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  1. Venues & Destinations
  2. United States
  3. Miami / South Florida

Baptist Health Uses Champagne, Sparklers, and Peer Pressure to Presell 2012 Gala Tables

Mitra Sorrells
May 10, 2011
Organizers are still tallying proceeds from the Baptist Health Foundation’s fourth annual Pineapple SautΓ© and Sip, which took place Friday night at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, but one thing is certain: They have already sold 20 tables for next year’s fund-raiser, nearly half of the goal of 50. The 2012 event will bring changesβ€”a move to the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne and a switch to Saturday night, again on Mother’s Day weekend, which could be risky. Organizers decided to try the presell pitch to get guests to commit to the revised event.

β€œIt will be the fifth year, [and] we have outgrown the Ritz Coconut Grove. When you get an event that is just about to take off and to kick it off to the next level, this was the way to do it,” said the foundation's senior event strategist, Lori Elsbree.

Each year the SautΓ© and Sip engages guests to prepare their own dinners at their tables, under the guidance of chef Jacques Van Staden, Celebrity Cruises’ vice president of food and beverage. As loud music played to energize the crowd, culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu Miami entered the ballroom carrying trays with cooking utensils donated by Bloomingdale’s at the Falls, and also save-the-date cards for next year’s fund-raiser. Event M.C. Cynthia Demos of CBS4-TV shared details about next year’s eventβ€”which organizers hope to turn into a full weekend of activities including a Saturday afternoon family event, the nighttime gala, and Mother’s Day brunchβ€”and invited guests to pledge to purchase a table.  

β€œAnyone who pledged a table, we brought out a champagne bottle with sparklers taped around it. The sparklers were flaming. The energy was unbelievable in the room. We had somebody step up to say they wanted to be the first $50,000 supporter. So then we said, 'Who else can we count on?'” said Elsbree. β€œPeer pressure helped. They see everyone else [get the champagne], and they want it too.”  

In a matter of minutes, guests had pledged to purchase 20 tables. β€œWe have positioned this event to grow. In this economy, this is going to be fantastic,” Elsbree said.

More than 315 people attended this year’s gala, which benefits the Baptist Health Breast Center’s Care Coach program. As part of the silent auction, guests could purchase a gift certificate for a mammogram, valued at $250. Organizers estimate that the event raised nearly $200,000. In addition to Celebrity Cruises and Bloomingdale's at the Falls, sponsors included 22 Core Construction, which donated beach towels for each guest to tie into the theme of "California Cool."

E20622sa
Photo: Tim Saltsman
Celebrity Cruises chef Jacques Van Staden created the menu and demonstrated how to prepare each course from the stage.
Celebrity Cruises chef Jacques Van Staden created the menu and demonstrated how to prepare each course from the stage.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
As part of the 'California Cool' theme, organizers set up a lemonade stand near the registration table and served lemonade to guests.
As part of the "California Cool" theme, organizers set up a lemonade stand near the registration table and served lemonade to guests.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
Bloomingdale's at the Falls was a new sponsor of the gala. The store donated items for the auction and gift bags for each guest, and provided staff to give complimentary makeovers throughout the evening.
Bloomingdale's at the Falls was a new sponsor of the gala. The store donated items for the auction and gift bags for each guest, and provided staff to give complimentary makeovers throughout the evening.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
The theme for this year's gala was 'California Cool,' with palm trees, surfboards, and various shades of pink filling the ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove.
The theme for this year's gala was "California Cool," with palm trees, surfboards, and various shades of pink filling the ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
Le Basque Productions decorated the stage with beach balls and a pink surfer girl mannequin.
Le Basque Productions decorated the stage with beach balls and a pink surfer girl mannequin.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
Guests who pledged to purchase a table for the 2012 gala were thanked with a bottle of champagne.
Guests who pledged to purchase a table for the 2012 gala were thanked with a bottle of champagne.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
Culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu in Miami assisted guests in the preparation of their meal at the table.
Culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu in Miami assisted guests in the preparation of their meal at the table.
Photo: Tim Saltsman
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