When COVID-19 hit earlier in the spring, we had to quickly adapt to continue to provide services for hundreds of children in Washington County and the Arizona strip. The same adjustments (and experiments) extended to our signature events such as graduation and annual gala.
The Secret Garden Gala: Home Edition took place on Saturday, September 12, 2020 with the support of 18 sponsors and 132 guests who joined us online from Washington County, Salt Lake City and Idaho. Between sponsorships, ticket sales, auction and monetary donations we are excited to announce that the unprecedented virtual event raised $68,128, exceeding our $60,000 goal. See how The Secret Garden Gala: Home Edition came to life.
Root for Kids Main Stage
With a little help from our friends Fred Walker and Tyler Hunsaker (“The Lounge Lizards”), Brother’s Keeper Sound Production and our wonderful staff , we broadcasted the Gala program live from the Conference Room at Root for Kids. We would also like to thank Haylee Cazarin from Southern Pop Designs for doing the beautiful tree for the background!
Home Parties
We had 26 parties spread across Washington County, Salt Lake City and Idaho, from individuals and couples to parties. Guests were invited to join the Gala remotely however they felt more comfortable. A few parties decided to combine tables at their place of business, while other hosted guests at home. They all connected to the Gala program via Zoom and participated in the auction through an online platform. On the days leading up to the event, all guests received a printed program and a Root for Kids coaster made locally by 2112 Memories with a handprinted Thank You card from the kids at the Caterpillar Clubhouse. Party hosts also received a Secret Garden centerpiece by Botanicals.
Supporting Local Businesses
Another fun fact about The Secret Garden Gala: Home Edition is that on top of benefitting hundreds of families served by Root for Kids with the money raised, we as an organization were able to involve many local businesses in the process and support them as well. Guests had the option to select a local or locally-owned restaurant to purchase their meals from for the event. For dessert, our friends at Nothing Bundt Cakes donated their amazing White Chocolate Raspberry cake and delivered them to all guests!
Local businesses involved:
- Katering Koncepts (donated tables, chairs and linens to larger parties)
- Nothing Bundt Cakes (donated desserts)
- Botanicals (donated a large portion of our centerpieces)
- 2112 Memories (purchased Root for Kids coasters from)
- Steamroller Copies (printed programs and table tents)
- Adrian’s (donated tuxes for emcees)
- All Seasons Garden & Floral (purchased centerpiece for Idaho party)
- Native Flower Company (purchased centerpiece for Salt Lake City party)
- Southern Pop Designs (balloon tree for stage)
- Brother’s Keeper (sound production)
Local restaurants supported by purchasing dining gift cards:
- Cliffside Restaurant
- Benja Thai & Sushi
- Anasazi Steakhouse
- Rib & Chop House
- Magelby’s
- Sakura Japanese Steakhouse
- Red Fort Cuisine of India
- Royal Thai Cuisine
- Riggati’s Wood Fire Pizza
- Paula’s Mexican Food
- Morty’s Café
- Café Rio
- Main Street Café in Hurricane
We are grateful to everyone who helped make this special night happen. Check out more event photos on our Facebook page! Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and guests who believe in our work and want the best for the kids in our community. We hope to see you again soon at our Drive-Thru Radiothon on December 14, 2020.
