Hope and Help Center of Central Florida Events

To tie to the gala theme of "Legendary," NV Design Firm created centerpieces with lightbulb-covered frames to look like vintage makeup dressing stations and props that honored Hollywood actors such as Elizabeth Taylor.

Tasha Long, a female impersonator, performed as Whitney Houston as part of the event’s theme of “Legendary.” Additional impersonators performed as Bette Midler, Dolly Parton, and Cher.

Judges rated the seven headdresses in the competition based on beauty, originality, creativity, and exoticness.

Each of the 82 centerpieces included 250 flowers and took volunteers more than an hour to assemble.

An aerial bartender from Cirque USA served champagne upside down at the V.I.P. reception.

Letz Dance On It created a custom dance floor, incorporating the event logo, for the reception space.

More than 100 drag queens, dancers, stiltwalkers, and performers entertained guests throughout the evening.

Performers from Hardrive Productions posed for photos with guests at the reception.

Dancers covered in little more than balloons performed on stages throughout the ballroom and gathered tips as donations for the center.

Colorful faux cakes decorated the four V.I.P. tables. Kirby Rentals covered all 86 tables in the ballroom with neon lime, yellow, turquoise, and pink linens topped with sheer overlays.

Tickets for the gala ranged from $200 to $2,500 each, with the higher-priced seats closer to the stage.

Ketel One provided two ice bars—one at the reception and one outside the main ballroom.

Upon arrival, guests posed for photos and interviews in front of the gala’s step-and-repeat, staffed by Chatter Buzz Media. The company instantly uploaded the images and video clips to Hope & Help Center’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, and the hashtag #HeaddressBallOrlando generated 370,321 impressions during the evening.

The show included 15 headdresses. Some had been used in prior years and others were created specifically for this gala, like this huge, colorful mermaid by Designs by Sean.

For dessert, guests dined on a banana tart accompanied by an edible tile airbrushed to look like a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A plastic lipstick tube was filled with an edible hand-rolled cylinder of raspberry-flavored white chocolate, which also transferred color like real lipstick.

Instead of the traditional headdress competition with entries from Central Florida corporations and nonprofits, this year organizers opted to feature professionally made headdresses that paid tribute to past galas along with headdresses that had won the competition in years past, including an "Ode to Marie Antoinette" from Lee James Floral (pictured).

The TapSnap photo booth was a popular new addition to this year's gala. Attendees could have their picture taken and then add digital props and animation before uploading it to their social networks.

Dancers from Hardrive Productions in mirrored bodysuits entertained guests at the V.I.P. preparty.

Guests could preview the live auction items on a table dress worn by a scantily clad model from Hardrive Productions.

To commemorate its 25th anniversary, the gala honored its founders, Hattie Wolfe and Sam Ewing, with the Golden Heart Award and sterling silver table trays.

Organizers provided a twist on the traditional red carpet by attaching it to a stilt walker's dress.

A digital lectern on stage displayed the gala's logo.

Sponsor Ketel One served drinks at the V.I.P. preparty through ice sculptures of vodka bottles.

Several aerial gymnasts from Metropolis Productions performed during the V.I.P. reception.

Throughout the evening, guests stuffed dollar bills into dancers' costumes, raising about $4,000 for the Hope and Help Center.

Feld Entertainment, producer of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, donated more than $1 million worth of costumes for the show.

Dancers from Hardrive Productions performed several high-energy numbers throughout the night.

For the first time, organizers used BidPal Network for the silent auction, which offered more than 185 items worth at least $100 each.

The cast of 75 performers made more than 400 costume changes throughout the night.

For dessert, the Hilton Orlando created a colorful duo of cheesecake and cotton candy in honor of the circus theme for the evening.

Costume sponsor Fuze Beverage provided entertainers who performed in the foyers as guests arrived.

The show involved a cast of 75, technical crew of 60, more than 100 moving lights, and more than 95 pieces of music.

Scantily- clad stiltwalking men greeted guests as they arrived at the V.I.P. reception.

Former Pussycat Dolls member Jessica Sutta performed twice during the evening.

The Flipbook People attracted a steady stream of guests who wanted to create their own instant flip books.

Tying into the circus theme, Universal Orlando's StudiOut's entry in the headdress competition was an huge container of popcorn with two performers dressed like smaller pieces of popcorn alongside it.

Chic Event Furniture Rental used drapes to add intimacy to the lounge seating in the V.I.P. reception.

Female impersonator Darcel Stevens received an award for her work on behalf of the Hope and Help Center.

The entertainment in the main ballroom began as soon as guests entered and continued nonstop until the event ended around 10:30 p.m.

The Lyric Opera of Chicago's fall 2013 Opera Ball had warm hues.

Rix Lounge at the Disney Coronado Resort hosted the fashion show and reception.

The outdoor patio consisted of a large lounge area courtesy of Unique Option, complete with accent decor by RKM Future Boys Decor.

Greenery Productions provided the floral arrangements in the V.I.P. area.

The runway was lined with leather chairs and red-cushioned temporary walls courtesy of Unique Option.

The main room of the 16th annual Headdress Ball, called Mission: Headdress. Shaken Not Stirred, offered a lounge, ice bars, dramatic lighting and continuous entertainment at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

The after-party featured glowing beds for lounging, bars, lamps, tables, and a dance floor that changed colors.

Dancers performed nonstop throughout the main event.

Lowe and Behold Event Accents created a headdress and cape made of feathers, flowers, and leaves, and won three awards.