Sunday, December 29

An Evening in Hollywood



On September 28, 2013 in Newport Beach, California the Orange Coast Memorial Foundation hosted their annual Fall Gala at the Island Hotel.

This event was host to nearly 350 guests who enjoyed a silent auction, live auction, live entertainment and fine dining.

Before the festivities began, some of the most loyal donors enjoyed a VIP reception with 100 guests. During this reception, wine, champagne and an array of cheeses were served.  
As the reception came to a close, guests were greeted by some of the talented students from the Orange County School of the Arts.
Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire
 
Marilyn Monroe, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball

As the rest of the guests arrived they were greeted with signature drinks (Champagne cocktails and whiskey sours).  At check in guests were given an escort card (to theme of course!) 
These were a DYI project that I completed using grommets,
black and white striped paper and business size cards
printed by the always fabulous NDM Communications.


When guests entered into the silent auction area they saw something most of them had never experienced- digital bidding! For this event we opted for a company called BidTec, they utilize iPads placed around the room for guests to bid on auction items, look over the program, take photos and more.








Guests enjoyed live performances from Stellar Band during the silent auction while mingling with the student performers from OCSA.


Once guests entered the ballroom they were greeted by students from OCSA to help them find their seats before the festivities began.

Guests entered the room to salads preset on their tables and BidTec IPads placed on the tables for them to continue bidding on silent auction items.




















There are few things that make me happier as an event planner than seeing a table fully set and ready for guests, but the best part is hearing guests talk about how much they loved the setting. At the end of the night, guests we taking everything from the centerpieces to the table numbers I created.

As the evening progressed, guests were entertained with live performances, live auction, award presentations, 3 course meal and dancing! 











I want to thank all of my amazing vendors, volunteers, team and guests for making this an amazing event!