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recolle2017-04-21 06:17 pm
uncagedbird) wrote in recolle2017-04-21 06:17 pm
Entry tags:
EVENT ❦ Black Tie & Tails
WHO: Everyone's invited!
WHERE: At the nearest convention center.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22nd
WHAT: The Black Ties and Tails charity fundraiser, a.k.a. an excuse to dress like a prince or princess-- and your pets, too.
WARNINGS: None, but please PM me if this needs to change!
❦ Before the Event.
Saturday afternoon rolls around at the Recollé convention center. Some people have been here since the morning, putting up decorations and making sure everything is perfect. Maybe your character is part of the crew putting up last minute chandeliers and decorations, or maybe they've been working furiously to make sure all the food is aligned perfectly on the plates. Perhaps they're from the shelter and frantically setting up crates and walking the animals before the event starts.
There are certainly some things that need to be done before the doors open, after all.
If someone shows up early needing an outfit and some help, they'll be taken to a large side room that's been cordoned off by shades to give privacy. Racks upon racks of formal wear in every shape and size are found here, and the outfitters are happy to help. Need makeup? That's covered too: the beauty school has a few students eager to give partygoers the newest vogue looks-- for free!
No one is getting into the fundraiser proper unless they're a volunteer, though. And volunteers are expected to be working! Those chairs need to be placed at that table, and the streamers over here are falling down-- it seems like there's no end to the things that need doing.
❦ A Fantastic Soiree.
People start to line up an hour before the event begins. The bouncers check to make sure that everyone attending is dressed properly and has a donation (monetary or food) before letting people inside the building. There's some confusion at first over a woman's glamorous Nicki Minaj-tier outfit, but the proprietor herself smooths the misunderstanding and lets her in. Those with volunteer badges have the donation waived, though anyone with outfits falling short of the ideal are told to pick up a spare outfit in the fashion room.
Despite all odds, the double doors open at five o'clock sharp. The sight that greets those waiting is something out of a dream. The room is huge, as big as an airplane hangar but made much warmer by the netting full of twinkling lights above. Dozens of (fake) trees decorated with flowers line the path leading into the venue, and more lights besides. Lastly, there's a scarlet rug leading to the doors so that everyone can have that red carpet experience.
There are tables toward the front-- furnished with plates and silverware, silk flowers, and fake paw prints all over the cloth. More lights are spread throughout to give the room a golden glow. Each table has two menus highlighting what's available: one for people, and one for pets, if they decided to bring a cat or dog along! All the food has cute animal themes like cookies 'n' cream paws, kitty cat cupcakes, puppy love pie, purrfect pizzas, and the like. There are buffet tables nearby with snacks, drinks, and a multitude of punny desserts. There is, of course, one for furry friends as well. It's clearly marked but hey, if you're daring enough to eat gourmet wet dog food... no one's stopping you.
There is a small stage set up for musicians to play, including a fabulous grand piano. Whenever there isn't something live being played, a DJ in back sets up a cheerful classical playlist highlighting modern dance hits and... Dvorak? It's a little eclectic, sure, but it gets the job done. Near the stage is, of course, the dance floor: a careful arrangement of sturdy flooring and soft fairy lights. It would feel more romantic if the lights were down, but the lights are kept at a level that people can keep track of their limbs and their pets.
Clearly-marked cute signs point to a large adjacent room. This is where the shelter animals are kept in large enclosures, and they're all incredibly well-dressed. The sponsored animals are mainly cats and dogs, each with a little biography, a comfy bed, water, and food. The volunteers are instructed to walk the animals every hour or so, and of course the cats have litter boxes hidden in their crates. Volunteers are on standby for those who'd like to meet the faces here, or put in for an adoption! Patrons will be urged to visit the shelter on Sunday to finalize arrangements.
❦ Some Furry Fun.
At some point, the DJ calls for people to share a dance with their friends-- including dogs! To prove a point, he 'dances' with a very confused but eager chocolate Labrador on stage. Nothing quite like "You've Got A Pal In Me" to make people laugh and cry simultaneously. For those who are perhaps not as embarrassing, rumor spreads quickly: there's a pet loose!
