For its Deja Vu fund-raiser this year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County wanted to pay tribute to the decade that the organization's chapter was founded, the 1970's. To bring back the era on October 15, Sixth Star Entertainment and Marketing transformed the Grandview Room and Commodore Ballroom at the Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center with decor and entertainment.
"At the core, Deja Vu is a retro costume party that pays homage to the formative decades in our area and the establishment of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Broward County," said Amanda Lachs, communications manager for the organization. "Each year, the image of the event is rethought and redesigned to continue bringing new and exciting elements to those who look forward to it each year."
The 400 guests were invited to dress up as their favorite 70's characters, singers, and icons, while items like a five-foot-high foam cassette tape, five-foot-high rotating disco ball, and two 10-by 5-foot illuminated signs that read "Dance Fever" contributed to the retro disco setting. Attendees could also pose for photos beside a six-foot-high boombox.
"We got the chance to mix rock-and-roll culture with the decor and entertainment," said Sixth Star's Doug Jones. Over the Top Rental Linens offered brightly hued coverings like turquoise and stark black to complement the other decor elements. Those wanting to take home something reminiscent of the 1970's could bid on items in the silent auction, including memorabilia like autographed LP's from the Beatles, the Monkees, and Janis Joplin.
The organization's children and local high school students also took part in the celebration. Dressed in tie-dyed T-shirts, the kids greeted attendees as they arrived, escorting them into the cocktail area filled with food stations, including make-your-own-gyros and sushi displays provided by the resort's on-site catering. The 140-piece Dillard High School marching band, the largest the gala has ever featured, led guests from the cocktail area to the main space using their mascot, cheerleaders, and color guard. Following this dramatic lead-in, theatrical band High Tolerance took to the stage, playing hits primarily from the 1970's. Elton John tribute artist Rus Anderson also performed, singing renditions from John's songbook and ending with a crescendo of "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)".
Dinner was served during the award ceremony, with dishes like pork tenderloin with mango chutney; island shrimp topped with hot red curry, honey lime, and coconut; and roasted prime rib of beef in au jus and horseradish crème.
