day of Programming—Plus a Step-and-Repeat—for 25,000 in Attendance
Fairies, Towering Trees, Roller Skaters Amp Up Harman Center Gala
Volkswagen Party Launches Car and Its iPhone App Counterpart
Women in Real Estate Celebrate 30th Anniversary With Under the Sea Theme
MORE STORIES ABOUT FIGHT FOR CHILDREN
Fall Preview: What Washington Event Pros Are Working on This Season
Washington's Top Benefits 2009
Fight for Children Ditches Sit-Down Dinner, Reels in Wyclef, Sheila E. for School Night Gala
MORE STORIES ABOUT JOHN LEGEND
Recording Academy Brings John Legend and Kid Rock to the Fans
Common Threads Festival Lures Celebrity Chefs
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Strike Bethesda
Strike combines the "all-American" bowling tradition with funky retro design, cutting-edge technology, fabulous food and drink, and excellent service. The 28,000-square-foot space houses 34 lanes of bowling, two bars, a restaurant, a V.I.P. lounge, and a giant video wall. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Occasions Caterers
Renowned for personalized parties, superior menus, and attention to detail, Occasions Caterers has earned a national reputation for flawless execution. Elegant events range from intimate sit-down dinners and theme parties, to galas and benefits, lavish weddings, major fund-raisers, and corporate receptions. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Design Cuisine Caterers
Design Cuisine is a nationally recognized, full-service catering company. Its growth from a small boutique caterer to a leader in the Washington, D.C. marketplace is attributed to three primary areas of concentration: the development of a knowledgeable, responsive sales staff, the creation of a highly organized professional kitchen, and the acquisition of an extensive collection of unique rental equipment and linens. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
