The ALS Gala
Event Collateral and Visual System
The ALS Gala
The ALS Association is the largest nonprofit for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Stephen Hawkings disease. In summer of 2014, the ALS Association held the Ice Bucket Challenge, a fundraising campaign for ALS research. Almost 10 years later, they are still looking for effective treatment options and a cure.
The most popular fundraising events among the 39 ALS Association chapters are walks/runs to defeat ALS. In an attempt to find a more unique event, this project advertises a gala fundraising night with a specific theme to attract donors and utilizes a visual identity system. Design elements include advertising materials, signage, event decor, and social media graphics to garner donations and inform people about ALS.
Design Skills:
Event Collateral
Illustration
Print Assets
Ideation
The Inspiration Behind the theme: A Play and A Quote
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a shakespearian play focused on themes of escapism and fantasy. We witness the parallels between the human and fairy characters as they enter the enchanted forest and face different tribulations in which they grown and learn how to face reality.
Understanding the Script
Astrophysics, Stephen Hawkins lived with ALS for 55 years. Although he lost his ability to move and talk he still wrote his book A Brief History of Time. His most notable quote (below) fit A Midsummer Night’s Dream message to persevere until dreams become a reality.
Memorizing Lines
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet … however difficult life may seem. There is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”
- Stephen Hawking
Design Decisions
A whimsical and fantastical color palette with contrasting color emphasize themes of dreams, hopes, magic and reality.
Color: Merging themes together
Typography: Whimsical Yet Practical
Orpheus Pro offers unique alternative characters with over extending serifs and star elements.
Mysical Imagery
Illustrated fairy wings, greenery, flowers, stars and the moon allude to an enchanted forest setting.
Printed Event Collateral
Posters, programs, event invites, and RSVP cards are important elements to any successful event. Handling a variety of information without overwhelming the content with illustrations and bold colors required a delicate hierarchal balance.
At the Event
Gala events are all about applying the event theme to as many different elements as possible. Quotes from the play and fun cocktail names referencing the characters are integrated at any given opportunity. With four years of experience working weddings, parties, and banquet events, the best events cater every minute detail to the theme down to table cards and menus.
Social Media
Advertising on social media is one of the best ways to reach new audiences. Besides advertising the event, informing attendees about the disease and related facts can keep them interested in following the ALS Association after the event.
Attendee Gifts
Everyone loves free items, and gala events are no exception. Many put together a gift package for attendees to show appreciation for their support and donations.
Visit the ALS webpage here to learn more and donate