Africa

Musicians and dancers from Ijo Vudu Dance International performed at the beginning of the gala, held in the Regency Room at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville.

Tall lamps wrapped in animal prints, designed by Eric Aragon of Solutions With Impact, topped tables in the dining room.

Napkin rings provided by Jedando Modern Handicrafts, a Kenyan organization, marked each place setting.

Paprika coloured linens and gold chair covers created a warm glow in the dining room.

Tall palms topped the zebra-print bar for the jungle-themed cocktail reception.

Attendees who purchased a raffle ticket received a handmade banana leaf box that held a custom key chain and necklace made by women in Kenya.

Models from Champagne Showgirls posed for photos with guests during the cocktail reception.

Faux Zulu warriors greeted guests at the entrance to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club.

Conceptbait created miniature thatched huts to anchor the centerpieces, which also included a variety of vibrant flowers and candleholders wrapped in animal print fabric.

Organizers brought in local artists and basket weavers to create the atmosphere of a South African street bazaar in the reception area.

Conceptbait covered the long feasting tables with oasis-green fabric topped with burlap runners and surrounded them with 16 bamboo Chiavari chairs.

Conceptbait created 10 custom chandeliers, each four feet tall and two feet wide, covered in mini bamboo and matte fabric to add texture to the decor.

Dundu Dole, a performance troupe from Life Force Cultural Arts Academy in Clearwater, performed before dinner.

The Dundu Dole performance included more than 30 adults and children.

Designers used a silhouetted safari scene as the backdrop for the band.

Each guest received a program that included details about the evening's program and auction, as well as information about South Africa.

Moko jumbies, masked stiltwalkers whose history dates back to ancient Africa, walked around during the reception.

African drums and statues accented the decor in the main ballroom.