Client: Chicago Gateway Green

Event: Green Tie Ball XVI, Saturday, September 15, 2007

Event Overview:

For nearly two decades the Green Tie Ball has set the standard for black-tie soirees throughout the city by featuring dishes from dozens of Chicago’s top restaurants, cocktails, charitable gaming and lively entertainment. Chicago Gateway Green called upon McGowan Durpetti & Associates for the first time in 2007, entrusting them to produce their signature fundraiser. Attendees gathered at Northerly Island and found themselves transported into the Garden of Good or Evil, with the option to travel down the path of their desire. Live musicians and renowned DJs had guests dancing into the night, while costume-clad dancers showered guests with halos and horns. Full service bars throughout the venue served cocktails, while dozens of Chicago’s top restaurants tempted guests with culinary delights, offering a tasting of their signature dishes. Chicago Gateway Green partnered with one of their primary sponsors, Horseshoe Casino, to create a charitable gaming casino where guests could try their luck for a great cause. The evening’s excitement also included live and silent auctions, in addition to a car giveaway sponsored by Toyota and media partner 101.9 FM “The Mix” radio station. The evening was highlighted with an elaborate fireworks display across the Chicago skyline. Despite record breaking cold temperatures, dedicated Chicago philanthropists, civic leaders, and socialites attended the event, filling the venue with more than 1,500 guests. The success of the event earned live on-air media coverage and rave reviews from Chicago’s top media sources, further contributing to the event’s legendary reputation.

Services:

McGowan Durpetti & Associates provided full event production services for Green Tie Ball XVI. From the theme development to the planning, MD&A ensured every ‘T’ was crossed and ‘I’ was dotted in all vendor contracts and logistics development to bring the event to life, with turnkey event management to subtly patch any imperfections during the program. In addition to production, MD&A took on the task of spreading the word and creating hype, developing media relations for pre and post-event media coverage and executing a strategic marketing plan.