Setting up Toronto Events Easier Said Than Done

Scarlett Ball proves to be a great experience for volunteers

Determination, vision and a keen eye for detail were just some of the characteristics needed to make this year’s Scarlett Ball an event to remember.

On Nov. 4 the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex in Toronto hosted the second edition of the Scarlett Ball, supporting the patients of West Park Healthcare Centre. Serena Rugelis, an event management student at Seneca College, said she has high hopes for the festivities, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it happen.

“Basically, what a lot of people don’t realize is, yes, it is fun, but you are literally there at 9 a.m. and you will not break or leave until 2 or 3 in the morning,” Rugelis said. “This is not a 9-5 job; you are going to be working 18-hour days. It is nuts, it is insane, and it is very tiring.”

Last year’s Scarlett Ball was a great experience for Rugelis. She said it was hard labour and strenuous at times, but overall she learned a lot and made some contacts for future references and employment.

“I had to help set up some of the silent auction items and displays,” Rugelis said. “They also had a shoe fashion show, which was really cool because the runway ran behind the bar. I pinned up curtains and draped materials for the shoe stage. I also designed some costumes for some of the models to wear that night.”

But the best part for Rugelis happened after all of the guests arrived. She volunteered selling raffle tickets, serving drinks and watching people look around in awe.

“It was fun to see how people react to the décor. I found it very rewarding because it makes all your hard work and efforts for the event worthwhile.”

Sinclair Russell, designer-at-large, said he needs volunteers who are creative, hardworking and willing to work long hours.

“I need people who can handle the pressure and can meet deadlines,” Russell said. “Scarlett Ball is good experience for students to get a taste of the industry and get a hands-on feel about how much hard work goes in to an event such as this.”

Russell said he and his students work hard to make sure that Scarlett Ball is never a boring event. “I want to keep it fresh, and interesting. It’s important to keep guests wanting more,” he said.

Rugelis said this year’s Scarlett Ball took on a different approach for its theme. Instead of having a silent auction there was a marketplace for people to shop for Christmas gifts.

“The whole theme this year was “hot, hot, hot”, so everything is very sexy and scandalous,” she said. “I am very excited.”

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Posted: Dec 2 2006 12:00 pm
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Filed under: News