March 27, 2013
Event Hangover
There’s only one phrase to describe what many attendees of GOCA’s 3rd annual Shaken, Not Stirred fundraising gala must be feeling even today, two plus days post event: EVENT HANGOVER. Let’s be clear, I’m not talking about the kind of hangover in which only over consumption of alcohol was involved. I referring to the kind of hangover that involves waking up sad and discombobulated because the joy and overwhelming fun you experienced and indulged in the night before will never compare to what’s ahead. Ok ok, I might be slightly exaggerating, as I’m sure many attendees woke up to lovely faces and places on Sunday morning, but the fun that was had at this year’s event really was earth shattering. GOCA staff and Sean O’Keefe Events took ideas from previous years events and brought this year’s event to a whole new level. From the moment attendees arrived at the event hangar at Peachtree Dekalb Airport, they were swept off their feet with event specific cocktails, an antipasti feast, and the hankering anticipation that something big was about to happen.
And it did. Thirty minutes into the event, the hangar doors crept open as Joe Gransden and his band perfectly played the James Bond theme song as attendees saw the event space for the first time as well as a private jet hanging out in the back drop. Yep, no big deal, there was just a little private jet serving as the back drop for this years Shaken, Not Stirred James Bond themed event. As attendees sauntered in to view the incredible silent auction items, The Capital Grille had already set up the evening’s first course: the classic Caesar salad. As guests ate, drank, and felt merry, The Capital Grille set up the dinner buffets with steak, salmon, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and their one of a kind Mac & Cheese. Joe Gransden and his mostly brass band played tunes that took you to another place entirely, a place of happiness and good vibes.
As we progress through the week, we’ll provide a few more details of the week along with ways to support GOCA throughout the year. As you look through the sampling of images provided, go ahead and mark your calendar for next years Shaken, Not Stirred fundraising gala. As you can see for yourself, it is an event with a lot of heart that should not be missed.