Karamu, the Lowry Park Zoo's annual fund-raising gala, means "party" in Swahili. To ensure the event's 19th year was a true celebration, Erica Anderson, chairwoman of the Karamu XIX steering committee, called in a pro. After deciding on "Treasures of India" as the theme, the committee contacted volunteer planner Brooke Palmer of RSBP Events to "take it up a notch"."The trick with nonprofits is, we have to do a lot with a little. We tried to make a huge impact with lighting and fabric," Palmer said.
RSBP's efforts transformed the outdoor Manatee Fountain and Saunders Pavilion. Panache: A Classic Party Rentals Company dressed hors d'oeuvres tables, filled with Mediterranean dips and flatbreads, in gold satin; organizers topped them with Asian vases and candleholders. Outback Catering passed out chicken tikka skewers and other Eastern delicacies. Rtti Inc. provided traditional Indian music as a native dancer performed.
To lure guests Pied Piper-style into the pavilion, a five-man percussion ensemble started playing around 8 p.m. Attendees followed a path flanked by a variety of potted palms donated by Greentree Gardens and brightened by a mandala gobo. SHOWORKS Inc. provided authentic Oriental rugs, and zoo artisans treated the ground with a faux finish elephant-skin design.
Inside, SHOWORKS draped an array of jewel-toned chiffon fabrics and dotted the horizon with Persian hanging stars. Tropical flowers spilled out from urns dressed in genuine Indian saris. Bay Stage Lighting created a subtle display of luxurious hues projected by 30 color-changing LED lights.
A mixed green salad with lime coriander vinaigrette was already plated as the nearly 400 guests were shown to their tables. Panache covered each in either yellow bengaline, crushed blue, or sea green linen. Matching chair pads sat on each Chiavari chair. Alternating centerpieces made ample use of peacocks, the national bird of India. Botanica International Florist assembled one using shed feathers as an accent along with orange roses, blue irises, and antique green hydrangeas set in Spanish moss-filled glass cubes. The other featured a wrought-iron tower, atop which a peacock replica was perched, along with additional orange roses, antique green hydrangeas, blue irises, and bells of Ireland. Gift sponsor Cushman & Wakefield presented stationery and peacock pen favors for each attendee.
Center stage belonged to the Full Circle Band, whose music and M.C. skills entertained revelers throughout the filet and jumbo prawn entrée, followed by chai chocolate pot de crème for dessert.
—Melissa Mercatante
Entertainment provided by Rtti Inc. included traditional Indian music.
Shed peacock feathers accented an orange rose, blue iris, and antique green hydrangea centerpiece set in Spanish moss.
A wrought-iron pedestal and floral centerpiece stood five feet tall.
The Saunders Pavilion glittered with jewel-toned table linens provided by Panache.
Potted palms provided by Greentree Gardens were placed beside wrought-iron urns wrapped in authentic Indian saris.
Asian vases and candleholders added to the exotic ambiance.
Hors d'oeuvres tables were covered in gold satin.
A traditional Indian dancer performed during the cocktail hour.
Bay Stage Lighting created a mandala-print gobo to mark the path into the dining pavilion.
Draped chiffon from Panache decorated columns with bishop sleeves and ribbon tassel details.
