Starlight, Star Bright

Growing up, "change" was a word that I dreaded. I can't tell you how many times I would groan when my dance instructor would say, "Okay, we're going to change a part of your solo."

Change?! It meant more work, more brain power, more time, more practice.

I. Hated. Change.

To be honest, I still don't really love it, but I crave new adventures... and my first big event with my new job, The Starlight Ball, was definitely an adventure!

• 450 guests
• 5 sold auction items -- including a '55 Chevy Bel Air Convertible
• a boogy-filled dance floor
• a bustling casino tent
• and an evening with my friends who were amazing volunteers

... all for the benefit of Children's Hospital Foundation.

Go ahead and sign me up for this experience over and over and over again!

(This video was taken during one of the best parts of my night -- things were going so well, I was able to spend some time on the dance floor with some of my best friends)

My favorite part of being an event coordinator is seeing the space go from crazy chaotic with boxes everywhere, to the pristine implemented vision, to a space filled with event-goers, to the aftermath of a successful event, and finally to the original state as if we were never there.

There's a bizarre satisfaction in my work being so "temporary."

The day before an event is always filled with last minute details -- making scripts, cutting (450!) name cards, making signs for volunteers in the casino, etc.

Luckily, the snow and winter weather held off until Sunday, but the fountain still told us that it was a little cold outside...

 

Remember those sold auction items that I mentioned earlier? Well, the first was a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Convertible. Man oh man, she was a beauty! We also had a display of 100 bottles of wine - the winner took home all 100 bottles. No simple wine pull for this group!

I apologize for the cruddy picture quality from this point forward, but stage lights and iPhones do not mix. This first one is particularly grainy because I was in-motion when I snapped it. This is true customer service ladies and gents -- my AV guy got a microphone for the dinner chime because it couldn't be heard over the roaring crowd. 

"The Roof Raisers" were amazing and had this girl moving and grooving all night long. I absolutely loved seeing all the guests having a blast on the dance floor!

The casino was pretty packed as well!

I started my evening on the dance floor during the band's sound check, and I finished my evening on the dance floor with some of our staff, my best friends, and our amazing sound technicians. 

By the end of the event, there were quite a few selfie-videos on my phone of bad singing and stellar dance moves. I have watched them over and over again since Saturday night. Color me one very happy event coordinator. 

And now, it's time to get ready for the holidays!!

xoxo, E