| EVENT REPORT 11.05.08 3:58 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Breath of Fresh Air |
| For its annual benefit, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation created a three-part program for its guests: a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and an on-site nightclub. |
|
For the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's ninth annual "Breath of Life" gala, senior special events director Jodi Lenet had three objectives—service, education, and a little bit of shock value. Held November 1 at the National Building Museum, the benefit raised funds for research and care for patients with the genetic disease, and also gave the 750 guests a diversified three-part evening.
A dozen volunteers were on hand to individually escort guests to the first stop: a reception and silent auction area offering everything from one-on-one time with Katie Couric via private jet to backstage passes for a Dave Matthews concert. Purple—the evening’s signature color—washed the space, from the silk-tufted bars to the three-foot-tall hydrangea and rose arrangements perched atop glass cylinders. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | The event's signature color—purple—was represented in the floral arrangements, table linens, and signage.
Photo: Eddie Arossi |
|
|
 | The Breath of Life gala kicked off with a cocktail reception and silent auction featuring big-ticket items such as one-on-one time with Katie Couric.
Photo: Eddie Arossi |
|
|
 | A sheer curtain separated the cocktail reception from the dinner area.
Photo: Eddie Arossi |
|
|
 | Banners depicting children who have been helped by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation added a personal touch to the venue.
Photo: Eddie Arossi |
|
|
 | Trumpet players signaled guests to take their seats for dinner.
Photo: Eddie Arossi |
|
|
 | The dining room included purple-lit sashes hanging from the ceiling and a main stage dressed in purple with three large flat-screens showing footage of the foundation's recipients.
Photo: Eddie Arossi |
|
|
|
|
During the reception, staffers passed diced beets and mozzarella in phyllo dough cones and mini pizzettas with gorgonzola cheese and marinated grapes, while a bar with a massive ice luge served up six types of martinis and cosmopolitans. A sheer curtain, lit purple, kept prying eyes from the main area until dinner.
Around the space, Lenet also placed 14- by 6-foot banners of children who have benefited from the organization. “We’re always careful with how we present the foundation,” said Lenet. “We don’t want to lecture guests with the medical facts, so it’s about being creative with how you present everything.”
It took three measures—trumpet players, staffers with xylophones, and an announcer—to corral guests to their dinner seats. The banquet and circular tables were dressed in purple embroidered and textured silk linens and purple-tinted water glasses. Centerpieces ranged from purple roses in frosted glass cubes to leaning calla lilies reaching out of tall cylinders filled with purple orchids created by Exquisite Design Studio.
After the program, featuring CBS correspondent Scott Pelley as M.C., and dinner of red miso-sake-glazed salmon, butternut squash ravioli, and beef short rib with mashed white sweet potatoes from Ridgewells, the guests made their way to the third portion of the event. In the rear space, Lenet set up an after-party setting dubbed "Club Breathe."
“We started Club Breathe two years ago, and we’ve been changing it and trying to update it. We like to add shock value every year,” said Lenet. With an all-white display of modern sofas, bed-style lounges, and dance floor the party lasted until 1 a.m. Guests feasted on the white-chocolate-covered strawberries, mini cupcakes, and other desserts from tables, as well as passed shots of milk with doughnut holes and fried mac-and-cheese bites.
—Danielle O'Steen
RELATED TOPICS
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CBS
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
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 Photos From Fight Night/Knock Out Abuse: Stogies, Laser Shows, and a VW Bus Bar
MORE STORIES ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
Fall Preview: What Washington Event Pros Are Working on This Season
Washington's Top Benefits 2009
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Partners With Exquisite Design Studio
MORE STORIES ABOUT CBS
In the News: Guerrilla Stunt Opens Dialogue With the Law, Emmys Bounce Back
Emmys Move Back to September 20 to Avoid Conflict With MTV VMAs
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
The Mayflower, a Renaissance Hotel
As the largest luxury hotel in Washington, D.C., the Renaissance Mayflower is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. Offering exceptional meeting and event space, the hotel is an ideal location near three Metro lines. 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 |
|
Autograph Store Charity Fundraising
Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a charity fund-raising company serving at the pleasure of more than 1,200 charities and nonprofits worldwide to help them raise money via charity auctions. Autograph Store Charity Fundraising's mission is focused on helping charities and nonprofits exceed their fund-raising goals at their charity auctions, galas, dinners, and benefits with zero risk to the organization through a myriad of authentic, hand-signed entertainment and music collectibles. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