Darting under tables, tripping servers, and knocking stuff over: that's what this pitbull pup is doing. He's growing into his paws, too, which doesn't help; he keeps failing at the turns and slamming into tables. There are heavy casualties to the drink station.
And then the pup lunges for the food table.
Will you watch? Will you apprehend the dog before he can run amok any longer? Or will you guard that seven-tiered chocolate cake with your life?
The nametag he's wearing marks him as one of the dogs available for adoption. If someone can get a hold of that leash, they might be able to wrangle him back into the side room.
❦ The End to an Evening.
After a couple hours, a final call for donations is sounded. Those who would like to donate even more to the Recollé Animal Shelter are encouraged to do so. The dance floor is cleared and people are urged to take their seats.
About a half hour later, it's announced that the fundraiser is a success-- they've raised over fifteen thousand dollars! Goodie bags are given to everyone present. While the black bag itself is fashionable for any gender, it's the inside that counts. Every guest gets the following:
- cruelty-free eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lip gloss
- coupons for 15 percent off the boutiques that outfitted people before the party
- a dog or cat beauty mask
- a paw-patterned clip on bow tie that works for pets as well as people
- and lastly, a cat or dog themed necklace in sterling silver.
When the clock chimes eight, it's officially over and everyone is encouraged to leave. Unless, of course, you're a volunteer... Most of the work will be done tomorrow but a few things must be done in the next hour. The animals need to be packed up and taken back to the shelter, and the food needs to be disposed of; the plates must be stacked, and the chairs arranged neatly along the wall.
At nine, regardless of how clean the place is, staff is officially dismissed. Go home! Get out of here! Hug your pets if you have them!
And thanks, of course, for supporting the Recollé Animal Shelter. ❦
[ooc: Go wild! here is the plot info if you need it. Feel free to handwave speaking to Ari for clothes help or volunteering. This is a stress free plot for anyone and everyone to dress up nice and pet the pets-- or bring their own as long as they're leashed. Let me know if there are any last minute questions via PM or![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
fonfabre. Thank you!!!!]
WHERE: At the nearest convention center.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22nd
WHAT: The Black Ties and Tails charity fundraiser, a.k.a. an excuse to dress like a prince or princess-- and your pets, too.
WARNINGS: None, but please PM me if this needs to change!
❦ Before the Event.
Saturday afternoon rolls around at the Recollé convention center. Some people have been here since the morning, putting up decorations and making sure everything is perfect. Maybe your character is part of the crew putting up last minute chandeliers and decorations, or maybe they've been working furiously to make sure all the food is aligned perfectly on the plates. Perhaps they're from the shelter and frantically setting up crates and walking the animals before the event starts.
There are certainly some things that need to be done before the doors open, after all.
If someone shows up early needing an outfit and some help, they'll be taken to a large side room that's been cordoned off by shades to give privacy. Racks upon racks of formal wear in every shape and size are found here, and the outfitters are happy to help. Need makeup? That's covered too: the beauty school has a few students eager to give partygoers the newest vogue looks-- for free!
No one is getting into the fundraiser proper unless they're a volunteer, though. And volunteers are expected to be working! Those chairs need to be placed at that table, and the streamers over here are falling down-- it seems like there's no end to the things that need doing.
❦ A Fantastic Soiree.
People start to line up an hour before the event begins. The bouncers check to make sure that everyone attending is dressed properly and has a donation (monetary or food) before letting people inside the building. There's some confusion at first over a woman's glamorous Nicki Minaj-tier outfit, but the proprietor herself smooths the misunderstanding and lets her in. Those with volunteer badges have the donation waived, though anyone with outfits falling short of the ideal are told to pick up a spare outfit in the fashion room.
Despite all odds, the double doors open at five o'clock sharp. The sight that greets those waiting is something out of a dream. The room is huge, as big as an airplane hangar but made much warmer by the netting full of twinkling lights above. Dozens of (fake) trees decorated with flowers line the path leading into the venue, and more lights besides. Lastly, there's a scarlet rug leading to the doors so that everyone can have that red carpet experience.
