Packed with a Playful Punch: Newton-Wellesley Hospital Gala
On Saturday night, we designed and produced the 12th Annual Newton-Wellesley Hospital Gala in the Commonwealth Foyer and Ballroom at the Copley Place Marriott. And with over 850 guests in attendance, the evening raised 3 million dollars for the Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health services – a great success! The gala celebrated “The Time is Now… to Focus on Our Kids’ Mental Health,” projecting a sense of importance and urgency for the cause, while playful décor elements added a whimsical, “kid-like” tone.
Welcomed into the Commonwealth Foyer by spandex glow columns, guests meandered through the silent auction space, navigating the 300-plus items by signage hanging from plump balloons. They perched at light infused, color-changing high tops, industrial platinum swirl tables or shopped at the glamorous Judith Ripka bar.
At 7:30pm, auctioneer, John Terrio, welcomed guests through a series of glowing “tornado” columns into the whimsical ballroom. Cylindrical hurricanes rested on over-sized gerbera daisies, which sat upon neon linens, while suspended spheres hung above the ballroom, echoing the balloons from the silent auction area. Advanced Lighting & Production Services’ ever-changing lighting colors and patterns were projected throughout the ballroom, highlighting the silver cell backdrop, glowing spheres and the Beantown Band’s rockin’ performance.
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While dining on a seasonal spring menu, guests battled for live auction items and enjoyed a surprise presentation by Jack Connors to celebrate Michael Jellinek’s 10th year of service as the president of Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
Dancing ensued in the ballroom while those looking for interactive post-dinner entertainment gave one of the four “Minute to Win It” events a try; battling the clock to perform quirky tasks, such as a team of two creating a three-soda can pyramid a piece of spaghetti and no hands. A tech-inspired “teen lounge” boasted Wii games, while classics such as hula hoop, Twister and Jenga were also offered.
Bill Brett’s photos from the night can be seen on Boston.com here.
