Red Cross: Red Cross Gala
BRINGING IN EVERYTHING,
INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK
The Ask: The Red Cross Gala is an annual “red tie” event that boasts some of the Bay Area’s most generous giving—typically raising seven figures in a single night. Setting the stage for all of that philanthropy doesn’t go without a significant amount of planning; especially when it means transforming a raw, blank space like the iconic Fort Mason in San Francisco.
The Answer: Our approach involved thinking through every small detail so that the Red Cross could shine and focus on what it needed to do that night: encourage donations. We brought in power, built a tented outdoor kitchen, created a red carpet entrance, and engaged CEO-level security for high profile guests. We even shipped a mobile home from LA to serve as a green room, so that when it came time for curtain, guests would be dazzled enough to bid on the once-in-a-life-time experiences like dining with the members of Hamilton...not stuck in line for the bathroom.
This event was one of two we’ve done with the Red Cross, including a five-day build-out for their gala the previous year under a tent on Treasure Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, during a lightning storm (a very rare weather phenomenon for San Francisco and definitely an outdoor event challenge).
The Venue: Fort Mason, San Francisco
Photo Credit: Vittoria Zupicich Photography
the deliverables
Transform white space
Spatial design
Rich interior design
AV management
Spatial design and creative consulting
VIP personal security
All vendor management including theme-based catering and consultation
Staffing and volunteer coordination
Print management
Budget management
Entertainment
Unique vendor and activation sourcing
Complex entertainment riders
Green room and stage management
Stage management and technical direction
Valet parking coordination
Loading and strike logistics
VIP sponsor lounge creation
Car exhibits logistics
Fire permits
Power distribution
We love a blank canvas. We specialize in taking vast open spaces and creating the event of your dreams, from registration to the silent auction, from a gala dinner to the reception space—all under one roof.
Cars can provide a great photo opp for guests, but getting them indoors can be tricky. We checked all the safety boxes to showcase the sponsor’s vehicle inside the gala.
That big smile on the face of our special entertainment is because our team was busy behind the scenes making sure every line of their rider was met. Going the extra mile, even if it means driving up a “green room” mobile home from LA, is in our DNA.
