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. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

15 Colorful Ideas From Summer Benefits

Here's a look at the best ideas for decor, catering, and more from fund-raising events around the country this past season.

Michele Laufik
October 3, 2018

From a yellow “red” carpet to British plaids, here are the ideas, themes, and event designs that grabbed our attention from this summer’s galas, benefits, and fund-raisers.

Diamond Ball
Diamond Ball

The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna, held its fourth annual Diamond Ball on September 13 at Cipriani Wall Street. The black-tie benefit raised nearly $6 million to support CLF’s global education, health, and emergency response programs. SO Events handled the event design, which featured colorful projections on the ceiling.

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Diamond Ball
Yellow Ball
Yellow Ball

On September 10, more than 300 guests gathered at the Brooklyn Museum for the Yellow Ball, hosted by American Express and its Platinum Card Creative Director Pharrell Williams. The evening, which benefited Young Audiences Arts for Learning, was named and inspired by Williams, who explained the theme to attendees: “Yellow is the color of creativity and curiosity. It serves as a representation of the bright light we are shining on the need for arts education and its incredible power to paint a brighter future for us all.”

Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for American Express
Yellow Ball
Yellow Ball

The night featured a multi-room art experience by Daniel Arsham of Snarkitecture, performances from magician and endurance artist David Blaine, and musical performances by Missy Elliott, A$AP Ferg, and DJ Stretch Armstrong. Guests arrived on a yellow “red” carpet.

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for American Express
Zoo Ball
Zoo Ball

On July 13, the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted its annual Zoo Ball, raising more than $1.2 million to benefit the Chicago institution. More than 800 guests attended the event, which featured the theme “Zoobilee” in honor of the zoo’s 150th anniversary. The three-course meal by Jewell Events Catering included a “Cherries Zoobilee” dessert with a celebratory white-chocolate garnish.

Photo: Alain Milotti
The Wolf Trap Ball
The Wolf Trap Ball

On September 15, nearly 900 guests gathered for the annual Wolf Trap Ball, raising $1.7 million in support of the foundation’s programs. Held at the Filene Center at the Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia, the event was hosted in partnership with the British Embassy. The decor by Silver Lining Design Group featured nods to Great Britain, including images of the Union Jack, streetscapes, and the iconic London Eye.

Photo: AE Landes Photography
The Wolf Trap Ball
The Wolf Trap Ball

Authentic Brit fare by Design Cuisine included savory scones and biscuits, fish and chips, grilled lamb, and Yorkshire pudding. The lush, vibrant florals were provided by Philippa Tarrant and Twigz.

Photo: AE Landes Photography
Diamond Ball
Diamond Ball

Guests could touch up at a makeup station featuring Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line.

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Diamond Ball
Shedd Aquarium’s Blu
Shedd Aquarium’s Blu

On August 18, about 900 of Chicago’s philanthropists and social leaders gathered at Shedd Aquarium for the fund-raising fête, BLU. Hosted by Shedd Aquarium’s auxiliary board and co-chairs, the event raised more than $300,000 to support its conservation efforts. This year, the event featured the theme Behold the Beauty, which showcased the aquarium’s new exhibit, "Underwater Beauty." Similar to previous years, animals served as honorary guests; during an aquatic presentation, penguins popped up to surprise attendees.

Photo: Heidi Zeiger
The Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood
The Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood

On August 25, the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, Tanglewood Music Center in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts commemorated the composer who was an alumnus and faculty member at the academy. The special centennial gala party featured giant drum chandeliers by Rose Brand with photo panels of the late Bernstein. 

Photo: Michael Blanchard
The Jack and Jill Annual Convention
The Jack and Jill Annual Convention

Designed by W.P. Miller Special Events, this six-day event, which took place from July 24 to 29 and was held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, gathered guests to celebrate the foundation, which addresses issues affecting African-American children and families. The convention included events and activities across the city and a closing gala with a gold and black color scheme.

