On Saturday, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario hosted its annual gala and based much of the design scheme around the night's "Inspire" theme. Christine Cleland, development officer of events and community outreach at the Pediatric Oncology Group, tapped William Fulghum Design Associates to decorate and Spectacular Spectacular to handle the event management. Held at the Liberty Grand, the fund-raiser drew 650 guests for dinner and an additional 250 to the after-party.
Bill Fulghum, event designer at William Fulghum, wanted to inspire and surprise guests. “Inspiration comes from many places and it was my job to get people to think outside of their comfort zone,” Fulghum said.
Dinner was served in the Governor's Room, where Fulghum looked to create what he called “quiet luxury” with blue linens and silver chairs. White roses and crystals dangled from the candelabra centrepieces. The after-party in the Artifacts Room was loud by comparison. Bright red furniture accents and perimeter lighting formed the visuals on the ground, while eye-catching decor hung overhead. “The large, floating paper flowers, combined with the oversize Moooi chandeliers, created a certain fantasy feeling,” Fulghum said. To add to this idea, an all-woman quartet played from a central stage during the cocktail reception wearing fake mustaches, suspenders, and top hats.
Big-ticket auction and raffle items like Tiffany & Company jewelry and a Justin Bieber meet-and-greet brought in a record $700,000. The money will support the Pediatric Oncology Group’s financial aid program.