How a Fundraising Event at the Cleveland Museum of Art Was Centered Around a Work of heART
When we started planning the American Heart Association (AHA) Cleveland’s 2018 Heart & Stroke Ball, we knew it would be relocating to the internationally renowned Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). When thinking about a theme, we knew right away that “art” would be the focus. We worked with the AHA team to envision collateral for this event from beginning to end, starting with a blank canvas.
When sponsors received their “save the date”, it came in the form of a personal visit from coordinators of the Ball, who presented them with a nearly blank canvas. It simply said: “Work of heART. Coming soon to a museum near you,” along with the event date.
When guests received their “save the date”, they got a card that was a blank canvas on one side and the beginnings of a painting on the other. The painting, commissioned from local artist Jacqueline DelBrocco, was an impressionistic preview of the event they were being invited to attend – depicting guests inside CMA’s atrium, including a dancing couple complete with swirling red dress. By the time they received their formal invitation, the painting was complete.
The event theme was woven through the entire event – on invitations, signage, menus, place-settings, and even live entertainment. We commissioned live performers to represent characters from famous works of art; they emerged from framed set pieces to entertain our guests while Jacqueline DelBrocco painted the whole event in real-time. To complete the theme, Jacqueline’s live event painting was made into a thank you note and mailed to all of the event guests and supporters.
Client
American Heart Association
Venue
Cleveland Museum of Art
Date
June 2, 2018
Photography
Orville McEachron Photography
Pixelate Photography and Design
About AHA Cleveland's Heart & Stroke Ball
The mission of the American Heart Association is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Their mission drives everything they do, and Heart & Stroke Ball is one of their primary fundraising events.
Event festivities include dinner, an opportunity to Open Your Heart and further support the mission, and an exciting silent and live auction. The event’s location, theme and decor are largely driven by the honorary chair – but it is always an event with heart.
