Writing this blog has been on my mind for weeks. This event was a huge dream come true, the memories made and lives touched that night were nothing short inspiring. But also, it was the last event Flying Horse Ranch hosted, and that stings.
I mention because it’s a little dark right now, and even our brightest moments might not be viewed the same. That’s actually ok… don’t be hard on yourself. So at this moment right now, we are going to dig deep, remember the smiles, happy tears, HUGS, and love for the community that happened here just a few short months ago.
So, what is the Giveback Game? It is this concept of event professionals coming together, and donating their services to nonprofits in our local community. Where our talented industry and their huge hearts really showed up and gave back. They just loved people, that are loving on other people, and it might be the coolest chain reaction we’ve ever witnessed.
The theme was from the show from the 70’s “The Dating Game” everyone threw on their best 70’s attire, we were so impressed! Brittany Tolibas of Privè Events had the idea for a “dating show” theme and it fit, the nonprofits came to win the hearts of our event professionals, and man did they ever. These nonprofits getting up on stage and sharing their hearts (cue waterworks!) there wasn’t a dry eye in the house…
The event design was SO FUN. As event professionals we spend most weekends experiencing elaborate romantic designs with soft colors and we wanted to do something different. This was an event for the people that throw events, and Lina Hoekman Events absolutely knocked it out of the park! The color palette, disco balls, linens, balloon display (OMG Balloon display!) stage backdrop (still gives me all the feels), stationary, the whole thing was just a burst of colorful joy, and we soaked it in!
Our event industry professionals came together and donated services for a combined amount of $154,000. We were blown away by the generosity of our industry. One of the nonprofits we invited is a victim of human trafficking. After she presented she said “I have never felt so much love in a room”. It may have been the best thing we’ve ever done, and we cannot wait to make this an annual event.
