GALAS
Point of Enchantment
The Artumnal Gathering 2017, Under the Big Top at Alameda Point
Role: Logistics Manager
The Artumnal Gathering, first held in 2007, is a gala that raises money for Burning Man Project, the nonprofit organization that builds Black Rock City and provides resources and education world-wide to empower and inspire a network of artists and volunteers. The 1,400-person event, which raised $385,000 in 2017, includes a formal sit-down dinner with live and silent auctions, and then a larger dance party later in the evening. The soiree has been held at three iconic venues in the Bay Area--the Bently Reserve, the Regency Ballroom, and the Big Top at Alameda Point--shown here in separate galleries. I’ve managed logistics for the event since 2013, coordinating all deliveries, inventory, load-in, set-up, strike, load-out, and infrastructure needs. In 2017 I led a ground-up build at Alameda Point, for which we utilized temporary structures and brought in power, water, sanitation to a previously empty tarmac. In addition to four large tents (including a massive circus tent) and five shipping containers, the event grounds included more than a dozen art installations of various sizes. A teaser video for the event can be viewed here.
Photographers: David Hill, Chuck Revell, Reese Brindisi, Misha Kutuzov
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The Prometheus Ball
The Artumnal Gathering 2016 at the Regency Ballroom
Role: Logistics Manager
In 2016 we moved the Artumnal Gathering (described above) to the Regency Ballroom after nine years at our original venue, and I led the adventure of building our event in a new space with a whole new labyrinth of rooms to transform with art, light, sound, and performance. I managed logistics for the event, coordinating all deliveries, inventory, load-in, set-up, strike, load-out, and infrastructure needs.
Photographers: Chuck Revell, David Hill, and Eric Schwabel
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The Artumnal Gathering
2013-2015 at the Bently Reserve
Role: Logistics Lead
Prior to 2016 we held the Artumnal Gathering (described above) at the Bently Reserve, a majestic old building in San Francisco’s Financial District. Each year we transformed five rooms of the Reserve into unique environments for our guests, incorporating sculpture, art installations, wearable art, and aerial performance, as well as music and dance. Since 2013 I’ve managed logistics for the event, coordinating all deliveries, inventory, load-in, set-up, strike, load-out, and infrastructure needs.
Photographer: Marco Sanchez
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Beach Blanket Babylon
JCCSF Showcase 2016
Role: Event Manager
Showcase is the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco’s (JCCSF's) annual Center-wide fundraising gala. The 350-person event includes a catered cocktail hour, a big splashy live performance, and a dessert reception. The Beach Blanket Babylon theme in 2016 was my brainchild. I brought the official Beach Blanket Babylon show to the JCCSF and I designed two unique environments for the book-ending receptions: guests were greeted by a bright poppy Pier 39-esque scene surrounded by colorful Painted Ladies, and then after the show they emerged back into the same room transformed into an elegant sparkling evening reminiscent of a stroll along the Embarcadero, complete with a silhouette of the city skyline, vendors hawking cotton candy and kettle corn, and a trio of street musicians. I conceptualized and implemented each aspect of the event from dress code to decor to dessert. The event raised over $600,000, hitting our fundraising goal, and I brought expenses in under budget. A short video showing highlights from the event can be found here.
Photographer: Marc Hors
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The Roaring 20s
JCCSF Star Gala 2015
Role: Event Manager
Star Gala is a fundraising gala for the three preschools that are a part of the JCCSF. It’s now run solely by the preschool parents, but in 2015 and 2016 I was the event manager and oversaw all aspects of the swanky 350-person event, which included a 180-item silent auction, casino tables, a catered buffet, open bars, and a rollicking dancefloor. The 2015 theme was The Roaring 20s, and I guided the preschool parents through their selection of entertainment and decor to fit with the theme.
Photographer: John Orvis
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Steppin’ Out
JCCSF Showcase 2015
Role: Event Manager
The 2015 JCCSF Showcase (described above) payed homage to Michael Jackson, with an MJ cover band, a local dance troupe reenacting the Thriller video, and a drag queen entourage of Michael’s friends hovering around the photo booth. As the event manager I oversaw the development and execution of the entire event, but in particular I contributed three big interactive pieces of the decor: a petting zoo of oversized stuffed animals, replicating the menagerie at Neverland; a “sparkle station” where guests could don hats and gloves and rhinestones to get in costume; and a light-up dancefloor that virtually guaranteed non-stop dancing once the band began.
Photographer: Marc Hors
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The Big Easy
JCCSF Star Gala 2016
Role: Event Manager
In 2016 for Star Gala (described above) the JCCSF preschool parents wanted a New Orleans theme, but without the cliche Mardi Gras vibe. We settled on The Big Easy, and we brought in a brass marching band as well as an array of entertainers to replicate the feel of a vibrant street scene--stilter, a fortune teller, a caricaturist, and a photo booth.
Photographer: John Orvis
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