There are tables toward the front-- furnished with plates and silverware, silk flowers, and fake paw prints all over the cloth. More lights are spread throughout to give the room a golden glow. Each table has two menus highlighting what's available: one for people, and one for pets, if they decided to bring a cat or dog along! All the food has cute animal themes like cookies 'n' cream paws, kitty cat cupcakes, puppy love pie, purrfect pizzas, and the like. There are buffet tables nearby with snacks, drinks, and a multitude of punny desserts. There is, of course, one for furry friends as well. It's clearly marked but hey, if you're daring enough to eat gourmet wet dog food... no one's stopping you.
There is a small stage set up for musicians to play, including a fabulous grand piano. Whenever there isn't something live being played, a DJ in back sets up a cheerful classical playlist highlighting modern dance hits and... Dvorak? It's a little eclectic, sure, but it gets the job done. Near the stage is, of course, the dance floor: a careful arrangement of sturdy flooring and soft fairy lights. It would feel more romantic if the lights were down, but the lights are kept at a level that people can keep track of their limbs and their pets.
Clearly-marked cute signs point to a large adjacent room. This is where the shelter animals are kept in large enclosures, and they're all incredibly well-dressed. The sponsored animals are mainly cats and dogs, each with a little biography, a comfy bed, water, and food. The volunteers are instructed to walk the animals every hour or so, and of course the cats have litter boxes hidden in their crates. Volunteers are on standby for those who'd like to meet the faces here, or put in for an adoption! Patrons will be urged to visit the shelter on Sunday to finalize arrangements.
❦ Some Furry Fun.
At some point, the DJ calls for people to share a dance with their friends-- including dogs! To prove a point, he 'dances' with a very confused but eager chocolate Labrador on stage. Nothing quite like "You've Got A Pal In Me" to make people laugh and cry simultaneously. For those who are perhaps not as embarrassing, rumor spreads quickly: there's a pet loose!
Darting under tables, tripping servers, and knocking stuff over: that's what this pitbull pup is doing. He's growing into his paws, too, which doesn't help; he keeps failing at the turns and slamming into tables. There are heavy casualties to the drink station.
And then the pup lunges for the food table.
Will you watch? Will you apprehend the dog before he can run amok any longer? Or will you guard that seven-tiered chocolate cake with your life?
The nametag he's wearing marks him as one of the dogs available for adoption. If someone can get a hold of that leash, they might be able to wrangle him back into the side room.
❦ The End to an Evening.
After a couple hours, a final call for donations is sounded. Those who would like to donate even more to the Recollé Animal Shelter are encouraged to do so. The dance floor is cleared and people are urged to take their seats.
About a half hour later, it's announced that the fundraiser is a success-- they've raised over fifteen thousand dollars! Goodie bags are given to everyone present. While the black bag itself is fashionable for any gender, it's the inside that counts. Every guest gets the following:
- cruelty-free eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lip gloss
- coupons for 15 percent off the boutiques that outfitted people before the party
- a dog or cat beauty mask
- a paw-patterned clip on bow tie that works for pets as well as people
- and lastly, a cat or dog themed necklace in sterling silver.
When the clock chimes eight, it's officially over and everyone is encouraged to leave. Unless, of course, you're a volunteer... Most of the work will be done tomorrow but a few things must be done in the next hour. The animals need to be packed up and taken back to the shelter, and the food needs to be disposed of; the plates must be stacked, and the chairs arranged neatly along the wall.
At nine, regardless of how clean the place is, staff is officially dismissed. Go home! Get out of here! Hug your pets if you have them!
And thanks, of course, for supporting the Recollé Animal Shelter. ❦
[ooc: Go wild! here is the plot info if you need it. Feel free to handwave speaking to Ari for clothes help or volunteering. This is a stress free plot for anyone and everyone to dress up nice and pet the pets-- or bring their own as long as they're leashed. Let me know if there are any last minute questions via PM or
no subject
More than I thought I would, actually. I didn't know what to expect when I agreed to come here, but whatever that was, it's certainly surpassed expectations.
[it's certainly classier than expected.]
Though I expect I'm breaking the rules by attending and having no intentions to adopt whatsoever. Glancing and lavishing temporary affection on any cute companion is enough for me.
no subject
If the only people that showed up tonight were those planning on leaving with a new pet, we could have invited them all to the animal shelter Friday afternoon in jeans and T-shirts. The first goal of an event like this is to bring people out to dress up and mingle.
