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  1. Production & Strategy

Leo Burnett, Resourceful Vendors Help Marwen Achieve Most Successful Fund-Raiser Yet

Jenny Berg
June 6, 2012

At Saturday night's Paintbrush Ball, Marwen celebrated its 25th anniversary, or silver birthday, with party hats, confetti, and ubiquitous pops of the metallic hue. Held on the River North grounds of the nonprofit organization—which provides free, art-based programs for under-served Chicago students—the event was designed by creative sponsor Leo Burnett USA and executed on a tight dime by local vendors.

"Marwen and a team from Leo Burnett led by [S.V.P. and senior design director] Alisa Wolfson collaborated on ideas for the look, feel, and theme," said Johnny Merrifield, the nonprofit's manager of special events and individual giving. "Leo Burnett designed the invitation and the program book. They also designed the vision of the evening. Event Creative and Balloons by Tommy then translated Leo Burnett's vision into reality for the evening's decor."

Though he didn't disclose the specific budget, Merrifield said that the event netted 73 percent of its gross. "For decor and audiovisual, we budgeted $45,000, and we spent $42,600." The preliminary gross revenue for the event was $716,000, "making it the organization's most successful fund-raising event ever," Merrifield said.

Presenting sponsors were Northern Trust and U.S. Cellular; a long list of other corporate supporters included DLA Piper, Blick Art Materials, Aon, and several more.

The event celebrated Marwen's 25th anniversary, or silver birthday. To underscore the theme, guests entered the dinner tent through a tunnel of silver balloons.
The event celebrated Marwen's 25th anniversary, or silver birthday. To underscore the theme, guests entered the dinner tent through a tunnel of silver balloons.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
In the cocktail tent, the ceiling was strung with upside-down umbrellas, disco balls, and balloons shaped like stars and twisted into shapes reminiscent of Chihuly's glass sculptures.
In the cocktail tent, the ceiling was strung with upside-down umbrellas, disco balls, and balloons shaped like stars and twisted into shapes reminiscent of Chihuly's glass sculptures.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
When she had trouble finding the enormous disco ball that planners hoped for, Event Creative designer Kelly Wagner designed one herself, crafting an eight-foot sequined orb to hang from the roof of the tent.
When she had trouble finding the enormous disco ball that planners hoped for, Event Creative designer Kelly Wagner designed one herself, crafting an eight-foot sequined orb to hang from the roof of the tent.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
Limelight handled catering, providing bite-size snacks for the cocktail reception and a three-course dinner. Some of the appetizer trays were decorated with quarters under Lucite, a nod to the organization's 25th year.
Limelight handled catering, providing bite-size snacks for the cocktail reception and a three-course dinner. Some of the appetizer trays were decorated with quarters under Lucite, a nod to the organization's 25th year.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
The dessert duo included crepe Suzette with vanilla bean mousse, raspberry merlot sauce, and fresh berries as well as a chocolate mousse bar with candy-coated pretzels and hazelnut creme Anglaise.
The dessert duo included crepe Suzette with vanilla bean mousse, raspberry merlot sauce, and fresh berries as well as a chocolate mousse bar with candy-coated pretzels and hazelnut creme Anglaise.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
Guests could check out artwork in the Marwen Lab exhibition, which showcased independent projects from the organization's students.
Guests could check out artwork in the Marwen Lab exhibition, which showcased independent projects from the organization's students.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
The name of the nonprofit was spelled out in silver balloons behind the stage. Lighting cast spiky patterns onto the dance floor, and large screens showcased a video that Leo Burnett USA created to highlight the organization's students. In it, one earnest youth confessed that Marwen is a place where she's not judged for wanting to paint zombies.
The name of the nonprofit was spelled out in silver balloons behind the stage. Lighting cast spiky patterns onto the dance floor, and large screens showcased a video that Leo Burnett USA created to highlight the organization's students. In it, one earnest youth confessed that Marwen is a place where she's not judged for wanting to paint zombies.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
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