Our Client Wins an ACE Award for Dinner on the River Campaign
Meredith Corning PR is proud to highlight the success of our client, Vibrant Occasions Catering, in clinching the prestigious ACE Award for Catered Micro Event of the Year 2024, presented during Catersource + The Special Event. The remarkable success of the winning event, Dinner on the River, underscores the invaluable synergy between event planning and public relations. This collaborative effort, fully orchestrated by our sister company, Meredith Events, exemplifies the power of integrating events into your PR strategy.
Dinner on the River served as a platform for renowned philanthropist and content creator Cat Sims to launch her fundraising campaign in support of the Arkansas Chapter's Children's Tumor Foundation. The event celebrated Cat's participation as a dancer in the prestigious Dancing with Our Stars competition, a significant endeavor aimed at raising funds and awareness for the foundation's noble cause. Cat's commitment to making a difference in the community was evident as she gathered friends and fellow content creators for an evening of celebration and philanthropy, marking the beginning of her impactful journey towards driving research and advancing care for the neurofibromatosis (NF) community.
Events serve as powerful platforms for storytelling, allowing brands to engage with their audience on a deeper level and create memorable experiences that resonate long after the event concludes. Dinner on the River seamlessly blended culinary excellence with philanthropic endeavors, captivating attendees and garnering widespread acclaim. By meticulously curating every aspect of the event, from the menu to the ambiance, Vibrant Occasions Catering and the team of vendors involved showcased their commitment to excellence and creativity.
The strategic incorporation of influencers into the PR strategy amplified the event's reach and impact. Arkansas native and philanthropist Cat Sims, among others, lent their support to Dinner on the River, leveraging their influence to spread the message of the event and its charitable cause across social media platforms. This collaborative approach not only increased brand visibility but also fostered meaningful connections with the community, driving engagement and participation.
The philanthropic aspect of Dinner on the River highlights the importance of incorporating social responsibility into business practices. By aligning with a worthy cause such as the Arkansas Chapter of the Children's Tumor Foundation, Vibrant Occasions and the entire vendor team demonstrated its commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact beyond the realm of business. This ethos of corporate social responsibility not only enhances brand reputation but also fosters goodwill and loyalty among customers and stakeholders.
Furthermore, Dinner on the River was featured in six different publications, both local and international, and received extensive press release distributions, amplifying its impact and visibility. The seamless integration of promotional materials including photography by Lori Sparkman Photography and videography by Weaver Films, combined with strategic influencer partnerships, underscored the effectiveness of a comprehensive PR strategy in elevating the event's profile and securing its prestigious accolades.
The menu curated by Vibrant Occasions Catering for the award-winning Dinner on the River event was nothing short of culinary perfection, showcasing their expertise and creativity in the realm of gastronomy. The array of hors d'oeuvres, from the creamy Buratta topped with basil pesto and roasted grape tomatoes to the tantalizing Cajun shrimp cocktail with a smoky cocktail sauce, set the tone for an evening of exquisite dining. The inclusion of innovative offerings such as the Hummus Shooters topped with marinated feta and the refreshing Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Fruit demonstrated Vibrant Occasions Catering's commitment to elevating traditional favorites with a modern twist.
As guests indulged in the passed hors d'oeuvres, they were treated to culinary delights that tantalized the taste buds and delighted the senses. From the rich and creamy Tomato Bisque served with a grown-up grilled cheese to the savory Mini Lox & Bagel featuring house-smoked salmon and dilled cream cheese on a mini house-made "bagel," each bite was a testament to Vibrant Occasions Catering's attention to detail and dedication to culinary excellence. The Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms and warm Spinach Artichoke Dip provided comforting flavors, while the Strawberry Salad refreshed the palate with its vibrant combination of fresh ingredients and tangy vinaigrette.
The plated dinner menu continued to impress with its delectable offerings, including the succulent Cabernet Braised Beef Short Ribs, whipped Mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, and tender Roasted Broccolini. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted to complement the others, resulting in a cohesive and unforgettable dining experience. To top off the evening on a sweet note, guests savored the indulgent Blueberry Mousse Cake and velvety Blood Orange Mascarpone Panna Cotta, showcasing Vibrant Occasions Catering's mastery of both flavor and presentation. Ultimately, it was the culinary artistry showcased in this meticulously curated menu that contributed to Vibrant Occasions Catering's well-deserved ACE Award win for Catered Micro Event of the Year 2024.
The success of Dinner on the River exemplifies the significance of integrating events, influencer partnerships, and philanthropic endeavors into a PR strategy. By leveraging these strategic elements, brands can effectively enhance their visibility, engage with their audience authentically, and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. Meredith Corning PR is proud to have played a role in the success of Dinner on the River and congratulates Vibrant Occasions Catering on this well-deserved achievement.
Dinner on the River Participants and Sponsors
Co-host: Cat Sims, @catsimsxoxo
Co-host and Private Catering: Vibrant Occasions, @vibrantoccasionscatering
Floral Design: Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio, @roseofsharonfloral
Event Photography: Lori Sparkman Photography, @lorisparkmanphotography
Music: Central Arkansas Entertainment Agency, @cae_lr
DJ: DJ Jellybean, @djjbean
Planner & Party Design: Meredith Events, @meredithevents
Public Relations: Meredith Corning PR, @meredithcorningpr
Videography: Weaver Films, @weaverfilms
Balloon Photo Backdrop: Just Peachy, @justpeachylr
Dinnerware Rentals: Eventology, @eventology_us
Wardrobe Stylist: Kimberly Cyr Calhoun, @kimberlycyr
Wardrobe Retailer: Royal We, @royalweprom
Special Guests and Content Creators: @tabithanstaylor, @alexa_hart_, @kailux, @kimberlycyr, @lesley_withrow, @jennymartinphoto, @alishacurtis, @sarahkmeyer
Videography by Weaver Films.