Trio's Sizzlin' Summer Events
8/9/07
Jennifer Cherock, VP, Planning Services
The event planning department just finished up two very successful
events - the MedExpress grand opening in Evans, Georgia and Carolina Autism's
first-ever fundraising event, Taking the Field for Autism with Notre Dame head
football coach, Charlie Weis. Additionally, we are very excited to announce that
Trio Solutions Inc. has been selected to present at
The
Special Event conference in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15-18, 2008. Our
session is titled "Essentials for Planning an Event for a Nonprofit Organization."
The Special Event conference is the leading international conference and expo
for event specialists.
MedExpress Clinics, LLC, a retail health clinic company, opened their first clinic in Evans, Georgia in July. A fairly new concept within the health care industry, retail health care is an approach that is more consumer-focused by providing an affordable and convenient alternative to treatment of common illnesses. Trio Solutions was thrilled to work with MedExpress on such a groundbreaking concept and had the unique opportunity to incorporate all three of our service areas, allowing every member of our team to be involved. We created a new logo, handled their marketing and advertising, built a Web site, and planned their business and community grand opening events!
The grand opening for the business community was held on July 20 and included a ribbon cutting ceremony supported by the local Chamber. The public/community grand opening was held on July 21. Both events educated guests about the benefits of retail health care clinics and allowed for one-on-one communication with the MedExpress staff. Activities included tours of the facility, safety programs and fun projects for children, and of course delicious, catered food. Since the clinic opened it's doors for service to the public on July 23, the community response has been overwhelming. It seems MedExpress has filled a niche in the Augusta, Georgia area. We wish MedExpress continued success in this new venture and have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a great group of people.
For information about MedExpress visit www.medexpressclinic.net.
Carolina Autism, a nonprofit organization that assists children and adults living with autism, held their first-ever fundraising event, Taking the Field for Autism, on July 27 at Hibernian Hall in downtown Charleston. More than $80,000 was raised through ticket sales, donations and sponsorships. The event featured a VIP "pre-game" reception, a plated, sit-down dinner, a keynote address and live auction with Notre Dame head football coach, Charlie Weis.
Upon entering the event, attendees were lead down a 70 foot football field (who needs a red carpet?) adorned with sideline benches, coolers, footballs and other sporting equipment. The Notre Dame logo was projected at the entrance of the downstairs ballroom floor and a pot of gold sat on the donation table encouraging guests to "Give Like A Champion Today". Other decorations including pom-poms, pennants and footballs were scattered throughout the ballroom to give it a tailgating, sporty ambiance. Replicas of goal posts stood tall in the navy and gold dressed ballroom where attendees enjoyed ballpark themed hors d'oeuvres including football shaped puff pastries, sliders, and mini cones of sweet potato fries. ESPN radio and ABC News 4 broadcast live from the event which added to the feeling of being at an actual football game.
Toward the end of the "pre-game" reception, catering staff dressed as referees blew their whistles signaling guests to move upstairs for the main event! Local ABC News 4 television anchor, Dean Stephens, was the "commentator" and emcee for the event. He kept the crowd engaged and entertained with his heart tugging stories and comedic appeal. During dinner, guests enjoyed a wonderful three course meal - all of which were color coordinated with the Notre Dame and Carolina Autism colors (navy/gold and navy/white). The desert was a chocolate box with the top decorated like a football field and "Taking the Field for Autism" printed on it.
Throughout dinner speakers, including Carolina Autism representatives, Phil Blevins and Alan Rose, talked about autism and the effects it has on those living with it in the Lowcountry. We also played an emotionally moving video that highlighted Carolina Autism and their extraordinary work. After dinner and presentations, the live auction began with Dean Stephens describing the each piece of sports memorabilia including a personally signed, official Notre Dame football and helmet. Adding to the excitement of the auction, Charlie Weis "coached" the guests and encouraged them to get in the game and bid higher! Finally, to round out the festivities, everyone headed downstairs for the last quarter of the game to enjoy cocktails and dancing with Smokey Weiner and the Hot Links!
What a successful and rewarding event! The long hours and hard work over the last several months finally paid off! It was a true blessing for everyone at Trio Solutions to work with Carolina Autism and to help make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
For information about Carolina Autism visit www.carolinaautism.org.
View more photos from the Charleston Magazine.
View and order prints from the event from Snapfish.
