Nonprofit Gala Goes Vogue
When it is too expensive to take your gala to Paris, just ask ITA to bring Paris to you. The 2025 Dragonfly Grand Gala, which benefits pediatric cancer patients and their families, was an event for the ages that involved a custom-built Eiffel Tower and fashion show. But the event’s success is what matters the most.
Preparation, creativity, and attention to detail lead to better guest experiences. When ITA was asked by the Dragonfly Foundation to pull off a gala to amaze their guests, the process started six months in advance of the event. ITA’s Jamie Dickey and Adam Zeek led the way for this project with site visits to Cincinnati’s MusicHall, plenty of planning meetings to define the vision, and conversations with the fashion designer ASHA AMA.
Building Paris and a Fashion Runway
The event called for an immersive experience, where models strutted under the Eiffel Tower and down a runway, showcasing clothing designs by ASHA AMA. ITA took on the challenge and built a customized wooden Eiffel Tower scenic design arch, which served as a focal point for the entire evening.
In total, ITA helped manage the visuals, lighting placement design, scenic and set design, and equipment like gobos, projectors, and screens.
Managing the production and direction
In its 10th year of working with the Dragonfly Foundation on this gala, ITA was approached to take on a bigger role, for which ITA’s Adam Zeek produced and directed the entire show.
The foundation found an “Overall calming sense that ITA had everything under control from start to finish,” said Zeek.
Watch the Production and Event Recap
To see the behind-the-scenes video on the Eiffel Tower production and event photos, click here.
A Fundraising Dream
When it comes to generating donations, the show was a spectacular success, raising more than $90,000 in total. Jamie Dickey, account sales manager, said that the event “went beyond their fundraising expectations.”
“The Dragonfly Foundation team is great to work with, and we look forward to continuing to partner for years to come.”
To take your fundraising event to the next level, contact Jamie with your vision.