[Okay, so he's fudging it a little bit. In his experience, the first goal is to See and Be Seen. Then it's to mingle, to make sure that everybody else is aware of your status and generosity by making donations, to show off your progeny and their assorted talents, and then finally, much further down the list, to actually care for whatever cause you purport to be supporting that night. But he's trying not to be cynical tonight, particularly because he knows that Ari is fully invested in the cause.
Still, trying not to be cynical certainly doesn't mean he's not allowed to be cheeky! The corner of his lips curl up at Grell's words, an eyebrow raising.]
Should I ask if you're talking about the pets here or the people?
no subject
Do I seem like the sort of person who'd say it about both?
[well, she could pull if off if she wanted to. she meant the animals, but the idea of someone so casual they'd make that statement about the people they encounter...it's a thought.]
Ah, but with the mingling you get the sorts who want to show off, to proclaim how kind hearted they are with their money and their attendance, meaning anyone who doesn't show gets noticed. And some can't bear to be shown up, so they'll rise to the challenge. That leaves those who came for love of charity itself.
[she says it all so easily it doesn't sound cynical. someone instead amused by the clockwork patterns of people one can spot.]
It's a solid mix. Works every time.
no subject
I don't know if I know you well enough to say. Might have to ask someone else for that answer instead.
[His grin doesn't fade entirely as he listens to Grell piecing it all together, but there's not as much laughter in his expression as he nods.]
Got it in one. Most of the parties I've been to like this are pretty bad about it, an excuse to show off people's wealth and pretend like they care. Here... [He shrugs.] Ari wanted to make sure that everybody had a good time, whether they're here because they want to adopt or donate to the shelter or just have a chance to get all dolled up. She really cares about people, but she also really cares about the animals, too.
[Eventually he's going to figure out how to talk about Ari without sounding like a giant sap.
That day is definitely not tonight.]
no subject
And what she cares about, you care about, or do I miss my mark in guessing how you got involved with all of this?
[on a different day, she might tease him, but tonight, she sounds like she honestly means the question.]
no subject
That obvious, huh?
no subject
[she means it. it's the hopeless romantic part of her speaking, but when it comes out in simple conversation, then she has a strong sense that to put the two together would result in delightful sweetness.]
It's in your tone. She makes you happy, and for that? [Grell mimes lifting a glass for a toast. it'd be more effective if she had a drink, but whatever, the sentiment's there.] Don't worry, I won't go telling everyone.
no subject
Thanks. Things are a little different tonight because of all this, but I'm not exactly the type of guy people expect to do the whole romance thing. It's not my style.
[But, well. He'll break away from his usual methods of pursuing someone if it's for Ari. She's different than all the other people he's been with through the years. There's something different there.]
no subject
[she shrugs, smiling a little. it's all about what someone personally values, in her opinion - and plus, there's something infinitely adorable in young love. she might end up keeping a subtle eye on them a little more later.]
It's considerate of you to do this with her, and I'm sure she feels the same.
no subject
[It's more that he's the type of guy people expect to be out partying and drinking and potentially doing other types of drugs, if Pen's question to him when his eyes changed is anything to go by. The rest of the world seems to see him as a wild child and an asshole, and that's the sort of reputation he'd like to keep!
...IT'S TIME TO SWITCH TOPICS ABRUPTLY LET'S NOT TALK ABOUT HIM ANY MORE HOW ABOUT THAT.]
Anyway, you said you didn't know what to expect when you agreed to come tonight? Who're you here with?
no subject
Oh, you want to know? Him.
[and she carefully points towards Ardyn, wherever he might be. not too obvious that she's just pointing at him, but the gesture and her line of sight make it unmistakable.]
Professor Ardyn Izunia, if you don't know him.
no subject
But while he'd chuckled before, Dante actually breaks into a legitimate laugh when he realizes who she's talking about.]
Wait--you're here with the prof?
[Oh, this is gold. He hadn't known that Ardyn had a potential love in his life! But the question now is what does he do with this information?]
Oh, man. I don't know whether I should rag on him and tell you all about how he's a secret softie or ask if you've already figured that part out yet.
