The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario hosted its 14th annual fund-raising gala on April 25 at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. This year, organizers paid special attention to making the event fresh, so that patrons could avoid the feeling of gala burnout. The word "gala" was not used in event-related materials. “The goal for this year was to reposition our long-standing gala into a signature event that would provide a different, yet meaningful, way to engage dedicated supporters and new friends,” said Lynn Wilson, the organization's chief development officer.
Designer Bill Fulghum of William Fulghum Design Associates embraced the new theme—"Cirque" and "Cirque After Dark" after-party—adding bright colors, cotton candy, and vintage-style circus props to the decor. Throughout the venue, guests had the opportunity to take part in midway-style games as clowns and stilt walkers wandered the room. “The theme was inspired by a move towards wanting a more youthful event, something that could access the kid in all of us," said Fulghum. "By using the 'Cirque' theme in a more vintage format, we were able to design an event that focused on fun for everyone.”
After the formal portion of the dinner, guests were treated to a three-ring-circus-inspired after-party complete with games, a fortune-teller, and acrobatic performances. Planners got rid of the silent auction this year and raised money in other ways, including through donations and sponsorships. “The success of the event was evident from the feedback [we] received from long-standing patrons, who felt that we had really captured a new playfulness,” Fulghum said.
Planners also increased sponsorships. “We had 26 sponsors this year, a slight increase from last year," said Andres Escobar, the host organization's major gifts officer. Some 600 guests attended the event, which was on a par with attendance in previous years. The event raised $754,000.
Correction: An earlier version of this piece stated that guests had to offer donations to pay the midway games; the games were complimentary.
