A Jest Set Evening
A foundation chose an airplane hangar venue for its 25th-year fundraiser as a nod to its origins; its first fundraiser in 1982 was held in a hangar. The evening’s themes were the silver anniversary and the 1980s, flight, and the organization’s bright future. The planners decided to divide the huge hangar space into three “rooms” representing 1982, 2007, and 2032.
As guests arrived at the event, flashing runway-type lights led them to the valet parking. The area set up for the silent auction was designed with a 1980s theme, with brightly colored linens, ’80s music, and iconic toys: Rubik’s Cubes, Transformers, and My Little Ponies. The venue featured a VIP aircraft that guests could tour while flight attendants served cocktails and hor d’oeuvres. A photographer took pictures of guests in the cockpit.
Guests had to walk through the plane to get to the next space: the 2007 dinner area, which was focused on the silver anniversary. A harpist on a masked scissor lift played above the tables, lit by a spotlight. The overall effect was dominated by silver linens and chairs, tall centerpieces, and twinkling lights. Later, the 2032 area, with its futuristic “sky lounge” theme, was revealed. It featured white lounge furniture, white flowers and linens, acrylic decor, and LED lighting. A band played for dancing and, in a dramatic moment, the hangar doors lifted to show the glowing lights of the airport in the distance.
Other nominees:
• Jen Klosner, Daniel Young, Jodi Collen, Lindsay Conway, Gabrielle Malman
• Daniel Young
