Whimsical, creative and fun. Merry Me! channeled their inner child for this black-tie formal and created a bold and colorful celebration to honor contributors who had helped make a $50-million modern children’s hospital a reality.
The new facility, designed to serve children from a 15-county area in Michigan and Indiana, focuses on providing it’s pediatric patients with a warm and comforting environment.
A Colorful Experience
The building itself sets the theme, with accents of color integrated into its multi-level façade. The modern interior was designed to bring “nature and healing” to recovering patients. This whimsical theme made vibrant color choices a natural option.
Kid-Centered Experience
Guests were greeted by a colorfully-costumed man on stilts, holding a giant balloon at the valet parking area. That was the first hint of the fun that was to come.
Sensory Delights
Showcasing the building, and allowing guests to experience the potential of the treatment center was the primary reason for the party, and the chosen theme of childlike wonder reinforced the marvels and the promises of modern medical treatment. Color, flowers, art, whimsy and smiles were the order of the evening.
A Garden of Food Stations
It can be difficult to create appealing displays of pick-your-own taste treats. Not here, however, with sushi displayed on large platters surrounded by fresh flowers in bright containers, hanging tiers of cheeses, fruits, and sumptuous desserts, and dramatic tall beverages with colorful surprises offered by servers passing among the guests.
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Edible Wall Art
Living salad walls and skewered fruit became major foodie destinations at the event, as well as awesome topics of conversation. What fun! The menu was just as exuberant, featuring bacon-wrapped dates and “lamb lollipops” among other delectable offerings.
Art at the Table
Party planners chose to leave almost no surface unadorned at this gala. Round tables were draped in our watercolor inspired Aquarelle, and decorated with colorful blooms in crayon-hued containers.
Living Art
Guests watched as a professional watercolorist captured the scene from various vantage points; party-goers were treated to unexpected takeaway treats — personalized frameable art documenting their attendance, discreetly done by a “hit and run” artist during the evening.
Smiles and Success Stories
Guests were escorted by Beacon Kids (former neo-natal patients) past a children’s choir as they entered the new building. A resident “Patch Adams” performed familiar antics to keep guests smiling. Food displays and happy surroundings enlivened the mood. And the message was inspiring. All in all, it was a bright beginning for Beacon Children’s Hospital!
Credits:
Event Design + Specialty Rentals + Fresh Floral + Coordinating: Merry Me Events | Catering: Cafe Navarre Catering | Rentals: Aay’s Rentals | Lighting, Technical and AV: ProShow | Photos courtesy of: Midwest Photographics