Latin Ingredients

The planning process for this year's Soccer Ball for D.C. Scores—a nonprofit that provides children with after-school sports and creative writing classes—began at the 2007 edition, when the organization's executive director, Amy Nakamoto, met Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld, owner of Latin Concepts. "[Latin Concepts] knew they wanted to be a part of D.C. Scores and make it their charity of choice," said Tohry Petty, the nonprofit's communications and events director.

The first change was to move the event from the more traditional National Press Club to the Organization of American States building, which is right off the Mall and features a jungle-like, canopied atrium and the classical, flag-filled Hall of Americas ballroom. Fraga-Rosenfeld and Latin Concepts communications and marketing director Jessica Gibson then worked with Petty to bring a more casual, Latin vibe to the evening.The V.I.P. reception filled out the atrium space, featuring a duo from Duende Camaron Music, and the dinner changed from a seated setup to a series of tables and stations representing restaurants from Latin Concepts, with technical help from Cuisine Solutions. The five stops included Ceviche (with a tasting of mixed seafood ceviche) and Chi-Cha Lounge (with three styles of empanadas). "One concern was transitioning from a seated meal to an open networking stations concept," Petty said. "Without having seen it, I didn't know what to expect."

In the ballroom, yellows and reds in the linens and lighting helped bring out the Latin feel, while centerpieces took a cue from D.C. Scores, with blossoms arranged like soccer balls set beside photographs and poems from the children involved in the organization. In fact, the children were the stars of the evening, reading their poetry as part of the program, with local sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak of NBC4 serving as M.C.