We put the POWER in SoWa Power Station

From the desk of: Arianna Fiorentini

We kicked off November 2022 with The Joslin Diabetes Center’s High Hopes Gala at the SoWa Power Station. The theme was POWER… as in we have the power to cure diabetes.

The evening started off with a VIP reception up in the mezzanine with a short program. Guests then made their way downstairs to join the other guests cocktails. We had light up bars and white lounge furniture to create a really sleek and clean look. The goal was to make it feel like guests were dreaming up in the clouds! Guests took photos by the step and repeat with fun props that read “We’re Lit!” and stopped by the silent auction table to bid.

Our amazing catering partner, MAX Ultimate, donned white shirts and ties to match the theme, and passed yummy hors d’oeuvres.

When it was time for dinner, guests walked through a tunnel with video projection, sound, and fog. The dinner space was decorated with bright pink, violet, and purple linens, silver chargers and napkins, floral centerpieces from Stapleton Floral, and light up table numbers. We wanted guests to feel the immediate shift in energy AND POWER from cocktails to dinner!

Guests sat down for a seated dinner and enjoyed a powerful program hosted by JC Monahan. The program closed with Zan Aufderheide leading guests into a live auction and paddle raise.

The fun didn’t stop there. After programming, guests walked back through the tunnel to where cocktails had been, except the entire space had been transformed for the after party. The band, East Coast Soul, kicked off the dance party to Earth Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star.

Guests could choose from a selection of light up accessories including headbands, hair extensions, and sunglasses to wear as props for the 360 photo booth. Guests wore light up butterfly wings and spun around on the dance floor as MAX Ultimate walked around passing late night bites!

Event Vendors:

Event Planning and Design: AE Events

Photographer: Allegro Photography

Venue: SOWA Power Station

Caterer: MAX Ultimate Food

AV: 4wall and CharlestownAV

Lighting Designer: MG Lighting Design

Band: East Coast Soul

Emcee: JC Monahan

Floral: Stapleton Floral

Rentals: Peak Event Services

Rentals: BBJ La Tavola