At a Glance
- Guests: Approximately 200
- Location: Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
- Objective: Raise funds for brain haemorrhage research and awareness of the importance of time in diagnosis.
The Brief
The Natalie Kate Moss Trust wanted a gala dinner that would bring supporters together for an enjoyable evening with a powerful purpose: raising vital funds for brain haemorrhage research at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, while helping guests understand why every second counts.
Alongside table sales, the charity wanted fresh ways to encourage generosity throughout the evening. The experience needed to balance the significance of its message with entertainment, connection and playful opportunities to give.
Our Approach
We built the creative around time, giving the evening a theme directly connected to the charity’s cause. From the visual design and décor to the entertainment and fundraising, each element reinforced the message that every second matters.
Imperial War Museum North offered an unexpected setting for a gala dinner, giving supporters another reason to attend. Making full use of the venue’s projection capabilities, we surrounded guests with clocks, moving imagery and messages about time, transforming the space into an immersive backdrop for the evening.
Speeches and video content brought the purpose into focus, sharing the importance of timely diagnosis, the research taking place and the funding needed to move it forward.
We also made fundraising part of the entertainment. A pay-to-play cash grabber challenged guests to collect as many tokens as possible against the clock, tapping into their competitive spirit. A scratch-card prize draw, complete with a countdown, added another opportunity to participate and give.
A ballet performance set to music about time extended the theme onto the stage, before a live party band brought everyone together to celebrate the evening’s fundraising.
Behind the scenes, delivery called for exceptional coordination. With venue access from 5pm and guests arriving at 6.30pm, we had just 90 minutes to prepare a fully styled gala dinner for approximately 200 people, install production and complete entertainment sound checks. Close planning and collaboration across the venue, AV, décor and entertainment teams made that transformation possible.
Highlights
- A purposeful creative theme connecting time, brain haemorrhage awareness and fundraising.
- Immersive projections surrounding guests with clocks and “every second counts” messaging.
- Playful fundraising through a cash grabber and scratch-card countdown prize draw.
- Speeches and films bringing the research and its funding needs into focus.
- A themed ballet performance and live party band.
- A complete venue transformation delivered within a 90-minute access window.
The Result
The evening exceeded its fundraising target, bringing supporters together in an immersive experience that kept the charity’s purpose at its heart.
Guests were given a clearer understanding of why time matters in brain haemorrhage diagnosis, alongside an insight into the research their generosity would support. The combination of storytelling, shared entertainment and interactive fundraising created opportunities to engage with the cause throughout the night.
For Saving Grace Events, the supplier collaboration was a particular source of pride. Every partner adapted and prepared with the tight turnaround in mind, bringing the room, production and performances together in just an hour and a half.