Photo: Courtesy of the Jack and Jill Annual Convention
American Humane Hero Dog Awards
American Humane Hero Dog Awards

The eighth annual Hero Dog Awards, sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and Zoetis Petcare, honored America’s courageous canines. This month, for its annual “Adopt-a-Dog Month,” American Humane teamed up with the Hallmark Channel’s “Adoption Ever After” campaign to help animal lovers find adoptable dogs in their area. The awards were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on September 29.

Photo: John Salangsang/Invision for American Humane/AP Images
San Francisco Symphony's Opening-Night Gala
San Francisco Symphony's Opening-Night Gala

This year, more than 3,500 guests attended the San Francisco Symphony’s opening-night gala on September 5. For the event, Hensley Event Resources turned the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall’s parking lot (known to staffers as “Lake Louise”) into a tented pavilion to host the patrons' dinner and after-party. Longtime collaborators Blueprint Studios decided to make flowers—symbolizing peace, beauty, and art—the focal point of the gala’s design. 

Photo: Show Ready Photography
Watermill Center Benefit
Watermill Center Benefit

This year, the Watermill Center summer benefit celebrated its 25th anniversary with the theme, “Time Bomb.” Held on July 28, the fund-raiser posthumously honored renowned art collector Pierre Bergé, a friend of the center’s founder Robert Wilson. The event brought in $2.2 million.

Photo: Sunny Norton for BizBash
Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner
Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner

For the annual dinner, Hargrove decorated the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington with rainbow draping, spherical balloons in varying sizes, disco balls, and HRC graphics with the message “TurnOut.” The 22nd annual event was held on September 15.