[But there's no malice to his grin. Honestly, if the prof's got his eye on Grell, then good for him.
(That doesn't mean he won't try and tease Ardyn about it later, though.)]
no subject
Telling me all his secrets? Oh, but I worry for your sake - how unhappy will he be to find out you've gone and spilled the beans?
[they both know if Ardyn could hear this he'd just laugh, so. it's not really an issue.]
no subject
Oh no. I'll just have to beg for mercy.
[And then he brings his gaze back to Grell again, laughter in his voice as he speaks.]
Turnabout is fair play. I'm sure he'd have done the same thing to me.
no subject
[she agrees without a hint of hesitation. no harm being honest on this point.]
I mean, if he hasn't done the same to you already. I don't know what kind of torment he inflicts in the classroom.
[even if she did know he had a softer side, she'll let Dante gossip to her. it's giving him enough joy as it is and keeping him from having to talk to people he has to avoid, and she's entertained.]
no subject
But other times I can score some pretty solid hits too.
[Honestly, Grell's pretty easy to talk to, and it's definitely more fun than it is schmoozing with the rest of the guests. He knows that soon enough he needs to get back to working the crowd, but for right now...
Eh, he can take a moment.]
no subject
[or she's just encouraging him to keep firing back, because they both know that to match wits with Ardyn, you can't give up. lawyer types, really.
out of the corner of her eye, she sees someone coming closer, and the look on her face transitions from the casual cheer to a moment of oh no. stepping to the side carefully, she shoots her eyes at Dante.]
Quick. Pretend we're having an extremely serious conversation or that you can't speak English, something that'd dissuade anyone from cutting in.
[she'll explain in a second.]
no subject
But she's helped him already, so it's only fair that he does the same, right? His expression locks down immediately, lips pressed into a line, eyebrows drawing together and up to affect an expression of someone who knows he needs help, but won't reduce himself to begging for it.]
Miss Sutcliffe, I understand that it's very short notice, but you have to realize I only got the request a couple of hours ago. If we aren't prepared to make this proposal by tomorrow morning, we lose out on all the funding the society is prepared to offer.
Please. I know tonight's event is also for a good cause, but your name was given to me as the person that would be the most help in putting all of this together.
[He really hopes he's not going to have to elaborate on any of this. Quick, what past experiences can he use to fill in the blanks if it comes to that...?]
no subject
[good. they seem to be dissuaded, but she knows there needs to be a final blow. making sure she's standing perfectly straight, her tone is icy, someone saying something that cannot be argued with.]
However, I can hardly be expected to throw my hat into the ring for nothing more than a handful of potential. We'll both be pulling a late night, as I expect you to be available for my questions, which will be compiled and sent over once I review the information. Tell the one who used my name so that I'm not someone easily made a fool of.
[it's meaningless garbage, and yet, the woman she had been trying to avoid is gone, sent away to a different part of the event, and Grell relaxes. her tone drops back to where it was, the relief evident.]
Have you ever had someone who you need to answer to that you simply...legitimately despise to the point where even how they park their car gets on your nerves? That's who just left.
no subject
I know exactly the sort of person you're talking about.
When you say answer to, though... do you mean like a boss? Or just someone that's got their nose in your business?
no subject
no subject
Someone with an inflated sense of their own importance, huh? I know a few people like that.
You aren't a kid. It's not their responsibility to decide whether you're sick enough to miss work.
[As long as she manages to get her work done, who cares? It's a stupid thing to care about, in his eyes.]
no subject
[and she gets her work done exceptionally, if she does say so herself. that's been her standard for the entire time she's been in Recolle.]
...Thank you, though. Not many people know how to properly improvise and simply say yes when the time calls for it.
no subject
I've been to a lot of these sorts of events with my parents. You either learn to run with it or you wash out, sink or swim.
[He's not entirely sure whether he's sunken or swimming, honestly.]
Anyways, I should probably get back to making the rounds, maybe play a bit. [He nods toward the piano.] Thanks again for helping me out. And give the prof hell for me, all right?
[There's a bit of a grin on his face as he says these last words. Even from just this brief meeting, he's pretty sure that Grell is match enough for Ardyn's snark. Watching the two of them go back and forth would probably be pretty entertaining!]