WNC Networking night

Fiber-optic panels hung from the roof of the City of Hope gala tent to create the look of a starlit sky.

A half moon-shaped stage backdrop featured what appeared to be a lunar-like surface.

Whiskey was served from a moonshine-like presentation from sponsor Stillhouse.

The tribute journal was blown up and presented in the style of sheet music.

A guitar-shaped fountain was a nod to the invitation and the decor; it will move to the City of Hope Duarte campus.

Linens were in keeping with the celestial feel.

Clean black-and-white seating didn't distract from the overall look and feel.

Guests could take a piece of red ribbon, write a message of hope, and affix it to the giant-red-ribbon centerpiece.

On July 28, some 1,200 guests headed out to the Watermill Center in the Hamptons for the art organization’s annual benefit, one of the season’s biggest draws for philanthropists. Inside the dinner tent a chandelier positioned over the dance floor was made up of plastic recycling bags and pink fabric streamers.

At the opening night party, attendees played “Networking Bingo” by gathering Twitter handles of fellow guests that met the criteria indicated in the boxes. All completed cards were entered in drawings for prizes such as a ticket to the 2017 conference or a free annual pass to the Social Media Examiner membership site.