It’s home, sweet home for next month’s Jewel Ball.
After a seven-year run at Starlight Theatre while the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was undergoing renovations, the town’s crème de la crème fundraiser is returning to the museum in all its glory.
As I was talking to guests at the Ballet Ball recently, and everyone was congratulating chairwoman Lisa Hickok about the event netting a record-breaking $500,000, someone leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Just wait until the Lyric Opera Ball in April. I’ve heard they’re going to hit the biggie.”
Sometimes it’s difficult to host a fundraiser that’s informative and fun at the same time.
What often happens at these galas is that guests are mingling, eating and enjoying casual conversation, and then the chairman and other principals of the fundraiser rise to the podium for their speeches.
As a rule, fundraisers and holidays aren’t a good match.
Now and then you may see a holiday tree gala or a wear-your-costume Halloween party, but for the most part, nonprofits and arts organizations steer clear of overused holiday themes.
The table where guests and family gather for food and conversation truly is the center of holiday entertaining, local designers and florists say.
