DREAM GALA

IT’S SURREAL WHAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH WITH RESEARCH.

Surreal is a versatile word. It can evoke feelings of unease and uncertainty. Much like what children and their families feel when they receive a cancer diagnosis. When something feels surreal it can also feel dreamlike or impossible in a positive way. Such as, creating a better treatment for a hard-to-treat pediatric cancer.

By basing the gala theme on a world with layered meaning, the Dream Gala was given space to encapsulate this wide rage of emotion. It also hit on what it felt like to be in a shared space together after taking two years off from hosting an in-person gala.

The focal point of the logo is a butterfly, which is a key element from the Children’s Cancer Research Fund logo. The butterfly is very recognizable and important to the major donor attendees. The center window shape that the butterfly appears to be flying into represents entering the unknown and moving towards future solutions for ending childhood cancer.

The event invitation features foil and a widow cut out for added intrigue and dimension.

The signage and wayfinding designs featured bold type set to pop in evening event lighting.

Large swathes of fabric with cloud like balloons and stars added interest to the vast ceiling at the event venue, The Armory. Lights were used to create subtle color changes on the balloons and fabric on the ceiling mimicking the moving gradient from the brand guidelines.

Powerpoint slides were designed with colorful shapes that transitioned between slides to add interest throughout the evening of speeches and live auction.

Floral designs featured both live and dried florals of varying textures and colors to add to the unexpected dreamlike feeling.

Handouts on each seat covered additional messaging, recognition, dinner menu, and program elements.