In need of some inspiration? From frozen centerpieces to holiday-inspired photo ops, we've rounded up 12 ghosts of winter benefits past to bring you some much-needed creative ideas for event design, catering, lighting, and more. Cue the sugar plum fairies!
Gardner Museum’s Winter Soiree: Rococo Rebellion
In January 2019, Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum hosted its Rococo Rebellion: A Winter Soiree, an event inspired by the gatherings that the institution’s namesake once hosted. Inside the museum’s Little Salon, guests sipped on signature drinks such as “the Versailles” with elderflower syrup and sparkling wine. Rococo-inspired macarons were crafted by pastry artist Hana Quon of Café Madeleine.
Photo: Matthew C. Teuten
Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment's A Night With Blue & White
In January 2019 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, the MLSE Foundation, the charitable arm of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, hosted its annual gala, A Night With Blue & White, presented by Rogers. Proceeds from the event benefit projects such as the MLSE LaunchPad, a place where youth use sports to recognize and reach their potential.
Photo: Courtesy of Toronto Maple Leafs
Perez Art Museum Miami's Art of the Party
Perez Art Museum Miami hosted its fifth annual Art of the Party, presented by Valentino, in 2019, honoring artist Christo and philanthropists Dorothy and Aaron Podhurst. The event, which raised over $1 million, included dinner, an alfresco lounge on the waterfront, and an after-party. Funds supported the museum’s arts education program. See more: 13 Ideas From Winter Benefits You May Have Missed
Photo: World Red Eye
Norton Museum of Art’s Annual Gala
Nearly 400 people attended the museum’s annual benefit and after-party in West Palm Beach, Fla., in February 2018, which honored trustee Gilbert Maurer for spearheading the New Norton, the expansion project that was then in its final year of construction. The evening raised more than $1 million to support the museum’s programs and exhibitions. See more: 17 Bright Ideas From Winter Benefits
Photo: Capehart Photography
Brooks Brothers’ Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation Fund-Raiser
Brooks Brothers transformed its Beverly Hills flagship store into “Le Casino,” a Monte Carlo-inspired experience to raise funds and awareness for the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, in January 2017. The 200 guests enjoyed a Moët & Chandon Champagne tower display, passed cocktails and casino-theme hors d’oeuvres (pictured), and a whiskey tasting.
Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Brooks Brothers
Miami City Ballet Gala
In January 2017, the Miami City Ballet celebrated its 31st annual gala, raising more than $1 million to support the organization’s work both onstage and in the community. The theme of the 2017 ball—an ice-kissed fairytale with frozen ballet shoes as centerpieces—was inspired by the world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s "The Fairy’s Kiss." It was the first charity gala to be hosted at Miami Beach’s Faena Forum. See more: 17 Ideas We Loved From Winter Benefits
Photo: Manny Hernandez/MannyofMiami.com
Canada's National Ballet School's Steampunk Gala
The Steampunk-themed gala took place at the Carlu in Toronto in 2016. The evening featured a unique bar sponsored by digital marketing agency Ecentricarts. “Modernist Cocktails,” prepared by Barchef, included a concoction called the "Steampunk Snow.” The drink was made with elderflower “snow,” cubes of black licorice, basil sprouts, gin and chamomile, violet gel, and aromatics of grapefruit.
Photo: Vanessa Garrison
The Old Master's Society Gala at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Chicago art museum celebrated the opening of its exhibition, Van Gogh's Bedrooms, with a 450-guest gala in February 2016. HMR Designs handled decor and worked with Frost to create projections of the artist's works that surrounded the dining area. The idea was to let guests feel as though they were dining inside a Van Gogh painting. See more: 15 Inspiring Ideas From Winter Benefits
Photo: Robert Kusel
Chicago Botanic Garden's All Aboard Event
In December 2015, the Chicago Botanic Garden hosted its "All Aboard" fundraiser. After viewing the garden's elaborate, indoor miniature train set, guests had dinner in one of three dining rooms decorated by Event Creative. One room, with a "Frozen Radiance" theme, used glossy all-white furniture and frosty blue lighting to create an icy look.
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden
AIDS Foundation of Chicago's World of Chocolate Event
In December 2015, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosted its 13th annual World of Chocolate gala at Union Station. One photo activation, called "Take an Elfie," encouraged guests to pose with a costumed character inspired by the Elf on the Shelf books and dolls. See more: 22 Ideas From Winter Benefits
Photo: Stephanie Schertz
Lyric Opera's Midwinter Gala
The January 2014 event in Chicago had a “Petals and Pearls” theme that was inspired by the opera’s then-current production of "Madama Butterfly," set in Japan. Event Creative hung strings of Asian-style lanterns and surrounded existing light fixtures with custom black-lattice pieces.
Photo: Aaron Ryskiewicz
Book Lover's Ball
Held at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto in February 2014, the Book Lover's Ball had a lush, pastel dessert display from Sweet Table. The display was decked with illuminated trees, which fit in with the event’s “adopt a branch” fundraising for the Toronto Public Library. Stacks of books also underscored the literary theme. See more: 19 Ideas From Winter Benefits
Photo: George Pimentel
