Planners at Eventures Special Event Productions had a challenge on their hands when the scheduled venue for the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's annual In the Garden Gala-the newly renovated Fontainebleau in Miami Beach-was not going to be ready for the November 1 event. A new location needed to be found to accommodate a large turnout just a few weeks before the event. The Miami Beach Convention Center was the solution.
Barton G. transformed the grand ballroom and lobby of the center into a scene reminiscent of Venice, Italy. From the classically dressed masked performers greeting guests to the trellises weaved with greenery and the large gondola in the center of the bar-where Cantor Steven Haas entertained guests during the cocktail hour-Venetian style was abundant.
"Outside of the ballroom was a more traditional take on Venice, whereas inside, we gave it a modern interpretation, using spotlights of different hues to make the tables stand out," said Sean Gibbons, vice president of sales and marketing for Barton G.
A Venetian archway resembling the bridges on the Grand Canal flanked the entry into the converted ballroom. Inside, the entire space was drenched with royal blue, aqua, and green lighting. Tables were draped in aqua-colored satin linens with embroidered overlays, and topped with towering centerpieces of white calla lilies, roses, and cymbidium orchids-each in a different arrangement. In addition, four large screens set up in the corners of the room showed recognizable images of Venice, such as domino masks, gondolas, and canals, further evoking the sinking city for guests.
Waiters dressed as gondoliers served the three-course dinner prepared by Centerplate-the exclusive caterer for the convention center-beginning with blue-cheese cheesecake and spring salad with marinated sliced tomatoes, followed by traditional surf and turf, and finished with a decadent dessert trio.
The Caroline W. Halpern Award was presented to the president and C.O.O. of Macy's Florida for his dedicated support of the cancer center's research. Additionally, a luxury auction-with lots ranging from V.I.P. tickets to the 2008 Victoria's Secret fashion show at the Fontainebleu to a private cooking lesson with Food Network chef Ingrid Hoffman-took place throughout the evening to raise more money for the center.
Throughout the evening, the Ruby Baker Orchestra performed from the stage in the center of the dance floor.
