Best Buddies event manager Scott Tracy joined forces with Ersun Yergin of production company White Tulip to dream up a wild and wonderful atmosphere where cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys and tigers from the Miami Metro Zoo roamed, butterflies flitted about and dancers ranged from African tribal to ceremonial.
As guests entered the Star Island property belonging to Norma and Luis Quintero, they were greeted by AAA Valet Parking and then directed to a 25-foot bamboo tunnel. D by D Designs photography lined the walls and a gold chiffon floor covered the walkway. The tunnel led to a tented area provided by Tropical Tents, which was alive with dancers whose bodies were painted in black and white zebra stripes. Live and silent auctions were held, offering prizes such as a one-week South African adventure for two and a private getaway for seven at the Bali Hai Mansion.
From there, guests walked through a netting-lined tented hallway filled with live butterflies from Amazing Butterflies into an area for a sit-down dinner and entertainment. Linens With Panache dressed tables and hurricane glass-covered candles, which boasted dry wheat and peacock feather arrangements from White Tulip, filled the room. Before presenting Goldman Catering's multi-course meal, all eyes fell upon aerialists dressed as "Tarzan" and "Jane," who performed while hanging from white sheeting hooked to the beams at the top of the tent, a surprise treat from Gerry Kelly who booked RKM Productions for the entertainment. RKM also kept the entertainment flowing with African fire dancers. After dinner, guests danced the evening away until it was time to head to the after-party at Prive.
—Torrey Grey
