Patrons and partygoers took a walk on the wild side at the 2008 Storybook Ball benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay on May 17. Each year the charity selects a different fairy tale or children's book to inspire the event's theme. The charity enlisted Vickii Walters of Gold Productions to bring to life the classic bedtime story Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
A menagerie of colorful, playful stiltwalkers from Busch Gardens entertainment at the A La Carte Event Pavilion greeted guests as they arrived. Patrons were also encouraged to become one with the jungle by applying whimsical temporary tattoos available at two body painting stations.Tables were clad in satin linens in a multitude of color combinations from coral and chartreuse to teal and gold. Each of the 50 rounds featured a slightly different centerpiece created by Gold by mixing the shades of roses used and the size and height of the creations. Larger arrangements featuring big palm fronds were placed on top of the tables along the perimeter of the space to create the appearance of a forest along the walls. Lifelike cutouts of King Max and many of the other Wild Things characters were nestled into the back of the ballroom to make for a unique photo opportunity for guests. In addition, 12 towering neon palm trees helped create the jungle atmosphere.
The dinner menu featured courses named after famous phrases from the book, such as the main course-an herb-poached sea bass and petit filet surrounded by an ocean of smoked tomato grits and a forest of little asparagus trees-called King of the Wild.
Throughout dinner many yellow-eyed monsters lurked around tables bringing to life the story and entertaining guests while they dined. A performer dressed as King Max even danced and jumped merrily upon a bed.
Following dinner, partygoers took to the dance floor as the band Hologram played an eclectic mixture of classic party favorites and new hits.
Upon leaving, each attendee was given a coffee plant kit, complete with everything needed to create their own little forest at home courtesy of Busch Gardens.
A menagerie of colorful, playful stiltwalkers from Busch Gardens entertainment at the A La Carte Event Pavilion greeted guests as they arrived. Patrons were also encouraged to become one with the jungle by applying whimsical temporary tattoos available at two body painting stations.Tables were clad in satin linens in a multitude of color combinations from coral and chartreuse to teal and gold. Each of the 50 rounds featured a slightly different centerpiece created by Gold by mixing the shades of roses used and the size and height of the creations. Larger arrangements featuring big palm fronds were placed on top of the tables along the perimeter of the space to create the appearance of a forest along the walls. Lifelike cutouts of King Max and many of the other Wild Things characters were nestled into the back of the ballroom to make for a unique photo opportunity for guests. In addition, 12 towering neon palm trees helped create the jungle atmosphere.
The dinner menu featured courses named after famous phrases from the book, such as the main course-an herb-poached sea bass and petit filet surrounded by an ocean of smoked tomato grits and a forest of little asparagus trees-called King of the Wild.
Throughout dinner many yellow-eyed monsters lurked around tables bringing to life the story and entertaining guests while they dined. A performer dressed as King Max even danced and jumped merrily upon a bed.
Following dinner, partygoers took to the dance floor as the band Hologram played an eclectic mixture of classic party favorites and new hits.
Upon leaving, each attendee was given a coffee plant kit, complete with everything needed to create their own little forest at home courtesy of Busch Gardens.
Throughout dinner a King Max performer danced and jumped merrily upon a bed to amuse guests.
Rob Moorman Photographics
Upon leaving, each attendee was given a coffee plant kit, complete with everything needed to create their own little forest at home, courtesy of Busch Gardens.
Photography by Chanele
A menagerie of colorful, playful stiltwalkers greeted guests as they arrived at the A La Carte Event Pavilion.
Photography by Chanele
Tables were clad in satin linens in a multitude of color combinations from coral and chartreuse to teal and gold topped with centerpieces of varying sizes and colors.
Rob Moorman Photographics
Twelve towering neon palm trees assisted in transforming the space into a jungle atmosphere.
Photography by Chanele
Patrons were encouraged to become one with the jungle by applying a temporary tattoo from the two body painting stations.
Photography by Chanele
A bed outfitted with a mini trampoline, for entertainment purposes, was placed in the middle of the dance floor to create the feeling of being inside Max's bedroom.
Photography by Chanele
Lifelike cutouts of King Max and many of the other Wild Things characters were nestled into the back of the ballroom creating a whimsical photo opportunity.
Rob Moorman Photographics
Throughout dinner a King Max performer danced and jumped merrily upon a bed to amuse guests.
Rob Moorman Photographics
The larger centerpieces featured palm fronds and were placed atop the tables along the perimeter of the space to create the appearance of a forest within the pavilion.
Photography by Chanele
