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©2009 Main Event Planning Services

Travel Channel

In September of 2010, Travel Channel partnered with Chase Sapphire to bring cardholders and viewers together for an event in San Francisco. We located a beautiful venue for the event, and a vision to bring the world to the attendees in an event called "Sam Brown's Unforgettable Experiences." The event featured Travel Channel star Samantha Brown; we chose five areas where Samantha had filmed her travels, and I created five "Experiences."

First, I enlarged each of five iconic photos of Ireland, Italy, Argentina, New Orleans and Asia to create a dramatic backdrop. On the site inspection, I met with and tasted food from several of San Francisco's best caterers. I recommended Grace Street Catering by Erin McKinney based on their menu, ability to help bring my vision to reality, and of course, the incomparable Anastasia Alvarado. She and her amazing design team (headed by Rhonda Stoffel) worked with me to find the perfect linens for each experience, and Rhonda created unique and "crazy beautiful" centerpieces and buffet pieces for each area. I also suggested a green screen, and guests delighted in having their photo taken with Sam Brown in front of the Great Wall, an Irish castle, the Coliseum, Bourbon Street or the glaciers of Patagonia.

The food matched the theme as well, of course, ranging from roasted duck moo shu and ginger and lime pot au crème to grilled Andouille sausage and pecan pie, to prosciutto with warm roasted dried fig and cherry moscato torte. Food was paired with prosecco, wines from the Mendoza region of Argentina, Guinness, a “Geisha Kiss” or a Blue Sapphire Gin Fizz, among others.

"It was a really outrageous job you did. You put your heart and soul into it, and I thank you so, so much."
Bob Townley, Executive Director, Manhattan Youth

"I was thoroughly impressed with your professionalism and kindness. Thanks to you, the party was an incredibly wonderful experience for everyone. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!"
Russ Schulman, Manhattan Youth

"Thank you, Diane, for all your great help with this party—I know we're a motley crew and you really rolled with it all, with grace, humor, aplomb—and reassurance. You made it fun."
Maria Reidelbach, Art Director, Manhattan Youth

Allison Heaton of Whole Foods prepares the raw bar at the Manhattan Youth Annual Awards Benefit at the Downtown Community Center, April, 2010.
Guests noshed on smoked salmon on cucumber pumpernickel bread with dill sauce at the Manhattan Youth Annual Awards Benefit at the Downtown Community Center, April, 2010.