When they started planning the ribbon-cutting gala for the new Carol & Frank Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare, the planners were going to hold the October 10 event in a tent next to the new building, at the University of South Florida in Tampa. But cost-consciousness dictated a venue change and saw the gala moved to the still-under-construction fifth floor of the new center.
Working from a palette of the university's trademark green and gold, Stefanie Berry of Showorks Inc. used opulent floral arrangements, delicate linens, and strategically placed lighting to transform the 7,830-square-foot construction space. Berry began by hanging white drape illuminated with green, amber, and gold LED up-lighting on the walls of the lengthy room to create an instant ambience. Tables were then dressed in alternating gold and apple-green lamour linens topped with pesto paillette overlays.
To soften the space, vibrant touches of color-such as purple lisianthius and mango and eggplant canna lilies arranged in chandeliers and centerpieces-were placed throughout the room. Glowing green and coral LED ice cubes, along with a myriad of candles at each table, provided the finishing touch.
For dinner, Catering by Design served a multicourse meal including roasted butternut squash soup, grilled vegetable napoleon with feta and rosemary vinaigrette drizzle, and pan-roasted salmon with edamame and black bean salsa.
More than 300 supporters attended the event to celebrate the addition of the state-of-the-art center to the USF health program facilities.
