Catersource + The Special Event is a time for networking, learning, and trend exploring. It’s also the time for the annual SEARCH Foundation Signature Event.
This year’s Signature Event celebrated distributing over $1,000,000 to industry individuals in crisis, including over 40 colleagues from Florida that were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022. The event also raised another $100,000.
“I’m so incredibly proud of the work we do and how we’re able to support colleagues when they need it most,” says Kate Patay, current chairwoman for the Foundation. “It takes a village, and we have some of the best supporters out there. From staffing partners like Qwick to catering partners like Puff ‘n Stuff…entertainment, decor, and so much more. The catering, meeting and event industry shows a compassion towards its members that is unparalleled.”
The night started with an on-brand immersive entrance at Canvas Event Venue in Orlando, with attendees being greeted by two purple-costumed women (courtesy of Champagne Creative Group) who led them through a purple curtained doorway. Once inside, there were lounge areas, a VIP area, creative food and beverage stations, and plenty of entertainment.
Catering, provided by Orlando-based Puff ‘n Stuff Catering and Events, offered a wide range of passed hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and other bites, like tuna tacos, seared scallops, and assorted handmade candies. Many of these were served in style, including by costumed servers with hawker trays and a unique station that hung from the ceiling, seemingly suspended in clouds.
The night’s entertainment took on a variety of forms: an angelic harpist, a handful of singers, a psychic, a wine cork portrait artist, and even acrobats. Across the venue, purple lighting with yellow stars projected onto the room created a vibey feel and emphasized the brand.
Qwick, CORT Events, Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, and Metropolis Productions (and of course, Catersource + The Special Event) were the top sponsors of the evening.
Click through to see the photos from this enchanting event!
For additional information and services, or to see how you can help make a difference in our industry, please visit searchfoundation.org.
