From a yellow “red” carpet to British plaids, here are the ideas, themes, and event designs that grabbed our attention from this summer’s galas, benefits, and fund-raisers.
The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna, held its fourth annual Diamond Ball on September 13 at Cipriani Wall Street. The black-tie benefit raised nearly $6 million to support CLF’s global education, health, and emergency response programs. SO Events handled the event design, which featured colorful projections on the ceiling.
On September 10, more than 300 guests gathered at the Brooklyn Museum for the Yellow Ball, hosted by American Express and its Platinum Card Creative Director Pharrell Williams. The evening, which benefited Young Audiences Arts for Learning, was named and inspired by Williams, who explained the theme to attendees: “Yellow is the color of creativity and curiosity. It serves as a representation of the bright light we are shining on the need for arts education and its incredible power to paint a brighter future for us all.”
The night featured a multi-room art experience by Daniel Arsham of Snarkitecture, performances from magician and endurance artist David Blaine, and musical performances by Missy Elliott, A$AP Ferg, and DJ Stretch Armstrong. Guests arrived on a yellow “red” carpet.
On July 13, the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted its annual Zoo Ball, raising more than $1.2 million to benefit the Chicago institution. More than 800 guests attended the event, which featured the theme “Zoobilee” in honor of the zoo’s 150th anniversary. The three-course meal by Jewell Events Catering included a “Cherries Zoobilee” dessert with a celebratory white-chocolate garnish.
On September 15, nearly 900 guests gathered for the annual Wolf Trap Ball, raising $1.7 million in support of the foundation’s programs. Held at the Filene Center at the Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia, the event was hosted in partnership with the British Embassy. The decor by Silver Lining Design Group featured nods to Great Britain, including images of the Union Jack, streetscapes, and the iconic London Eye.
Authentic Brit fare by Design Cuisine included savory scones and biscuits, fish and chips, grilled lamb, and Yorkshire pudding. The lush, vibrant florals were provided by Philippa Tarrant and Twigz.
Guests could touch up at a makeup station featuring Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line.
On August 18, about 900 of Chicago’s philanthropists and social leaders gathered at Shedd Aquarium for the fund-raising fête, BLU. Hosted by Shedd Aquarium’s auxiliary board and co-chairs, the event raised more than $300,000 to support its conservation efforts. This year, the event featured the theme Behold the Beauty, which showcased the aquarium’s new exhibit, "Underwater Beauty." Similar to previous years, animals served as honorary guests; during an aquatic presentation, penguins popped up to surprise attendees.
On August 25, the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, Tanglewood Music Center in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts commemorated the composer who was an alumnus and faculty member at the academy. The special centennial gala party featured giant drum chandeliers by Rose Brand with photo panels of the late Bernstein.
Designed by W.P. Miller Special Events, this six-day event, which took place from July 24 to 29 and was held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, gathered guests to celebrate the foundation, which addresses issues affecting African-American children and families. The convention included events and activities across the city and a closing gala with a gold and black color scheme.
The eighth annual Hero Dog Awards, sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and Zoetis Petcare, honored America’s courageous canines. This month, for its annual “Adopt-a-Dog Month,” American Humane teamed up with the Hallmark Channel’s “Adoption Ever After” campaign to help animal lovers find adoptable dogs in their area. The awards were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on September 29.
This year, more than 3,500 guests attended the San Francisco Symphony’s opening-night gala on September 5. For the event, Hensley Event Resources turned the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall’s parking lot (known to staffers as “Lake Louise”) into a tented pavilion to host the patrons' dinner and after-party. Longtime collaborators Blueprint Studios decided to make flowers—symbolizing peace, beauty, and art—the focal point of the gala’s design.
This year, the Watermill Center summer benefit celebrated its 25th anniversary with the theme, “Time Bomb.” Held on July 28, the fund-raiser posthumously honored renowned art collector Pierre Bergé, a friend of the center’s founder Robert Wilson. The event brought in $2.2 million.
For the annual dinner, Hargrove decorated the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington with rainbow draping, spherical balloons in varying sizes, disco balls, and HRC graphics with the message “TurnOut.” The 22nd annual event was held on September 15.
