Save the Tatas! (also my last event with Orange Coast Memorial)

I have to admit, this was not solely my event. In fact, it was mostly handled by the fabulous marketing team at Orange Coast Memorial. 24 Carrots handled all the details of this fabulously pink event to benefit the Orange Coast Memorial Breast Center. 

Like every event, the devil in the details. While this event was free to attend, guests had the opportunity to buy quilt squares that will be assembled into a quilt to be displayed at the Orange Coast Memorial Breast Center. This project was spear-headed by an inspirational 12 year old who has dealt with the pains of breast cancer. For most of her young life, she has watched her mother struggle with this horrible disease. She has pledged to raise $12,000  in a years time to support Orange Coast Memorial's Breast Center. In addition to selling quilt squares, pink plush robes were available for purchase with the proceeds supporting Orange Coast. 

From the pink drinks to desserts, florals and linens, there was not a single aspect that didn't have a touch of the iconic breast cancer color.  

With love, dedication and hard work we can all help to end this horrible disease and support the woman bravely battling it. 

Gala 2014 a la Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

The Ritz- Carlton Laguna Niguel has always been known for elegance so I took a very minimalist approach to adding touches. At the end of the day, no matter how much detail or touches you add to an event- especially a gala, it is all about the cause. As a non-profit hospital, Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center relies strongly on the support from our donors to be able to provide the most advanced technology possible to our patients.

I wanted to add a hint of nautical elements without going overboard with the cheesy anchors and sailboats. Simple elements like tying cocktail linens with a thick rope in a square knot and monkey fist rope balls held table numbers. The amazing Paradise Delight did centerpieces for us out of drift wood, succulents and a few votive candles.

As our VIP guests arrived, they were escorted to a private reception where they enjoyed high end wine, cheese and time with our hospital senior leadership. With a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and Southern California coastline, guests love the intimate setting. 

As the rest of our guests arrived, the VIP attendees joined the silent auction. We utilized the hybrid BidPal for our silent auction. Our silent auction proceeds exceeded goal by nearly $8,000.  

Guests entered the grand ballroom to music playing and salads pre-set. After the CEO welcomed guests, guests hit the dance floor. Planning the timeline for this event is always a challenge sine this group loves to dance. Event getting them off the dance floor to eat dinner is a challenge. 

Orange Coast Memorial Foundation has been very fortunate to have former NFL Quarterback and Super Bowl champion, Vince Ferragamo' support. This year, he donated his time to come and coach a practice for kids or a community league! Guests loved it! In fact he generously donated it twice! 

The most inspiration part of the evening is when as a staff member you can step back and appreciate every donor who steps up and gives a straight donation.

 A quick look at the best part of the dinner... DESSERT! 













Working with non-profits to host events that will benefit the community is such a blessing. To see this event grow over the last 3 years has been incredible. 

A summer of donor appreciation

This summer has been quite hectic around the office with adding various naming opportunities around the hospital. With each new naming comes a dedication event. Our donors and their guests have thoroughly enjoyed getting the know the hospital and our areas of excellence through these events and we are honored to get to know these amazing philanthropists!

I never have enough photos from these events since I always end up playing double duty- event planner and photographer! 

The first event this summer was a dedication of our hybrid suite in our Cardiovascular suite. Some of our most generous donors, Al and Denise Frink have named our Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) in honor of a brave young woman, Annie Capaldi. As an athletic fifteen year old, Annie had to undergo open heart surgery. Today, at 20 years old, she is an active, healthy college student (and a member of the best sorority- Delta Delta Delta!- not that I'm biased!).     

     Our guests were able to not only to tour the hybrid suite but also get to know the incredible technology we have. We also had a few patients in attendance who's lives were saved by this technology.  

Al and Denise Frink with Annie Capaldi

The dedication took place in Annie's Suite. After that, our guests were escorted to our cafe patio where they were able to spend time together and celebrate the generosity of our donors. 

Because everyone loves a candy bar! 

I always like to make sure guests leave with a little something. 

We used dark chocolate so that our physicians wouldn't get mad at us! 

Al and Densie are big fans of wine, my kind of people! We purchased a magnum bottle of wine and asked all of our guests to sign the bottle that we gave to Al and Denise at the end of the evening. 

 The next month we hosted another dedication event! 

Vince and Jodi Ferragamo (you might know Vince from the NFL- lets go Rams!) have been supports of Orange Coast Memorial for years and we are so fortunate to have them as part of our family. Years ago, Jodi began hosting an event "Fight with Grace" to support our breast center. Over the years, this luncheon has grown exponentially.  We were honored to be able to recognize them in this way. 

A little DIY bunting goes a long way! Given that this event was a dedication for the MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Memorial, it only made sense to add some pink to the event! Including Mumm Napa Rose Sparkling wine!  

As a thank you to the Ferragamos, we had all of the guests sign a frame that we can add a photo to and present to them at a later point. Its the little personal touches that help our donors to feel like part of the family, not just a donor, and we truly are a family. 

Jodi has said it a million times, she cannot do what she does without her support system and we were thrilled to have many of her team of loyal friends and volunteers at this event. Many of these women have been by her side since the first event she hosted. 

Without them, we would not be celebrating the Ferragamo Foundation and their cumulative gifts of over $300,000! Their gifts have truly made an impact to our patents, our community and our hospital. 

In addition to the Ferragamos, we also recognized the support of one of the sweetest 11 year olds I have ever met. Since the age of 5, he mom has been battle cancer and has undergone treatments at Orange Coast Memorial. She was recently crowned Jr. Miss Southern California. She has selected the Orange Coast Memorial Foundation (specifically our oncology services) as her platform. She has set a lofty goal of $12,000 for the year!  Click here to check out ways to support her! Hearing her talk about her mom and the strength that she posses is truly inspiring! 

Golf 2013

Who doesn't love a golf tournament? Prior to April 29, 2013 I had never hosted a golf tournament or even attended one for that matter. The closest I get to playing golf is owning a set of golf clubs, that 2 years later still have the celophane on them.

I was presented with the task of changing the course, ideally to a private course that most of our board members, physicians and community members have not been able to play. After a lot of research and free lunches at various courses around Orange County, we decided on Mesa Verde Country Club in Costa Mesa. The staff at this course were amazing! I barely felt like I had to do a single thing all day.    

 

Each golf cart was personalized with guests' names, corporate sponsor and our event logo (all created by Mesa Verde for us!- another huge Thank You to them!). Mesa Verde's staff placed each guests' clubs on their carts while guests checked in, ate a light breakfast and warmed up on the driving range. (pictured above).

Before tee off, guests also could pay a minimal fee to participate in a putting contest and win a set of Golf Clubs!

  

                                                       My fabulous printer (NDM Communications) created this massive banner that you could see from miles away!

 

I wasn't kidding when I said it was massive! All of our major donors were listed on it.

  

At various holes around the course, guests could enjoy food and drinks from some of our favorites!

Hanger 24 is a crafter Brewery out of Redlands that makes some incredible beers and I was so THRILLED to have them as part of our event!

Stonefire Grill, another local FAVORITE came out to support us and serve up some delicious bites!

Another huge THANK YOU goes out to Vince Ferragmo for all of his support! He donated a bottle of wine that he made to be auctioned off. I think you can see the glee in our winner's face!

My fabulous team and one of our amazing committee members! I could not do what I do without these fabulous people!