BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Production & Strategy

Mardi Gras-Inspired St. Jude Gourmet Gala Adds Mixologists to Reception

Adele Chapin
February 24, 2012

Washington’s St. Jude Gourmet Gala is known for its food, hosting acclaimed chefs every year from local restaurants that turn out a smorgasbord of small plates. But this week’s iteration, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, saw mixologists whip up specialty drinks for the first time during the Mardi Gras-themed event's cocktail hour.

“This year we are introducing four mixologists,” said Donna Tschiffely, event planner and one of the St. Jude Gourmet Gala’s original founders. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the event’s 700 guests could quaff drinks like hurricanes with homemade grenadine from Founding Farmers, a whiskey punch with apple snow ice from the Passenger and the Columbia Room, Lima’s winter cobbler rye whiskey, and a Hemingway daiquiri slushy “poptail” from Bar Pilar.

In terms of layout, the gala used last year’s successful change, with restaurant stations on the east side of the National Building Museum’s grand hall, tables in the center, and the cocktail area on the west side. In addition to the mixologists, the cocktail reception also introduced features like the use of electronic tracking software for the night's auction items. Loaded with Greater Giving's software, tablet computers from Auction and Event Solutions stationed at the silent auction tables and carried by volunteers enabled guests to see whether they had the winning bid.

Another new component was a Mardi Gras mask-inspired “Gifts that Give” station where guests could donate money directly to the hospital. Donors received a feather pin showing which item their contribution helped purchase, from infant care supplies for 10 babies for $50, to $700 for a child-size wheelchair, and $1,000 for child and parent airfare.

After the evening’s program and live auction, attendees headed to the dining stations, sampling small plates from 47 different tables and dropping their Mardi Gras beads in buckets to vote for their favorite restaurants. In addition to longtime supporters of the event, this year’s Gourmet Gala added new restaurants like Fiola, Graffiato, Harth, Proof, Rogue 24, and Edward Marc Chocolatiers. Tschiffely attributed the popularity of the event with restaurateurs to how the Gourmet Gala is run. “We can not do this event without restaurant people," she said. "We want to make it hassle-free for them. We not only want to have a good cause but do it well and do it the right way.”

Host Norah O'Donnell awarded the Taster’s Choice Award to BLT Steak's Victor Albisu, who took home a Breitling Superocean Heritage watch for his Kobe beef and lobster empanadas. Departing guests received a gift as well: boxes of Georgetown Cupcakes topped with St. Jude-branded spatulas. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, and live and silent auctions, this year’s event raised $480,000.

