Moulin Rouge Inspires United Way Fund-raiser

The United Way’s GenNext organizing committee took inspiration from the French cabaret Moulin Rouge in planning the not-for-profit’s gala promoting volunteerism and charitable giving among young professionals. The annual masked event, held in The Suites at 1 King West, featured great music from a trio of DJs and loads of inventive red decor elements.

The Suites at 1 King West donated its historic Grand Banking Hall for the ritzy affair. More than 700 young philanthropists mounted the newly renovated venue’s sweeping marble staircase to enter the cavernous party space. Circular red mats purchased from IKEA served both as a welcoming carpet at the entrance and as hanging decor. In the grand ballroom, red Chrysanthemums sat atop six copa tables draped in red cloth, while red flower petals lay strewn across the top of the ballroom-length mahogany bar. As well, subtle lighting bathed the room in an atmospheric red glow, and guests contributed to the effect through red clothing items incorporated in their attire.On the second floor, guests participated in the Silence Speaks Volumes silent auction. Donated items up for grabs included a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey jersey, Samsung MP3 players, and Diesel Cologne. Nearby, guests in need of down time kicked back on comfortable leather sofas in a lounge from Diesel, decorated with posters that advertised the company’s cologne line.

Three DJs donated their time to the event. Jeff Goldberg of Sonic Events got things started in the ballroom with a selection of music as guests were arriving. Later, DJs Shingo and Missruckus dropped electro and hip-hop house in the upstairs lounge. The party peaked with a performance by God Made Me Funky that attracted a sea of masked dancers to the dance floor. Mediaco donated the 28- by 16-foot stage, while Oakley Audio chipped in the sound.