The 2019 Spring Gala is almost here, and you’re invited! Today, we’re sitting down with WWHF Executive, Tommi Thompson to share her insights (and secrets) about the event.
WWHF Health Writer: The Foundation has been putting on the Gala for over 20 years. You must have a lot of great Gala memories! If you had to choose, what would your favorite Gala memory be?
Tommi: Well, the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala will always be a very special memory. The decorations and atmosphere, celebrating with partners and supporters who have been there since the beginning – everything was just so polished and exciting! A little different than it used to be… I can remember back in the “early days” of the Gala when a friend and I were actually out in the woods collecting decor the Friday before. We spent the entire evening spray painting branches and putting lights on them, so we could assemble them in the Capitol the next day!
HW: (laughs) Those are great ones! All the behind the scenes work that goes into the Gala is always very memorable for me too. There’s just something about doing out-of-the-norm tasks like that with co-workers.
T: And with such a big event, it’s inevitable that something somewhere is going to go awry. It’s kind of fun to see the creative ways in which we are always able to work together to find a solution and put on a great event!
HW: Agreed! But it’s not just us having a good time – Gala attendees are sure to make memories of their own! It’s quite the atmosphere in the Capitol with everything decorated and everyone dressed up and enjoying fine dining, drinks, and dancing.
T: Yes! I absolutely LOVE the energy that’s in the Capitol, especially at the end of the night when everyone’s dancing!
HW: We do usually have a few surprises at that time…
T: But we’re not going to give away any secrets!
HW: Nope! You’ll have to attend to find out!
HW: So obviously the Gala is a high energy, fun event, but it’s also really important for the Foundation and the work that we do.
