With plenty of attention to detail—from custom ice cubes to personal messages of support—here are the ideas, themes, and event designs that caught our eye from this fall’s galas, benefits, and fundraisers.
The 21st annual Two x Two for AIDS and Art 2019 Gala and Auction, which was held at the Rachofsky House in October in Dallas, featured live and silent auctions of contemporary art. Todd Fiscus of Todd Events designed the gala, transforming a geodesic dome into a Moroccan-inspired evening with a palette of muted blue-grays and white, along with modern tablescapes comprised of crystal clear lanterns. The event, which raised $8 million, benefits Amfar's AIDS research initiatives and the Dallas Museum of Art's contemporary art acquisition program.
In November at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hosted its Boston Purple Party. And for the second year in a row, Tyger Event Design and Production designed and produced the event. A translucent, undulating ceiling treatment, which was cut by hand from almost 1,000 feet of perforated mesh, created the sensation of being enveloped by clouds, and a pink and purple ombre lighting design evoked the feeling of watercolors.
In October at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, Gabrielle's Angel Foundation's annual Angel Ball raised more than $3 million to support research that focuses on finding less toxic treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. Guests enjoyed performances by Patti LaBelle, Boy George, and Flo Rida, and sipped cocktails with custom-stamped ice cubes.
The 10th annual Knot Gala, which took place in November at the New York Public Library, featured the theme of “Shine Bright” and was planned and designed by Jove Meyer, creative director and owner of Jove Meyer Events. Guests were greeted by a rainbow floral installation and an illuminated sunburst entryway.
At the annual event, which was held in the library's reading room in November, floral projection mapping from Frost Productions filled the space. The 2019 recipients were poet Elizabeth Alexander, composer Philip Glass, writer Jamaica Kincaid, historian Jill Lepore, and filmmaker Frederick Wiseman.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History hosted its fifth annual Smithsonian Food History Gala in November in Washington. During the event, the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts presented its Julia Child Award to chef José Andrés. Guests dined on gazpacho with Maine lobster and pipirrana; braised Iberian pork cheeks with olive oil mashed potatoes, chanterelle mushrooms with madeira and thyme, and sweet piquillo peppers; and flan al estilo de mi madre for dessert.
In October, Americans for the Arts presented the 59th annual National Arts Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The 2019 honorees included actor Ben Platt, artist Luchita Hurtado, singer-songwriter Ben Folds, philanthropist Earle I. Mack, and nonprofit organization the CMA Foundation. The evening featured large-scale works by artist and honoree Hurtado suspended from the ceiling, as well as on the program cover; the artist wasn’t able to attend the event though, and live streamed via Facetime.
Gilda’s Club New York City, the cancer support organization named in honor of Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner, hosted its 24th annual gala at the Pierre hotel in New York in November. The evening featured a live auction, complete with paddles shaped in the comic image of Radner, and a comedy set by Phil Hanley. The event raised more than $850,000.
In October, Sequence Events produced Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s Brooklyn Black Tie Ball at Pier 2. The clear tent, which afforded views of the Manhattan skyline, was designed to accommodate 630 people for cocktails, a seated dinner, auction, and after-party. The event raised $1.3 million.
The Ontario Science Centre hosted its 50th RBC Innovators’ Ball in September in Toronto. The gala, which raised $1.6 million for the museum, included interactive science and technology experiences such as live experiments and an anti-gravity green screen installation. The event was part of a yearlong birthday campaign, which raised $5.4 million to date.
At the Meridian Ball in October at the Meridian International Center in Washington, more than 850 guests raised more than $1.3 million. The event included dinners hosted by ambassadors, followed by dessert, which was served on tables that were flanked by living statues, and dancing. Earlier in the day, guests were also invited to attend the Meridian Global Leadership Summit at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
In November, the Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles’ Give Easy event, which was held at Avalon Hollywood, transported guests back in time to Casa 75, a 1920s-inspired speakeasy with retro decor and floral installations created by Bloominous. Guests could also write their messages to the families on an interactive display.
In October at Rebel in Toronto, Boobyball 2019 had the first of four cross-country fund-raising events. The “Into The Ocean” theme explored the idea of young people affected by breast cancer feeling lost at sea, while encouraging participants to “dive into” fighting back against it. The event featured sea-theme photo ops and sponsor activations, drinks, and snacks.
The 25th annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, which took place in November at the hotel, featured a Game of Thrones-inspired theme called "Masterpiece XXV" and included an entrance area with Gothic lettering displayed on stacked barrels. The evening drew more than 850 guests and raised $3 million for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. See more: See How 'Game of Thrones' Inspired This Gala
In November, the New York Chapter of the International Interior Design Association hosted its 17th annual Color Invasion event at New York’s Center415. The architecture and design community gathered at the “Sweet Dreams”-theme party dressed in their pajamas. The theme was inspired by the executive board’s partnership with Pajama Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering pajamas and books to at-risk children.
