EVENT BRIEF
Having worked with Together for Short Lives for the last three years, Story Events were delighted to bring the 2021 Fundraising Ball to life. The team set to work on venue sourcing, creative development and design, catering and production management and of course budget management. M&S Food were the headline sponsor, allowing for fantastic feasting fantasies to be delivered.
DELIVERY
With the headline sponsor in mind, one special guest had to make an appearance – Percy Pig!
Story Events drew up three theming concepts to encapsulate the Together for Short Lives brand and M&S Food’s Percy Pig. Connecting both team’s visions gave us endless opportunities to achieve a magical experience. However, ‘Together for Short Lives presents: Percy Pig’s Dreamland Ball’ was the final creation.
Following a thorough London venue search, we found 8 Northumberland Avenue. With it’s grand entrance, multiple spaces, high-end AV and heaps of Percy potential it was the perfect space to host the Ball.
OK! Magazine had exclusive rights to the event. Using a separate reception space, they interviewed VIPs at the branded step and repeat board, complete with a glamorous pink carpet. Guests were able to meet Percy and Penny Pig during the drinks reception and take photos with him on the bespoke crescent moon photo-scene, all whilst sipping on delightful and decadent pink cocktails.
The ballroom’s transformation was simply dreamy. There was a twinkling starry night sky, complete with pink floating clouds. Alongside this a dramatic stage set with LED wall as well as stunning colourful florals to dress the tables. Story also managed the full running order, overseeing production from start to finish. The effervescent Tom Allen hosted and speeches came from the Simon Cowell as patron, Together for Short Lives’ CEO and M&S Marketing Director. However, it was the parent speaker, who spoke about how TFSL had impacted their family’s life, that touched everyone’s heart’s in the room.
A fundraising event is not complete without chances to raise money and support. Silent and live auctions were the tool to deliver this for the Together for Short Lives Fundraising Ball. Lord Jeffery Archer conducted the live auction and pledge which raised over £160,000 alone! Story’s team and the volunteers were on hand to help during the vital pledging moment.
Percy Pig’s Ice Cream Parlour was then open for guests to indulge. Tucking into Percy’s ice cream and bespoke dessert station, a Story Events’ special, was the perfect way to celebrate sweet success of the earlier auction. The dulcet tones of Craig David then joined the stage for a 30 minute set, which had everyone up on their feet dancing. Roman Kemp and DJ Gem closed the night with some brilliant music.
RESULT
It wasn’t just any ball, it was Percy Pig’s Dreamland Ball, raising an astonishing £415,000 for children living with life limiting conditions and their families living in the UK.
“I have no words for how incredible the Story team was last night. Calm, collected and super diligent. Thank you so much for handling everything so professionally. You have been a dream this entire process.”
Kaitlyn Noy-Man, Special Events Officer for Together for Short Lives.
If you are interested in hosting your next in-person event, then please get in touch with the team today to discuss.
0207 8709303 | [email protected]
