Choice Group is an organization whose mission is to provide at risk and foster youth with the safe in the train environment that promotes music and related arts programs as Recreational, educational and life enhancing opportunities.
Founder and Executive Director Dana came with me came to me with an idea of producing their very first annual Los Angeles fundraiser. He is very charming and his cause is so worthy, so with a limited budget, limited time, but grand ideas and a lot of motivation, we took on the dream!
Dana already had some big hitter musicians on board, including musical duo Erica and Tina of Mary Mary and writer, producer, musician Warren Campbell.
I was able to negotiate a “friends and family” rate for the Santa Monica beachfront Venue Annenberg Beach House.
This is a small space so we had to be very efficient in the layout planning. Here is the floorplan we created which offered a red carpet entrance, step and repeat (photo backdrop), cocktail reception with silent auction, an intimate concert setting and VIP lounge. AND, a green room for the celebrity entertainers to relax. Whew!
The color theme was masculine and elegant with a palette of cool blue, platinum gray and black. Blue up-lighting reflected on walls and white draping plus white lounge furniture and black cocktail attire created the effect.
Black, Platinum and Blue Palette
Black, Platinum and Blue Palette Reference
In addition to the cocktail reception and silent auction, Mary Mary performed an intimate acoustic set, and there was a live electronic auction. I scheduled several of the kids who participate in the program to be at the event and share some of their musical expressions with the guests. Getting safe rides for them from their home all the way to north Santa Monica was a challenge because their parents worked until six or later. But we were able to coordinate ride shares and volunteer helped with pick ups. Having the kids at the event was a real highlight of the night.
The spirits vendor I use most, Wally Wines and Spirits delivered full choice of medium-label beverages which were impressive but stayed in budget.
We used Pico Party Rentals for the staging, AV and some of the furniture. Mary Merry required some backline studio instrument rentals and I called my friend Joey at SIR studio rentals who was very patient with our timeline and budget.
One of the most difficult tasks was putting together the sponsor book. We had to write content and create ads which showcased the sponsors. Getting the sponsors to send in their logos and camera ready ads sometime is always such a challenge! But alas the book come together and looked pretty snazzy!
I wasn’t able to be on site for the day-of the event but I heard it went smoothly and was a very good turnout and they met expectations and fundraising for their first annual gala. Congratulations Choice Group!