Afro-Chic Theme

The For the Children Gala, a fundraiser in its 8th year had an extreme makeover and it was a huge success! Inspired by a video art piece by Carrie Mae Weems titled Afro-Chic.

The invite used still images to reflect "Afro-Chic" and used 60's mod language to reflect the mood of the event as being a "funky, urban party."

The invite image became the inspiration for the event decor. Walls draped in deep red satin fabric, black linens for cafe tables with black chair covers and zebra print ties, zebra print linens for large guest tables with black chair covers and turquoise ties, turquoise linens for hi-boy tables. The color combination was hip.

Guests were encouraged to express their inner "Afro-Chic" and did they! There were some big 'fros, some natural and others not. For those not prepared we had colorful Afro wigs available.

The menu was Afro-centric featuring Caribbean, Creole, and Soul foods. The music was disco featuring About Time Band (www.abouttimebandmix.com). We had a runway coming off of the stage for guests to strut their "Afro-Chic" that became an addition to the dance floor. Guests loved it (I kept my fingers crossed that no one would fall off).

The proceeds from this event support youth development programs for urban youth. This event if "for the children." So we incorporate the talents of the youth. As guests enter the building the Eradication Drill Team was performing their dance drills - very cool to watch. Over the summer youth worked on photography projects and this was displayed at the event. And finally, we wanted the teens to express themselves and had them make protest signs that was reflective of their thoughts and who they were. We had them as "living statues" on the runway as the party was getting kicked-off.

The whole event was fun, high-energy and the night ended with guests wanting more and excited to come back next year. This is how you grow a fundraiser. Make it an experience that keeps guests coming back and bringing their friends with them.