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  1. Production & Strategy

A Forest of Wishes

Sutka Productions created an enchanted forest for the 14th annual Make-a-Wish Ball at the Intercontinental Miami.

Deborah Barton
November 12, 2008

The InterContinental Miami Make-a-Wish Ball is one recognized as one of South Florida's premier fund-raising galas, attracting a star-studded crowd each year (Sharon Stone M.C.'d the live auction in 2007). And the 14th annual gala on November 8 was no exception. This year the charity turned to Sutka Productions to create an enchanted forest inside the downtown Miami property.

From the fern-lined steps to hotel and ambient lighting to the grass-covered ballroom doors and horse (wearing a unicorn horn, of course), the evening's theme was evident everywhere. Inside the ballroom, tables were draped in green leaf-printed linens and topped with abundant centerpieces of a variety of lilac, yellow, orange, and pink flowers. The walls of ballroom were also draped in black, with white lights shining through to create the sense of a starry night in the forest. A variety of performers, many representing mythical creatures, entertained and led guests through the evening at the cocktail reception, dinner, and after-party.

The hotel's executive chef, Alexander Feher, served a lavish five-course meal, beginning with a cold-water lobster à la marche with Creole mayo and finishing with a dessert trio of rum-infused pineapple with vanilla bean, a chocolate cup with espresso mousse, and a chocolate bonbon. An variety of sushi and seafood was also available from the expansive custom-carved ice sculpture from Ice Occasions during the cocktail hour.

Kim Kardashian, star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, hosted the live auction, the main reason for the fete, featuring luxury items such as a private party for 500 with full bar courtesy of the Opium Group and a walk-on role in HBO's Entourage, courtesy of one of the show's stars, Kevin Connelly. Proceeds from the auction benefited the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.

The invite-only after-party, a first for the 14-year annual event, saw another of the hotel's ballrooms turned into the Make-a-Wish Ball Nightclub, complete with disco balls, V.I.P. lounge areas, and a fashion show from edgy designer Richie Rich. The featured entertainment for the party, hosted by Miami nightlife heavy hitters Michael Capponi and Shareef Malnik, was a performance by the Honey Brothers, with Entourage star Adrian Grenier on drums.

The ballroom doors were adorned with greenery and unicorn images to channel the enchanted-forest ambience.
The ballroom doors were adorned with greenery and unicorn images to channel the enchanted-forest ambience.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
Abundant centerpieces of a variety of lilac, yellow, orange, and pink flowers topped the tables.
Abundant centerpieces of a variety of lilac, yellow, orange, and pink flowers topped the tables.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
Kim Kardashian hosted the live auction following dinner.
Kim Kardashian hosted the live auction following dinner.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
Oversize leaves were suspended above the stage while a black backdrop glowed with twinkle lights reminiscent of the nighttime sky.
Oversize leaves were suspended above the stage while a black backdrop glowed with twinkle lights reminiscent of the nighttime sky.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
The ballroom doors were adorned with greenery and unicorn images to channel the enchanted-forest ambience.
The ballroom doors were adorned with greenery and unicorn images to channel the enchanted-forest ambience.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
The steps of the hotel were lined with ferns and other foliage.
The steps of the hotel were lined with ferns and other foliage.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
The Honey Brothers, with Adrian Grenier on drums, performed at the after-party.
The Honey Brothers, with Adrian Grenier on drums, performed at the after-party.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
The Collection, a luxury car dealership in Coral Gables, donated six high-end car rentals to the silent auction.
The Collection, a luxury car dealership in Coral Gables, donated six high-end car rentals to the silent auction.
PGM Studios, Pedro Galvez
Ice Occasions carved an expansive ice bar from which sushi and seafood were available during the cocktail hour.
Ice Occasions carved an expansive ice bar from which sushi and seafood were available during the cocktail hour.
Courtesy of Tara Ink.
A variety of performers, many representing mythical creatures, entertained and led guests through the evening.
A variety of performers, many representing mythical creatures, entertained and led guests through the evening.
Courtesy of Tara Ink.
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