Photo: FotoBriceno
Diffa's Picnic By Design
Diffa's Picnic By Design
On September 5, Diffa: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS hosted its annual Picnic by Design event with a collection of intricate Broadway-inspired baskets. Held at the lounge and terrace at the Viacom building in Times Square, the event hosted more than 200 design industry guests who bid on the baskets, raising nearly $60,000 for the organization.
Photo: Erik Bardin
Latest in Event Design & Decor
'Choose a location where you can offer respite for guests—whether that’s shade elements, indoor-outdoor flow, or partial coverage,' Carlisi suggests. 'It’s all about asking: How many options do we have, and how many ways can we use the space creatively?”
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Rosé Day Los Angeles took place on June 14. The event is produced by an experienced hospitality team led by Ben Biscotti of 1iota Productions; nightlife visionaries Sylvain Bitton, JT Torregiani, and David Jarrett; Tony Schubert of Event Eleven; and culinary icon Marc Forgione.
Event Design & Decor
Inside Rosé Day LA: How This Luxe Lifestyle Event Became a Must-Attend for Brands
Talk about an over-the-top birthday party: In 2019, philanthropists Christine and Gabriel Chiu hosted a carnival-inspired bash at a children's museum in Santa Monica, Calif., for their son's first birthday. The Chius worked with Aliana Events to produce the event, inspired by the Santa Monica Pier, with carnival games, an arcade, puppets, and this oversized Ferris wheel filled with flowers. See more: This Toddler's Birthday Party Had a Gucci Claw Machine
Event Design & Decor
Step Right Up: 10 Carnival Decor Ideas That Balance Whimsy and Elegance
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
Related Stories
Model planes, from $150 to $175, available nationwide from Eclectic Props
Event Design & Decor
Travel theme
At a Vogue Eyewear launch party, which was held at a private home in Los Angeles in March 2013, a wall of colorful branded Mylar balloons served as an eye-catching step-and-repeat.
Event Design & Decor
Decor options
A balloon backdrop behind a glowing bar set the stage for the Institute of Contemporary Art's 75th Anniversary Gala’s after-party in November 2011.
Event Design & Decor
Decor
1801 Eventawards V1a
Event Design & Decor
BizBash Announces Finalists for the 2018 Event Style Awards
More in Event Design & Decor
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Atlanta-based event designer Frank Carlisi shares pro tips for keeping guests cool, your food fresh, and the vibe polished when temps rise.
'Choose a location where you can offer respite for guests—whether that’s shade elements, indoor-outdoor flow, or partial coverage,' Carlisi suggests. 'It’s all about asking: How many options do we have, and how many ways can we use the space creatively?”
Event Design & Decor
Inside Rosé Day LA: How This Luxe Lifestyle Event Became a Must-Attend for Brands
From over-the-top floral displays to a skydiving stunt next to a Formula 1 car, here’s how Rosé Day LA continues to raise the bar for experiential design, sponsor integration, and strategic luxury.
Rosé Day Los Angeles took place on June 14. The event is produced by an experienced hospitality team led by Ben Biscotti of 1iota Productions; nightlife visionaries Sylvain Bitton, JT Torregiani, and David Jarrett; Tony Schubert of Event Eleven; and culinary icon Marc Forgione.
Event Design & Decor
Step Right Up: 10 Carnival Decor Ideas That Balance Whimsy and Elegance
Tackle this tried-and-true theme with decor ideas that walk the tightrope between fun and fashionable.
Talk about an over-the-top birthday party: In 2019, philanthropists Christine and Gabriel Chiu hosted a carnival-inspired bash at a children's museum in Santa Monica, Calif., for their son's first birthday. The Chius worked with Aliana Events to produce the event, inspired by the Santa Monica Pier, with carnival games, an arcade, puppets, and this oversized Ferris wheel filled with flowers. See more: This Toddler's Birthday Party Had a Gucci Claw Machine
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
A rich color palette, archival footage, and a carefully curated performance lineup brought legacy and innovation together for this 480-guest celebration of BET’s 45th year.
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
At the California Science Center’s 26th annual Discovery Ball, attendees enjoyed Dodger Dogs, danced on a basketball court, and raised paddles—or foam fingers—for a good cause.
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.
Enso Creative
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
The NYC food rescue organization hosted its yearly fundraising event, which featured a vibrant tropical theme inspired by lively cultural celebrations.
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
This Historic Theater Turned a 100-Year Milestone Into a One-of-a-Kind Gala
The Pasadena Playhouse celebrated its centennial with a bold, unconventional gala featuring immersive projection mapping and a surprise escrow announcement—all while shattering fundraising records.
While officially buying the building before the gala was always the goal, event planner Sam Palmer was careful to ensure the gathering would be successful even if the timing didn’t work out. “We had a million different plans, because quite frankly, a million details needed to go right for that to happen,' he said. 'Our leadership and board worked very, very hard to get us across the finish line, and it was a beautiful moment.”
Event Design & Decor
See Inside This Year’s Bright Blue Public Art Fund Party
The annual spring benefit maintained its playful energy with pingpong tables and ice cream bars.
Blue hues covered everything from the menus to decorative textiles to pingpong tabletops.
Event Design & Decor
Renowned Event Designer David Stark Breaks Down His Creative Process
What inspires one of the industry’s most creative minds? The chief creative officer of David Stark Design and Production walks us through the design rules he actually follows—and the ones he ignores.
For a Kiehl’s event, Stark turned larger-than-life calendula products into striking art pieces, which were overflowing with flowers as a nod to the brand's natural ingredients.
Event Design & Decor
12 Desert-Inspired Event Ideas From This Skincare Brand's Dreamy Influencer Trip
Native whisked 15 beauty editors to an Arizona resort to test how moisturizing its new products really are.
The welcome dinner took place at a communal table flecked with decor in desert-inspired hues. The Valley handled furniture rentals, while Let’s Bash provided tabletop rentals.
Event Design & Decor
See Inside HBO's Stunning 'The White Lotus' Premiere Event
HBO and UNBOXED GROUP transformed a Hollywood soundstage into a lush Thai resort for the HBO series' highly anticipated season three premiere.
'The umbrella ceiling was a visual highlight and one of our favorite design elements,' said UNBOXED GROUP's Kyle Absolom. 'It featured over 600 white umbrellas, backlit to create a soft glow in that area.'
Page 1 of 271
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.