Once Upon a Time…February 8th to be exact…The Westin Princeton opened it's doors to one of my favorite events - this year's Ryan's Quest Valentine Ball - The Enchanted Garden.
The night sponsored by First Choice Bank was a huge success and a dream come true really. With events such as charity galas, we rely a great deal on talents from others who can donate time and services in an effort to raise as much money as possible for the cause. When the time, talent, and services exceed your expectations, as a planner, you cannot help but feel your heart grow!
This event was proof that love CAN conquer all!
I'm grateful that photographer Erica Haller and her assistant Albert both of Erica Haller Photography captured incredible shots that we can forever cherish as we look back to see what helped us to get one step closer to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Upon entering Cocktail Hour, which was gorgeously decorated by In Full Bloom, you could not help but be awed by the handmade decor and pieces crafted out of wood. As you grabbed a signature 'Fairy-Tail' Appletini, you may have noticed some woodland and fairytale creatures prancing around or on display. Five salons were asked to help create wow-factors to add to the enchantment. Salon Artigiano, Salon Pure, VC Salon, Great Looks, and Salon G were all on board for the task, and believe me, they WOWed us!
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| Salon Artigiano's 'Heirshroom' |
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| VC Salon's 'Believe' |
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| Salon Pure's 'Enchanted Fawn' |
In the background, sounds from Tutti Dolce came from the trio's strings. From classical to current hits - they added to the magical mood of the event. 
Passed hors d'oeuvres were a plenty.
A Silent Auction made up of over 70 amazing prize packages from Disney Vacations to Once in a Lifetime Experiences adorned a room that was full of special contests and raffles - some of which were provided by Trent Jewelers.
Creative centerpieces by In Full Bloom helped to make our garden even more enchanted while menus by Darling and Pearl were specially customized for the event. From the stars on the ceilings and branches along the walls, Xplosive Entertainment enveloped us in a beautiful whimsical ambience.
Two very special women were awarded the Ryan's Quest Hero Award - Jenn McNary and Christine McSherry! This came after the premier of a trailer provided by the Wider Brothers.
The magic continued as Jason Liberatore and Dan Miller provided exquisite acoustic renditions of 'He's My Son' and 'Demons' in which the amazing Tyler Stewart performed a moving contemporary dance with grace and excellence portraying the struggle of this awful disease and overcoming it.
The NERDS than took the stage and had the dance floor packed! They were so good that it seemed as though their sound was heard as far as Philly as one of its main residents ended up crashing the event! Yes, the Philly Phanatic stopped by for some added fun and laughs!
Xplosive Entertainment continued to keep the guests dancing to their favorites and were amazing emcees as well!
Some guests dressed to fit the theme - all guests enjoyed the enchanted evening filled with love!
Over a dozen bakers donated scrumptious desserts for our
Garden of Sweets!
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| These Elderflower Panna Cottas were provided by Pastry Chef Randi Sabine |
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| Whimsical cupcakes were sent to us from Puddin's Cake Corner |
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| Artistic cake pops were a vision of Little Ladies Sweet Treats |
Other amazing goodies were provided by: Sue's Sweets, Coco's Cakery, Dana's Custom Cakes, Dillicious Cupcakes, Lynn Crutchley, Jennifer's Couture Cupcakes, How Sweet it Is by Melissa, Terri Kent, Chrissy's Creations, and Carella's Chocolates
Dave and Maria Schultz, founders of Ryan's Quest and parents to Ryan Schultz, ironically stand in front of a clock that was used for decor. To them, the clock symbolizes every second of every day for while dealing with the realities of Duchenne muscular dystrophy which is a 100% fatal disease that occurs mainly in boys - one being their son. Boys with Duchenne lose their ability to walk between the ages of 8-12, require respiratory assistance in their teens, and survive only in to their twenties. Racing against the clock is what everyone in the Duchenne community does every day as every day two boys are lost to this villain! It doesn't have to be this way. Especially not now when treatments are out there - treatments that are being held captive by the FDA.
I was so happy with such a successful event made possible by so many! It truly was "All The Rave", and as a planner and coordinator, I couldn't be more grateful by the help of so many vendors, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and guests! My goal throughout this event and one to keep in mind is that we need to continue to fight and race against the clock so that these boys and their families can LIVE
"Happily Ever After"!
The End
of Duchenne
