Inspiring Generosity Through Food and Festivity
More than 300 families, donors, and supporters of St. Richard’s Episcopal School lit up The Heirloom at N. K. Hurst’s dance floor, decor, and champagne service for the school’s biggest annual fundraiser, The Dragon Regalia. The Heirloom was honored to once again help this Indianapolis school community, located not far from Crystal’s downtown venues, support their students, teachers, and staff. Funds raised help to keep class sizes small, retain dedicated teachers, upgrade technology, and enroll a socioeconomically diverse student body.
A Sparkling Start: Champagne Fireworks & Silent Auction
With a vibrant theme, thoughtfully curated culinary experiences, and an atmosphere charged with energy and emotion, the evening demonstrated the pride and spirit of the school.
Guests arrived to an impressive balloon arch and red carpet entrance, silent auction filled with impressive items, a dazzling dragon-scale photo booth, bourbon pull, jewelry tables, passed hors d’oeuvres, and elegantly decorated farm tables ready for a plated dinner.
Four chef-crafted hors d’oeuvres made their rounds including:
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Mini chicken tacos
- Deviled eggs with pimento cheese
- Deviled eggs with bacon
Bars positioned throughout the ballroom to encourage guest flow served specialty themed cocktails crafted in tandem with the event’s theme, including a Red Hot Old Fashioned, Green Gimlet, and Dragon Mule Mocktail. The Red Hot Old Fashioned blended bourbon, muddled strawberries, orange bitters, hot honey, and a dried orange garnish. The Green Gimlet featured vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, muddled basil leaves, and muddled cucumber. The specialty mocktail combined ginger beer, blackberry simple syrup, and lime juice with blackberry and sage garnish.
Lighting Up The Night: Décor & Design
The Heirloom ballroom and its rich wood details and rustic brick accents served as the perfect backdrop for The Regalia’s deep red, burgundy, and gold decor. Fifteen farm tables and 19 rounds were decorated with black linens, sheer maroon table runners, burgundy napkins, black and gold bliss charges, votives, and gold acrylic table numbers. Ivory cushions on the vineyard crossback chairs provided a nice accent to the deep hues and a comfortable seating option for diners.
Nonprofit events are not only designed to engage the supportive community of a mission or organization, but also to raise necessary funds to achieve that mission. Crystal understands that desire to achieve an elevated experience on a budget, allowing the maximum possible funds to be raised. One way this was achieved for this event was in the centerpiece design. Dried florals, floating candles, and dragon accents gave the tables a decadent feel without the cost of large live floral arrangements.
Custom red lighting design by Markey’s production team included LED panels, perimeter uplighting, and stage washes to draw guests’ attention to the front of the room for the live band.
A Culinary Showcase: Dinner & Late Night Snack Service
Guests were all served with a fan favorite caesar salad to begin and given the choice of garlic bistro tender medallions with chimichurri, garlic & herb crusted salmon with dill cream sauce, or roasted vegetable lasagna roulade (vegetarian option) as their entree. All guest dietary restrictions, preferences, and food allergies were graciously accommodated to ensure everyone had an enjoyable meal. For dessert, the chef prepared a lemon blueberry cake and Ghirardelli double chocolate chip cake. Later in the evening, after guests took to the dance floor, they were treated to a late night snack of Kilroy's famous breadsticks.
Program Highlights & A Powerful Mission
Following dinner, guests turned their attention to the evening’s formal program, which included a live auction and a compelling “Fund-a-Need” segment to support teachers and their classrooms.
Dancing the Night Away
With the final champagne toast made and funds raised, the evening shifted into celebration mode. As the lights dimmed, the Blue Water Kings Band retook the stage and guests hit the dance floor. The Heirloom opened its garage doors to its new patio so guests could enjoy fresh air and skyline views of downtown and Lucas Oil Stadium.
A Night to Remember
Crystal Signature Events was honored to be part of this impactful and beautifully executed evening. From culinary coordination to venue management, our team was proud to support the mission of St. Richards and bring their vision to life. Events like this one remind us of the power that lives at the intersection of design, hospitality, and heartfelt purpose—and we’re grateful to play a part in it.
If you're planning a nonprofit gala or fundraising event and want a trusted partner to bring it to life, we’d love to help. Our team brings decades of experience in producing seamless, mission-driven events that inspire generosity and create lasting impressions. Contact Crystal Signature Events today to start the conversation.
Vendors
- Venue: The Heirloom at N. K. Hurst
- Catering: Crystal Signature Events
- