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 EspaΓ±ola 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.