To raise funds for its Nascare (Neighbors and Supporters Care) program, the Boca Raton Community Hospital ditched the typical ballroom setting in favor of a private hangar at the Boca Airport. Paul Milhous hired Bryan Rafanelli of Boston-based Rafanelli Events to design the event, which had a Nascar theme, inspired by the name of the hospital's cancer program.
In the tented reception area adjacent to the hangar, guests sipped drinks at an expansive bar lined with bottles of premium spirits. Caterwaiters from Silver Sac passed hors d'oeuvres including cocktail shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, and potatoes with crème fraiche and caviar. Small plastic racing cars accented the finger foods offered on bright serving trays, while a real car—a Mercedes Maybach—was on display near the bar. Guests also had the opportunity to play racecar driver with a Nascar simulator provided by Kramer Entertainment.
For dinner, Rafanelli turned the 100- by 120-foot hangar into a multicolored sea of table settings, along with a 50- by 50-foot truss that enclosed the black-and-white checkered dance floor with curtains of shimmering tinsel, creating an intimate area where people could mingle. The dinner tables had been pushed aside to leave room for the curtained area. A small bar inside was backed by video screens showing images of racing cars.
With an announcement of "Start your engines!" plus the sound of engines revving, dinner was set to begin. To add some drama, the trussing was raised to reveal an enormous mobile made of neon-hued acrylic orbs. Staffers dressed as a pit crew rushed from the perimeter of the room to reposition the tables so guests could take their seats. Tables were outfitted in hot pink, yellow, or blue linens with color-coordinated candles and flowers; the centerpieces featured tires instead of vases.
The Nicole Henry Orchestra played jazz tunes during dinner and got everyone dancing afterward.
As guests left they received Ralph Lauren gift bags with the designer's latest perfume, Lauren Style, plus a keychain. Also included was a calendar featuring ladies—picture the movie Calendar Girls—who have dedicated themselves to raising funds for the hospital.
—Vanessa Goyanes