Sa 2012 02 Feb 21 Sjg 0140png
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
Decor for the Fat Tuesday fete kept within the traditional purple, green, and gold color scheme, with two stages in the National Building Museum’s grand hall.
Decor for the Fat Tuesday fete kept within the traditional purple, green, and gold color scheme, with two stages in the National Building Museum’s grand hall.
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
This year’s Gourmet Gala used last year’s successful layout with dinner tables in the west end and center sections of the hall and restaurant stations in the east end, near the dock door for an easier load in for chefs.
This year’s Gourmet Gala used last year’s successful layout with dinner tables in the west end and center sections of the hall and restaurant stations in the east end, near the dock door for an easier load in for chefs.
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
Tabletop floral arrangements incorporated feathers in Mardi Gras colors.
Tabletop floral arrangements incorporated feathers in Mardi Gras colors.
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
This was the first year Gourmet Gala used Greater Giving software and AES (Auction Event Solution) hardware to allow guests to electronically track their silent auction bids.
This was the first year Gourmet Gala used Greater Giving software and AES (Auction Event Solution) hardware to allow guests to electronically track their silent auction bids.
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
Guests could make a donation directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and receive a feather pin displaying what the hospital could purchase as a result of their contribution.
Guests could make a donation directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and receive a feather pin displaying what the hospital could purchase as a result of their contribution.
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
Local patient Leah Duggan received this year's Chris Burress Hero Award.
Local patient Leah Duggan received this year's Chris Burress Hero Award.
Photo: Laurence L. Levin
Latest in Production & Strategy
Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
The Method campaign extended to the venue concourse, where a shower-inspired photo booth invites fans to engage with cultural touchpoints like un cafecito, snap selfies with themed backdrops, and even send postcards home. On opening weekend, lines stretched over an hour as fans waited to participate.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
At the smoothie stand, visitors could snag the Not-Your-$20-Strawberry-Glaze Smoothie, which was inspired by the viral smoothie from a popular LA grocery store.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
The activation was disguised as an ordinary porta-potty.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Related Stories
Gesnewresized
Interactive Event Technology
GES Events
Sa Acm 7986png
Production & Strategy
Barry Gibb Draws Bigger Crowd, Adds Auction Items to Diabetes Research Ball
Sa Img 9045png
Strategy
Thrillist Takes Fashion Retail Site Offline With First Pop-Up Shop
Sa 139320646png
Production & Strategy
Keep Memory Alive Gala Doubles as Muhammad Ali’s 70th Birthday Bash
More in Production & Strategy
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Forget billboards. Fords Gin invited guests to taste its brand story with a multiroom experience that explored what really makes a good drink.
Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Whether functional or just for fun, these cheeky bathroom-themed activations prove no space is too private for creativity.
The Method campaign extended to the venue concourse, where a shower-inspired photo booth invites fans to engage with cultural touchpoints like un cafecito, snap selfies with themed backdrops, and even send postcards home. On opening weekend, lines stretched over an hour as fans waited to participate.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
The grocery store chain showcased its affordable products within a cute farmstand-like setting.
At the smoothie stand, visitors could snag the Not-Your-$20-Strawberry-Glaze Smoothie, which was inspired by the viral smoothie from a popular LA grocery store.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
At the Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., the network offered the show’s superfans a fun secret spy lair.
The activation was disguised as an ordinary porta-potty.
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
In a world where inboxes are full and attention spans are short, an invitation can make or break your event’s perception.
This SNL50 mailer included a Marshall speaker—an homage to the decades-spanning musical guests on the show—a bottle of Chandon to toast the milestone, and a limited-edition crewneck.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Millennials, this one's for you. The streamer welcomed thousands of guests during a four-day experience celebrating its beloved '90s and '00s IP.
Disney+ hosted a Throwback Experience for fans June 12-15 in Los Angeles.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
The massive celebration was a challenge for many reasons, but the global Pride event was still authentically D.C. Hear from organizers at Destination DC and Capital Pride Alliance.
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
These companies broke through the noise with creative activations, events, and experiences that engaged attendees, fans, and consumers.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Opinion & Experts
Top Trending Stories on BizBash: June 2025
Wondering what the rest of the industry is up to? Here, BizBash offers a peek over the fence at what other event profs have been reading this month.
Hennessy returned to Gov Ball with its revamped Hennessy Highline. Festivalgoers stopped by for live mural paintings, DJ sets between performances, custom photo ops, and an interactive claw machine where fans lined up for a shot at exclusive Hennessy premiums, as well as cocktails like the Henny-Rita, Hennessy Berry Mojito, and Hennessy Pineapple. See more: Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
LinkedIn, Spotify, Canva, Pinterest, Meta, and dozens of other top brands showed up in a big way at the world’s most creative week. Take a look inside their splashy activations.
LinkedIn's Rooftop & Studio
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Block Party: See How Minecraft Was Transformed Into an IRL Video Game
The popular game has been turned into an interactive in-person experience that just opened in Canada.
Visitors embark on a rescue mission with a team of fellow Minecrafters.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Here’s a look at some steal-worthy ideas we spotted in June 2025.
The pop-up brought the magazine to life through live hair demonstrations by local stylists, along with immersive moments designed to honor the legacy, creativity, and versatility of Black hair.
Page 1 of 712
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.