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Chocolate Wasted

October 23, 2012 in Client news | No comments

“If there’s no chocolate in Heaven, I’m not going.”
― Jane Seabrook, Furry Logic Laugh at Life

That quotation pretty much sums up how I feel.  An avid believer in the healing powers of chocolate, when I found out Easter Seals Nevada would not only host their second annual “Cheers to Chocolate” event this October, but that I would be involved in the planning process, “excited” doesn’t even begin to describe my emotions.

Taking place at Tivoli Village here in Las Vegas, one of the most beautiful and scenic shopping experiences in the city with European-inspired architecture, “Cheers to Chocolate” is an evening full of delicious wines provided by Total Wine & More and chocolate treats of all kinds from vendors throughout the area.  It’s like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory…for adults.  I took preparing for this event very seriously.  I didn’t eat lunch or dinner that day so that I would have room for (literally) all the chocolate. I’m talking—chocolate cupcakes, chocolate covered popcorn, chocolate strawberries, biscotti with chocolate flavors, chocolate vinegars (it sounds gross but is oh-so-good and also only 130 calories a bottle), braised short rib in a chocolate sauce, chocolate coffee, chocolate truffles–somebody check my pulse, I think I just went into diabetic shock just thinking about it again!

Paired with a silent auction of fabulous items and a special musical performance by The Phat Pack, “Cheers to Chocolate” donates the proceeds raised back to Easter Seals Nevada, helping them to serve more than 7,000 Nevadans living with disabilities.  Talk about a win-win (or a win-win-wine, if you will), I was ecstatic to be a part of such an important event. 

The evening of October 20 rolled around and the perfect fall Vegas night opened its arms to us.  A cool breeze filled the outdoor venue and before we knew it, hundreds of Las Vegans were strolling down the now packed cobblestone streets of Tivoli, sampling a smorgasbord of chocolate treats, sipping wines from all around the world and bidding on silent auction items.  Twinkling pink Christmas lights lit up the trees and musical numbers from Broadway shows echoed through the night sky and for a moment, we were all a part of something bigger than ourselves. 

And yes, the wines and chocolates were fantastic (have I mentioned the braised short rib in a chocolate sauce?), however my favorite part of the evening was seeing the Easter Seals Nevada team beaming with the success of the event. Tears in their eyes, they hugged one another tightly in recognition of the impact the funds raised will make in the lives of thousands of people throughout Nevada.  When I heard the words “We’ve nearly doubled last year’s attendance,” my heart swelled and I, too found myself blinking back tears. 

As the evening came to a close, bottles of wine were nestled carefully back in their boxes and only a few abandoned truffle wrappers remained tousling in the breeze; a reminder of a divine evening and the pieces of ourselves we leave behind.  And if you ask me, I’d say the attendees of this year’s “Cheers to Chocolate” left pretty substantial ones. 

However, I think I ate 14 cupcakes.

˜Camille Yameen

 

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A Black & White Affair

August 31, 2011 in Client news | No comments

On Aug. 27, I had the genuine pleasure of attending the 25th Annual Black & White Party hosted by Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN).  I heard many stories from previous Black & White Parties and since practically everyone at Kirvin Doak was unanimously peer pressuring me into attending, I bought a ticket.  $35 for general admission seemed like a steep price at the time, but I figured it was for a great cause, so why not?  Little did I know I’d be getting much more than my money’s worth.
Before I could get excited about the party, I had to deal with what to wear.  Among the legendary tales I’d heard from Black & White Parties of yesteryears, I knew the outfit choices were of the utmost importance.  However, anyone who knows me well knows I like a lot of color in my wardrobe.  Don’t get me wrong – I like dressing classy.  I can be a dapper fellow.  But I prefer to splash on the color, that’s for sure.  Like the procrastinator I am (shhh don’t tell my boss), I didn’t buy my clothes until the very last minute.  Literally.  Since I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, I kept it safe with a short sleeve white button up and black dress pants.
When I arrived at the party, I realized I was neither overdressed nor underdressed, because attendees were enjoying themselves in everything and anything black and white, from women in extravagant black gowns to men in tighty whities.  Navigating my way around the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas was a blast.  I stopped at each vendor I came across – Sushi Roku, The Cupcakery, PF Changs, Outback Steakhouse, Absolut Vodka, Jose Cuervo… even the snowcone cart from Malibu, plus many others!  If half of the food and beverage stations were present, I still would have considered my ticket price a steal.  Throughout the night from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. guests were tasting food, mingling with friends, and enjoying entertainment from representatives of Absinthe, David Saxe Productions and Le Reve (just to name a few).  It really was a fantastic party and I was fortunate enough to meet so many wonderful people.
AFAN certainly went all out for this event.  Seeing the 3,000+ people supporting such a respectable and responsible organization was thoroughly inspiring.  I can’t wait to go again next year.  While I now have a fancy new white shirt and black dress pants, I think I just might go a little crazier for AFAN’s 26th annual Black & White Party, because now I know it really doesn’t matter what you wear.  It just matters that you’re there. 

AFAN Las Vegas 25th Annual Black & White Party

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Counting down to AFAN’s 25th annual Black & White Party

August 1, 2011 in Client news | No comments

 

Last night, we kicked off the 30 day countdown to AFAN’s Black & White Party with a unique take on a Tweetup. With the goal of amplifying partygoer’s excitement surrounding the party, we devised a scavenger hunt Tweetup throughout The Cosmopolitan.  Beginning at 6 p.m. we asked attendees to check-in at The Cosmopolitan’s Book & Stage where they received their first clue directing them to a second location within the property.

After handing out a few clues, we had an overwhelming response that found the first location, Hidden Pizza. I may have made this one a little too easy, giving them the exact floor the restaurant was located on.

Upping my game, the second clue directed people to DROOG, an avant-garde furniture store that sits Strip side.  This one posed a slightly more challenging task as it took people down three floors to a store that may have been unfamiliar to some. Pictures of the unique furnishings began circulating the twitter-sphere as the location was discovered.

The final clue played off the famous 007 character as guests we directed to Bond bar. Once they cracked all the clues and found AFAN’s secret location, they were rewarded with signature cocktails created by Kristin Schafer, Master Mixologist and GM of Bond. She concocted The Tuxedo, featuring Montecristo Rum exclusively for the Black & White Party. The drink was a huge success and gave the event some flare.

Our presence on Twitter was recognized when both the event hashtag, #BWParty and Twitter handle, @AFANLV were trending in Las Vegas. Overall, this event was a great way to build buzz surrounding the Black & White Party and excite supporters for one of the summers most talked about events.

For those interested in attending the Black & White Party on August 27 at the Boulevard Pool can visit www.afanlv.org to purchase tickets and obtain additional information.

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