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

Why Dividing Guests Into Teams Can Help Boost a Benefit

Unicef Next Generation used a competition to raise more money at its annual Masquerade Ball.

Jenny Berg
October 22, 2015

Unicef Next Generation hosted its second annual Unicef Chicago Masquerade Ball October 16 at Moonlight Studios. Geared toward young philanthropists, the event had a fund-raising goal that was $25,000 higher than last year's. "The event committee increased the target donation goal right off the bat to support Unicef's life-saving work for children around the globe," said Elisabeth Kasdorf-Torney, Unicef's manager of special events. "They well knew the buzz the inaugural event received and decided to enhance the guest experience to generate additional funds."

Along with HMR Designs' V.I.P. lounges and Paramount Events' cleverly themed menu (items included "Edible Pixie Dust"), the guest experience was enhanced through games. As they entered the event, attendees received colored wristbands that designated them as members of one of two teams: the Pirates or the Lost Boys.

Throughout the evening, guests could make donations to participate in three activities. At a "Living Giving Wall," partygoers could purchase colored lights to add to a decorative wall. The "Water Walk Challenge" let donors attempt to carry 10-pound water gallons, to experience a feat that children across the globe take on every day; there was also a punch wall, where volunteers recorded the team that each participant was on. "The Lost Boys 'won' in the end by giving the most through all three activations," Kasdorf-Torney said. "Overall, it was a fun way for our guests to join together for Unicef and enjoy our Neverland theme." The night raised $115,000, exceeding its goal by $15,000.

At the entrance, partygoers received one of two wrist bands. The green wristbands signified that guests were on the 'Lost Boys' team; blue wristbands went to those on the 'Pirates' team.
At the entrance, partygoers received one of two wrist bands. The green wristbands signified that guests were on the "Lost Boys" team; blue wristbands went to those on the "Pirates" team.
Photo: Max Herman
The event took place at Moonlight Studios. HMR Designs handled decor and created a living moss wall that featured Unicef's logo. Designers used foliage and trees throughout the space aimed to evoke a lush, Neverland-inspired setting. As part of a zero-waste initiative, trees and succulents used at the benefit were later replanted.
The event took place at Moonlight Studios. HMR Designs handled decor and created a living moss wall that featured Unicef's logo. Designers used foliage and trees throughout the space aimed to evoke a lush, Neverland-inspired setting. As part of a zero-waste initiative, trees and succulents used at the benefit were later replanted.
Photo: Timothy Hiatt
The event kicked off with red carpet arrivals. Local celebrities including model Jaslene Gonzalez posed against a branded wall. All guests were asked to wear black-tie attire and masks.
The event kicked off with red carpet arrivals. Local celebrities including model Jaslene Gonzalez posed against a branded wall. All guests were asked to wear black-tie attire and masks.
Photo: Timothy Hiatt
The teams were called on to participate in various challenges that required donations. For $20, attendees could try the Water Walk Challenge. Used at Unicef events in the past for educational purposes, the exercise lets guests walk a lap carrying 10-gallon water jugs, which is a task that children around the world face daily.
The teams were called on to participate in various challenges that required donations. For $20, attendees could try the Water Walk Challenge. Used at Unicef events in the past for educational purposes, the exercise lets guests walk a lap carrying 10-gallon water jugs, which is a task that children around the world face daily.
Photo: Courtesy of Unicef
Another activity was the 'Living Giving Wall.' For $10 apiece, guests could purchase green or blue LED lights. They placed their candles on a wall, and throughout the evening, guests could see which team was donating more to the wall.
Another activity was the "Living Giving Wall." For $10 apiece, guests could purchase green or blue LED lights. They placed their candles on a wall, and throughout the evening, guests could see which team was donating more to the wall.
Photo: Courtesy of Unicef
Paramount Events handled catering and focused on serving non-GMO and organic food. Themed snacks included 'Tink's Vegetable Empanadas' with avocado salsa and 'Pan's Pecan-Crusted Chicken Skewers.' Items were served on Verterra's compostable dinnerware, which is made from leaves that have naturally fallen to the ground. There was also a sweets station filled with candy.
Paramount Events handled catering and focused on serving non-GMO and organic food. Themed snacks included "Tink's Vegetable Empanadas" with avocado salsa and "Pan's Pecan-Crusted Chicken Skewers." Items were served on Verterra's compostable dinnerware, which is made from leaves that have naturally fallen to the ground. There was also a sweets station filled with candy.
Photo: Max Herman
DJ Arkitek entertained guests from a sky box in front of a 30-foot video wall, which had been custom designed for the event.
DJ Arkitek entertained guests from a sky box in front of a 30-foot video wall, which had been custom designed for the event.
Photo: Max Herman
Latest in Production & Strategy
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.
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
Disney+ hosted a Throwback Experience for fans June 12-15 in Los Angeles.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Related Stories
Appamics placed tiny iBeacons next to four paintings in the 'Gauguin to Picasso: Masterworks From Switzerland' exhibit at the Phillips Collection. Visitors take a selfie in the 'Portrait Play' app, and then when they approach one of the paintings, the image is transformed into the style of that artist.
Strategy
See How an App Transforms Selfies Into Artistic Masterpieces
Procter & Gamble took to the London Olympics for a mom-focused campaign with an activation in the form of a 65,000-square-foot “home away from home” for the mothers of competing athlete.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
SPONSOR BENEFIT
Pink floral archways marked the entrance to the Rosé Garden, which had a pink color palette.
Registration & Ticketing
What Luxury Spaces Look Like at a Sports Event
Bb Checklist Web Imagecs2
Audiovisual & Lighting
Checklist: 8 Things to Double Check at an Event's Run-Through
More in Production & Strategy
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.
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
Most Popular
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Sports
See Inside Sport Beach—The Game-Raising Activation That Had Everyone Talking at Cannes Lions
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.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Part guided tasting, part interactive art experience, the latest activation from the spirits brand immersed guests into the culture of the popular tequila.
During the experience, guests traveled from the red clay fields of Jalisco to the heart of a modern Mexican celebration.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
This Event Turned Home Decor Into a Celebration of Latinas' Life Moments
Walmart and Apartment Therapy teamed up to celebrate the Becky G & Alejandra home collection—while also spotlighting the often-overlooked personal milestones of Latina creators.
The 'Mainstays Mujeres' event, which drew 32 Latina content creators, transformed a private residence in Venice, Calif. on May 30.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
The annual music festival featured sponsorship firsts and lots of colorful experiences from brands like Kiehl's, 7-Eleven, and Coca-Cola.
It included an iconic cassette tape photo backdrop.
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Tips for Producing Events in Real-World Locations
From FX’s laundromat party to OGX’s branded car wash, here’s how event pros are turning unexpected locations into unforgettable experiences.
On May 20 and 22, FX Networks transformed two working laundromats into full-blown parties to celebrate its new series Adults.
Page 1 of 711
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.