7. American Cancer Society Discovery Ball
#8 Benefit
Chicago
This year's Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua hotel had a travel-inspired theme to celebrate the society's 100-year history. The registration area decor included worn suitcases, vintage train schedules, and other tropes that brought the year 1913 to life, while the ballroom represented the present, and the after-party evoked the future. The event raised $2.1 million. Next: April 2014
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
Inspired by an old-fashioned train station, HMR Design Group's decor included suitcases, trunks, and old street lamps; the registration desk looked like a ticket counter.
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
Blowups of pages from the American Cancer Society's history book hung throughout the space. The pages contained significant facts about the society.
Photo: Robert A. & Dawn Davis
In keeping with the travel theme, bars appeared to have suitcases stacked within them. To underscore the idea of time travel, tall lamps were wrapped with oversize clock numbers and gears, and lampshades featured maps.
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
In the reception area, bell jars covered succulents potted in small containers printed with maps. The evening's printed materials resembled passports, and sepia-hued candle holders let off an old-timey glow.
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
In the ballroom, the blue and orange color scheme was inspired by the society's signature colors.
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
The centerpieces contained lush arrangements of orange roses.
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
Decked in silver and blue, the late-night after-party was meant to evoke the future.
Photo: Robert A. Davis
