The Hammer Museum's annual Gala in the Garden, which supports the museum’s exhibitions and free public programs, seems to grow in importance each time around. But since a swirl of buzz is subjective, here's a number that's not: This year's gala raised a record of more than $1.3 million, the most money in its history. Deputy director for advancement Jennifer Wells Green, senior manager of donor relations David Morehouse, and manager of development events Jimmy Freeman oversaw the program for the museum, once again tapping Mitie Tucker Event Production to produce it.
Every year the museum honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, and this year's October 9 event recognized artist Charles Ray and author, chef, and food activist Alice Waters. Viveca Paulin and Will Ferrell chaired the event. Artist Jeff Wall gave the tribute to Ray, and actress Jane Fonda was on hand to toast Waters. Tucker's team explained that this year's decor was designed as a nod to Waters: Instead of using cut flowers, the table arrangements included herbs, flower pods, and fruit from Dandelion Ranch, while maintaining a modern sensibility in keeping with the aesthetics of both the Hammer and Ray.
Around 3,000 bulbs suspended over the museum courtyard created a ceiling of light overhead. On the tables, there were more than 600 pillar candles in glass hurricanes, which created a shimmering sea of points of light across the area. Chef Suzanne Goin of Lucques, A.O.C., and Tavern once again created the menu.
The event, now hotly anticipated event on the local fall social calendar, attracts cultural and civic leaders, as well as artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts. The gala, which drew more than 530 guests, has sold out each of the past seven years. The cost for a table of 10 went as high as $50,000 for the highest level of sponsorship.