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Emeralds and Ivy Ball 2009
Author: Drive21.11.09
Drive fly the flag for Cancer Research UK at Battersea Evolution
Once again Drive were honoured to accept the invitation to to design and produce the illustrious Emeralds and Ivy Ball, the annual flagship fundraising event for Cancer Research UK. Hosted by Ronan Keating, the event is attended by a star-studded celebrity guest audience of 550 who are invited to enjoy a VIP champagne reception, a lavish three-course dinner followed by the auction of exclusive prizes and experiences, all culminating in an evening of show-stopping entertainment.
Battersea Evolution, transformed by our production team into a magical ‘Secret Garden’, was the perfect backdrop, with mesmerized guests able to stroll through a real-live garden, passing through a giant keyhole into the magnificent dining area. The bespoke-built stage, this year fringed by huge ivy leaves, saw performances from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners, street dance troupe Diversity; eScala, the glamourous electronic string quartet and, of course, the appearance of Ronan himself with his buddies from Boyzone culminating in an amazing duet with Ronan’s Mount Kilimanjaro buddy Gary Barlow.
We made sure this was a night to remember, delivering more than just an ‘auction fundraiser’ but a banquet, a stage show, a rock and roll gig - even a post-event documentary for posterity. From invites & audience registration right through to the carriages home at the end of the night, we got it covered - and helped to break a new fundraising record for the event. In 2008 The Emeralds and Ivy Ball raised a staggering £590,000, - £60,000 more than hoped and well in excess of the clients expectations. In 2009, despite the recession, we beat that total again, raising over £645,000.