CFK

Proceeds from September's Adler Planetarium Celestial Ball gala in Chicago went to benefit educational programs. Proud teen participants of those programs circulated to tables as so-called "science sommeliers." Guests could pick from a list of experiments and activities printed on the backs of their menus, and the budding scientists would perform their choice tableside. For example, "Touch Another World" allowed guests to hold pieces of meteorite in their hands, and “The Starry Messenger” allowed guests to look through refracted lenses.

At the the Animal Rescue League of Boston's "Moonlight Ball" fund-raiser in 2010, organizers brought guests close enough to cuddle the cause they were there to support. Staff from the Animal Rescue League mingled amid the crowd with pets.

The Los Angeles Children's Chorus' "Gala Bel Canto" fund-raiser in Los Angeles brought the young singers right to guests' tables to deliver personal messages in the form of videos available for viewing on iPads. (In the past, chorus members hand wrote thank-you notes for the guests.)

In 2012, New York's massive Robin Hood Foundation Gala got a subway theme, where nontraditional centerpieces atop tables were printed with information on the areas the charity serves. The table toppers also served as placeholders for the IML interactive devices through which guests could donate on the spot.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum Gala put the event's purpose right on the tabletops, too: The 2013 gala included centerpieces that fit together as notched cards, bearing images of memorial visitors, construction workers, and first responders to Ground Zero.

In November last year, the 10th anniversary of Keep a Child Alive's Black Ball included locked jewelry boxes on tables. At a designated point, waiters placed a key with each donor's name on it onto the table. The keys unlocked the silver boxes, which contained personal thank-you notes from Alicia Keys and unique gifts like origami paper elephants.

One gala opted to spell out its mission clearly for guests present to support it: The Trust for the National Mall's benefit luncheon used decor in the form of cut-out letters that specified the names of the mall's monuments and major events there.

Washington's U.S.O. Gala offered viewfinders throughout the reception space. Inside, slides held information about the U.S.O. and its mission. To help guests feel connected to the troops, images included snapshots of soldiers with their families and serving on the front lines, alongside captions that read: “The U.S.O. is always by their side.”

In February, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay hosted its “Big Night” benefit, which included the big and little siblings alike. Big and little brothers were on hand to pass out photo booth props like glasses and mustaches to guests.

The New World Symphony Gala in Miami provided guests with a memorable takeaway that underscored the event's purpose. Valet staffers placed individual thank-you notes written by the symphony's musician fellows in guests' cars.