On September 7, politicians, philanthropists, and business executives gathered at Cipriani on Wall Street in New York to honor the fallen and raise money to support the memorial and museum. The dining tablescape featured a mesmerizing hologram prism, which displayed the Survivor Tree through the four seasons (the charred trunk of a Callery pear tree, which became known as the “Survivor Tree,” was pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center site after the attacks and remains alive on the grounds today). The centerpiece was created by Gramercy Tech. 360 Design Events handled the styling, decor, and video art direction for the event.
The evening culminated with an after-party held in a tent designed by event planner and Apollo board member Bronson van Wyck and featured a special “Let’s Go Crazy” dance tribute with a dedicated DJ set of Prince songs. The event raised $1.7 million for the Harlem theater’s artistic and community programming initiatives.
The 39th annual Zoo Ball, presented by the Women's Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo, was held in Chicago in July. Dubbed “Penguins in Paradise,” the black-tie event was inspired by the endangered African penguins that will move into the zoo in the fall and featured nods to the birds, including a lemon parfait dessert with fresh berries that was accompanied by glowing penguin ornaments.
In July, Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra located in the Berkshires, hosted its Tanglewood Opening Night Gala. The event, which raised $475,000 and was attended by 410 guests, featured oversize wreath-like installations made of greenery and cascading blooms, along with a mix of floral and herb centerpieces.
Audi’s annual pre-Emmy celebration took over West Hollywood venue Catch on September 15; it was the venue’s first major event in Los Angeles. Event Eleven produced the chic bash.
Wedding resource company The Knot celebrated its 20th anniversary with its annual Knot Gala on Monday at the New York Public Library. The event, which was produced by Strawberry Milk Events, had a Fêtes des Rêves dream party theme inspired by the Tuileries Gardens in Paris. The event showcased Macy's VIP Lounge, which featured products from the brand's Fine Jewelry collection in ice sculpture displays.
Tito's Handmade Vodka offered guests specialty cocktails from an ice bar that displayed the event theme and colorful flowers.
