With daylight saving time arriving early this year along with balmy temperatures, New York was definitely feeling springlike on March 13. At toy store and New York institution F.A.O. Schwarz, the vernal vibe was in full swing as well, with the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s 16th annual Bunny Hop. The event, which this year attracted its biggest crowd (500 children and 700 adults) for an evening of games, candy, and entertainment, raises funds for the medical institution’s pediatrics department. Memorial Sloan-Kettering director of special events Olivia Striffler described this year’s event as more focused in its message, as well as appealing to kids of a broader age range. “Everything ties back to pediatrics,” she said. “We moved away from just kids and candy and are reminding people that they’re supporting an important cause.”Striffler also said that this year’s title sponsor, Best & Company, was particularly involved in the production and marketing of the event. “The sponsor took a hold of it as no one had really done in the past,” she said. The clothing company ensured that all signage was consistent and displayed both its logo and the new rabbit illustration by Mrs. John L. Strong that was featured on the invitation. Best also made backpacks to serve as gift bags and created a special Bunny Hop T-shirt, with all proceeds of its sale going to Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
The youth “Kids Kick In” committee expanded its role and real estate this year, with a large section of the festivities on the second floor of the store dedicated to the group’s cause: raising money for the Pediatric Prom.
Returning for the sixth year was event and floral designer DeJuan Stroud, whose crew installed a rabbit-heavy decor in just under an hour. (Terms from F.A.O. Schwarz, which stayed open until 5 PM the night of the event, dictated the tight time frame.) Stroud solved the problem by parking a 24-foot truck just outside the store to serve as a mobile work station and making sure he had enough staff on-site to execute his design quickly. “This is by far the most challenging time frame of any event we work on all year,” he said.
—Mimi O’Connor
Posted 03.19.07
Photos: Courtesy of Cutty McGill (carpet), Patrick McMullan/Scott Rudd PMc (Stroud)
The youth “Kids Kick In” committee expanded its role and real estate this year, with a large section of the festivities on the second floor of the store dedicated to the group’s cause: raising money for the Pediatric Prom.
Returning for the sixth year was event and floral designer DeJuan Stroud, whose crew installed a rabbit-heavy decor in just under an hour. (Terms from F.A.O. Schwarz, which stayed open until 5 PM the night of the event, dictated the tight time frame.) Stroud solved the problem by parking a 24-foot truck just outside the store to serve as a mobile work station and making sure he had enough staff on-site to execute his design quickly. “This is by far the most challenging time frame of any event we work on all year,” he said.
—Mimi O’Connor
Posted 03.19.07
Photos: Courtesy of Cutty McGill (carpet), Patrick McMullan/Scott Rudd PMc (Stroud)