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Event Recap: Chicago Children’s Museum “Be A Kid Again” Gala
The playfully inspired and playfully executed “Be A Kid Again” Gala benefiting the Chicago Children’s Museum had 600+ attendees jump-hop-skipping across the playground, er, ballroom at Navy Pier this past Saturday night. A main event initiative highlighted the importance of “play” and activity in the lives of our youth. Our production and creative team reflected these values through the event program—even down to the decorative floral pieces that incorporated to-be-donated games, toys and art supplies for the Museum.
The live auction menu featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences for sale, including fashion show passes, trips around the world and priceless chef dining experiences. We are confident and delighted to report all items sold way above value.
And to make sure our guests left prepped for sweet dreams, all were sent home with donated Eli’s Cheesecake, Casteel Coffee in mugs and Jennie and Vera’s Cookies! Just what they need before being tucked in after a long night at the gala.
They ain’t singin the blues; they’re dancing to Motown!
Event Recap: Primo Center’s Red Hot Gala
The Primo Center for Women and Children has worked with Event Architects for eight consecutive years to produce the annual Red Hot Gala to benefit women and children that the Primo Center serves.
The goals of the 2009 gala were to (1) find an economical, functional and beautiful venue, (2) provide new and interesting entertainment and (3) reduce expenses without compromising the elegance and drama of the event.
With many organizations tightening their spending on fundraisers and donors doing the same with donations, it is practical that budgets be scrutinized and cut wherever they can be. Event Architects designed an initiative to keep costs low, yet maintain a high-level event that kept the audience entertained.
After an extensive venue search—restaurants, hotels and blank canvas-type spaces—one of the most assuming venues rose to the top of the list: the Millennium Park Pritzker Stage. With a reasonable rental price and minimal décor needed, this venue proved to be a show stopping space for the 2009 Red Hot Gala. The Motown-themed fete fit the bill with a foursome singing act, southern-inspired cuisine, record-lined walls and deep red roses everywhere!
Guests swayed to the Motown tunes at the beginning of the evening. But the beats kept building, and soon tables had to be moved in order to accommodate the guests’ energetic dance moves! The Motown music eventually transitioned into modern day pop, and the crowd kept dancing until midnight! From a distance, the Pritzker Stage provided a spectacle for the city to see!
This year’s Red Hot Gala truly was an event fit to be on stage! Check out the Red Hot Gala video here.
