If you're throwing a party with an endless-summer theme, what better way to cap the proceedings than with a performance by the ultimate endless-summer band, the Beach Boys? Reach for the Rainbow did just that for its 20th annual Crystal Ball in support of children and young adults with disabilities. Reach for the Rainbow organizes special-needs camp programs on a year-round basis. "We think of them as endless summer camps," said Jennifer Jeynes-Holmes, communications manager for the charitable organization. Jeynes-Holmes said that once the Beach Boys confirmed they would perform at the gala, "we knew there was no other theme for us." The Graham Howes Band played the warm-up act for the evening, and the Beach Boys took the stage after guests finished their four-course sit-down meals.Donna Trella, Reach for the Rainbow's executive director, worked with design firm D?cor & More and students from Sheridan College's Visual Merchandising Arts program to transform the cavernous event space in Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) into an inviting summer camp setting. A decor highlight was the abundance of fresh green foliage, palm trees, bamboo bars, and tropical flowers that filled the foyer and covered the walls. Balloons added colour, while reminding guests of the event's purpose: to support children in need.
In the dining area, brightly coloured napkins with seashell, starfish, and banana leaf clips topped neutral black table linens. The centerpieces included soaring bamboo and bird of paradise and low lying collages of coconuts and foliage. The meal from MTCC contributed to the endless summer theme, with menu items such as wild green salad, vegetarian strudel, and, for dessert, strawberry Romanoff. Projected images of large green leaves on the walls completed the summery look.
—Robyn Small
Posted 12.14.06
In the dining area, brightly coloured napkins with seashell, starfish, and banana leaf clips topped neutral black table linens. The centerpieces included soaring bamboo and bird of paradise and low lying collages of coconuts and foliage. The meal from MTCC contributed to the endless summer theme, with menu items such as wild green salad, vegetarian strudel, and, for dessert, strawberry Romanoff. Projected images of large green leaves on the walls completed the summery look.
—Robyn Small
Posted 12.14.06