Best Buddies-a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing friendships and integrated employment to people with mental disabilities, with more than 1,400 chapters worldwide-hosted its 12th annual gala in its headquarter city of Miami on November 21.
Texas-based production company Promoter Line Inc. produced the La Fiesta Española gala, which drew close to 800 guests to Watson Island. Staged under two adjoining temporary structures provided by EventStar, the affair employed a red and black color scheme.
The event's main goal was to raise money for the charity, and accordingly, the cocktail and silent auction area-spanning close to 10,000 square feet-was just as elaborate as its neighboring dining space. The design team created towering faux marble archways that accented the items beneath. Red gobos of the event's signature abstract design-also emblazoned on the invitation and table linens-were projected onto all four facades of the white tent.
Inside the 18,000-square-foot dining area, the Spanish theme was represented through towering red rose centerpieces, red and black panels draped from the ceiling, and projected images from old-world Spain, such as matadors and other iconic images, gracing the walls of the tent.
Attendees were treated to Spanish-inspired cuisine from A Joy Wallace Catering Production & Design Team, including passed tartlet con carne and sangria. American funk band, Earth, Wind & Fire also performed.
The event raised $1.5 million for the charity.