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The 300-plus guests follow a drum line into the basketball arena floor of the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center. The gala, which raised funds for a new breast health center, had traditionally been held in a ballroom.
An overview of the arena. Thrilled with the endless possibilities for sponsor recognition from Jumbotrons to LED screens, sponsors jumped on board from the start, organizers say.
Ivan Carlson Event Design and Production and 25/8 Productions and Labor were key members of the team.
An overview of the arena floor.
A long view.
Held just before the start of college basketball madness and office bracketology, the gala's client was excited about the proposed format, the planners say. With a new energy to attract sponsors and guests, messaging focused on the power of a team to raise money for a new Breast Health Center.
A view of the stage.
The fun table decor.
A basketball serves as a vase.
For the live auction, guests use foam fingers as paddles.
As guests made their way through the upscale buffet line, various games with door prizes kept them moving and entertained. From pop-a-shot for raffle prizes, to heading down the red carpet for a chance to make a half-court shot for $10K, and a paddle raise with foam finger style auction paddles, "the results were incredible," the planners say.
Guests play on the arena floor.
The concessions stand.
A guest makes a bid.
"Coach" shares a play.
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