The event unfolded in a story-like fashion with several transitions adding intrigue and fun throughout the evening.
The evening began with guests entering from the parking lot, set with burning barrels. Cocktail hour followed and featured a large site-specific installation entitled 360º Illusion, by the featured artists of the evening, Jeppe Hein. Live music was provided by composer Zeke Keeble, bassist Evan Florey-Barnes and Merce Cunnigham Duo to set the mood.
As dinner approached, curtains were opened to reveal a foggy room with 30 oversized tables each with a huge white orb overhead. A delicious meal was provided by Jonathan Sundstrom of Lark.
When guests completed their meals, the tables were cleared and stripped of their linens to reveal that the dining tables were, in fact, ping-pong tables. The guests then participated in a Berlin style ping-pong tournament.
Signaling the next transition, a video of exploding croquembouche was shown across all of the walls and the marching band Orkestar Zirconium segued the occasion into a dance party.
The curtains were then re-opened to reveal a banging party of lower-dollar-donors eating glamorous desserts by William Leaman, Champion De Monde de la Boulangerie of Bakery Nouveau. More surprises ensued as a performance from theater producer, Mark Siano wowed guests.
It was a memorable evening and a good time was had by all!