New York-based event producer and Discovery Home Channel regular David Tutera has worked on the Prevent Cancer Foundation's annual spring gala in Washington for the past seven years. This edition, which raised more than $1.4 million, marked his first as gala co-chair. “I think [cancer is] a personal issue for almost everyone, unfortunately,” Tutera said, adding that the foundation is his charity of choice.
Each year, the event, which Tutera produces with Prevent Cancer Foundation director of special events Linda Chastain, celebrates a different country. (Greece, Brazil, and the Netherlands have all been featured.) For 2008, they looked to Turkey for a “Garden of the Sun” theme, with the ambassador of Turkey and his wife as honorary patrons.The National Building Museum’s great hall, with its eight towering Corinthian columns, set the stage for Tutera’s interpretation, filled with rich reds and golds. To make the soaring space feel more intimate, Tutera covered groups of tables with Arabian-style tents. “You feel you are at a special table of 10 instead of just one of 850,” Tutera explained, adding that the tents also drew eyes upward to the venue’s space and the gold-lit columns.
The tables themselves also attracted attention, with a variety of settings and centerpieces from his collection and from Design Cuisine Caterers, ranging from bowls of red roses to glass containers filled with lemons and carnations to tall gold candelabras. Lanterns of colored glass and metal also hung from the tents and topped several tables.
To add an element of surprise, Tutera divided the predinner reception area from the great hall with red curtains. The grand reveal was part of a strategic effort by planners to help seat all 850 guests on time. “We had a stringent time line to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the dinner and to get to dance,” Chastain said. “With the curtain, there’s a level of anticipation. Everyone wants to know what’s going on behind it.”
The menu, from Design Cuisine, consisted of Turkish delicacies like swordfish shish kebabs, lamb chops, and a dessert sampler, with apricot baklava, armut tatlisi (carmelized baked pear), and a lemon phyllo custard topped with candied lemon zest. The gift bags rounded out the evening's theme with Turkish olive oil and raki, the country’s aperitif of choice.
Each year, the event, which Tutera produces with Prevent Cancer Foundation director of special events Linda Chastain, celebrates a different country. (Greece, Brazil, and the Netherlands have all been featured.) For 2008, they looked to Turkey for a “Garden of the Sun” theme, with the ambassador of Turkey and his wife as honorary patrons.The National Building Museum’s great hall, with its eight towering Corinthian columns, set the stage for Tutera’s interpretation, filled with rich reds and golds. To make the soaring space feel more intimate, Tutera covered groups of tables with Arabian-style tents. “You feel you are at a special table of 10 instead of just one of 850,” Tutera explained, adding that the tents also drew eyes upward to the venue’s space and the gold-lit columns.
The tables themselves also attracted attention, with a variety of settings and centerpieces from his collection and from Design Cuisine Caterers, ranging from bowls of red roses to glass containers filled with lemons and carnations to tall gold candelabras. Lanterns of colored glass and metal also hung from the tents and topped several tables.
To add an element of surprise, Tutera divided the predinner reception area from the great hall with red curtains. The grand reveal was part of a strategic effort by planners to help seat all 850 guests on time. “We had a stringent time line to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the dinner and to get to dance,” Chastain said. “With the curtain, there’s a level of anticipation. Everyone wants to know what’s going on behind it.”
The menu, from Design Cuisine, consisted of Turkish delicacies like swordfish shish kebabs, lamb chops, and a dessert sampler, with apricot baklava, armut tatlisi (carmelized baked pear), and a lemon phyllo custard topped with candied lemon zest. The gift bags rounded out the evening's theme with Turkish olive oil and raki, the country’s aperitif of choice.
The Prevent Cancer gala at the National Building Museum
Photo: FotoBriceno
Event producer David Tutera dressed the National Building Museum in red and gold tones.
Photo: FotoBriceno
Bows, embroidered stars, and metal lanterns outfitted the Arabian-style tents.
Photo: FotoBriceno
One type of centerpiece featured lemons layered with carnations under glass.
Photo: FotoBriceno
Some settings included gold-rimmed glasses, gold chargers, and deep-red paisley tablecloths.
Photo: FotoBriceno
Tall floral arrangements decked several tables.
Photo: FotoBriceno
The tents covered groups of tables to create a more intimate feel.
Photo: FotoBriceno
Red linens dominated the tables, with arrangements of roses and gold candelabras topped with mini red lamp shades.
Photo: FotoBriceno
A large curtain sectioned off the reception and dining spaces to create a bit of mystery.
Photo: FotoBriceno
The settings evoked a Turkish feel, with lanterns and mosaic glass candleholders.
Photo: FotoBriceno
The dessert sampler combined apricot baklava, armut tatlisi (carmelized baked pear), and a lemon custard.
Photo: FotoBriceno
