Supporters of the Florida Blood Services Foundation joined the Mad Hatter at the annual Gift of Life Gala held at Tampa's A La Carte Event Pavilion. Guests at this year's benefit—inspired by the children's tale Alice in Wonderland and appropriately called the Mad Hatter's Ball—were greeted by staff in colorful top hats and welcomed by masked volunteers in Renaissance playing-card-themed attire. Next, they walked through the "Rabbit Hole," a passageway designed by A La Carte's Corina Wian, which was draped in hot pink voile, adorned with oversize flowers, butterflies, and mushrooms, and illuminated by tree silhouettes.
In the grand ballroom, images of playing cards and ambient red and pink lighting by Bay Stage Lighting complemented floppy top hats, clocks, and oversize playing cards that hung from the ceiling. While the Mad Hatter (Christopher Oz), entertained guests with his juggling and balancing acts, his companions Alice and the King of Hearts posed with guests, and Blair the Field Mouse painted guests' faces. The band Fast Forward played against a vibrant red backdrop customized with an oversize teacup, pocket watch, mushroom, gold crown, and top hat.
At the Queen of Hearts Croquet Court, pink-flamingo mallets and hedgehog balls were used to play through a maze designed by Florida Blood Services team members and presided over by her majesty, provided by Wise Guys. Attendees could purchase flutes of bubbly at a champagne bar sponsored by the International Diamond Center. Inside each glass was a ziplock packet containing a gemstone—most were cubic zirconia, but one lucky winner's drink held a real 1.10-carat diamond. At the Mercedes-Benz Rabbit Hole Putt, everyone who sank a 25-foot putt was entered for a shot at making a 50-foot final putt to win a leased Mercedes-Benz for two years, courtesy of Central Florida Eurocars.
Dining tables were set with harlequin overlays from Panache: A Classic Party Rentals Company, while Imperial Party Rental's black chair covers were accented with bands of hot pink, green, yellow, and red from conceptBAIT. Centerpieces conceived by Florida Blood Services event director Marla Grant and Robyn Story Designs were colorful bowls filled with silk roses and capped off with miniature teapots and playing cards. During the evening's ceremonies, guests enjoyed a Southwestern-themed dinner prepared by A La Carte's James Crawford.
—Michelle Schumacher
Chris Oz was the evening's Mad Hatter.
The Queen of Hearts, provided by Wise Guys, presided over her namesake croquet court.
Color, lighting, and oversize flowers were artfully combined to create the Rabbit Hole entry.
The Wise Guys' Cheshire Cat greeted guests with his cheeky smile.
Harlequin table linens combined with chairs covered in black fabric and accented with pink bands complemented the Mad Hatter theme.
Fast Forward performed against a bright red backdrop customized with oversize props.
Colorful black-light top hats and oversize playing cards hung from the ceiling.
Robyn Story Designs provided whimsical centerpieces that consisted of flowers, teapots, and playing cards arranged in colorful bowls.
Florida Blood Services student volunteers welcomed guests.
Flamingo mallets brought whimsical flair to the Queen of Hearts Croquet Court.
