Gala ideas

A circular stage was a strategic component to the gala's revised format, putting the night's hosts and live auction in the center of the space. The round platform, which was 20 feet in diameter and raised six feet off the ground, also gave Charity:Ball's signature activity—the "waterwalk"—a central spot at the event. For every guest that walked the catwalk carrying two Jerry cans, sponsors W Hotels and Toms each donated $250 to water projects in India.

The nonprofit's birthday initiative invited people to ask for donations rather than gifts. The producers printed the amounts raised by different individuals and attached the pieces to a frame, forming a chandelier-like canopy.

To get to the main Colgate experience, guests walked through an illuminated hallway that illustrated the brand’s history.

A living mint wall created by B Floral served as a step-and-repeat.

Cocktails served were inspired the brand’s ongoing #AerieReal campaign, which promotes body positivity and self-love.

This year's event had a Tokyo theme, underscored by origami cranes hanging from doorways.

The event allowed sponsors to purchase banquette areas that seated 10 guests and came with a personal server and custom food and drink selections.

The Food Dudes handled catering for the 900-guest event.

The central bar was inspired by the streets of Tokyo at night and had bright patterns and globe lights.

Sole Power Productions provided entertainment, including aerialists in rainbow-colored wigs and tutus.

Another performance included floating bubbles.

With costumes inspired by Tokyo's famous Harajuku girls, another set of performers twirled parasols in a cloud of illuminated fog.

At the end of the night, a food trunk gave guests a taste of next year's theme: "London Is Calling." The truck had the date of next year's event written on its side.

The menu was printed on circular cards. Prepared by Thierry's Catering, courses included chilled watermelon gazpacho, bone-in Colorado lamb, and saffron-risotto cake. Dessert was a "chocolate piano cake" layered with clementine parfait.

Besides being an eye-catching element to the decor, the bar codes were functional: Guests were encouraged by staffers (and instructed in the program) to scan the vertical lines with their phones and make a donation to the nonprofit.