The cocktail area was transformed into a "soda shop" to give guest that instant feeling that they were in the 1950s. Draped in white, the majestic rooms consisted of a large soda center plexi counter (that served as the bar) and stations with electrostatic images of vintage stools to create a trompe l’œil effect.

In true prom style, the event's VIPs received a corsage from the "corsage bar."

Floral resembles an ice cream sundae.

Much better than soda pop, champagne is poured by a "soda jerk" server.

In place of traditional canapes, guests snack on popcorn offered in personal-size boats.

More "sundae" floral.

In place of the traditional photo booth with props seen at many events, a "studio" complete with an actual back of a vintage car was offered to guests, who were encouraged to relive the magic of a young person’s first, and in many cases only, formal event.

Retro eyeglass props.

For entertainment, guests were treated to vocal stylings by local teens who benefit from one of the many after-school music programs that the QYF supports to keep youth off of the street. They were asked to sing classic '50s songs, but reinterpreted to their modern style, creating a dynamic
"Glee Club" feel as guests entered the room.   

Servers in poodle skirts and soda jerk caps.

The understated green of classic Coca-Cola bottles offers a style key and gives the decor a sophisticated edge.

To play up the fun 1950s style, three types of tables are offered: traditional rounds, long family-style tables with metal chairs, and tall high-gloss tables with lounge stools.

The combination of the tables mixed a retro theme with modern design elements, giving the event a unique sophistication. 

The tables included duchesse satin tablecloths in ice cream colors of blush and pale turquoise, "vinyl record" chargers, and a variety of centerpieces--from Coke glasses with flowers designed to look like ice-cream floats to milkshake glasses with flowers and straws to records and roses.

A long view of a tabletop.

A Coke bottle centerpiece.

An example of the tall table.

A lively place setting.

Another place setting.

To configure the dining room in a truly unique way, the tables were divided by a huge cross-like runway, creating four quadrants. With such a large space and just over 700 guests, the organizers were hyper-aware of creating “bad seats.” So, instead of designing the program using the head of the room for all of the activities, moving "surprise" stages spirited speakers and entertainment around the room, giving each quadrant a piece of the action.

Is this a table of guests? No ...

The "guests" get up ...

And dance to a song from "Grease."

A lively performance.

Entertainment also included young dubstep dancers.

To announce the amount raised, a high school marching band paraded the VIPs into the space down the long corridor to the center of the room.

Afterwards, the band escorted the guests to the cocktail-area-turned after-party

David Thibault, the "Young Elvis."

Guests at the after-party enjoy hot dogs.

Costumed dancers entertain at the after-party.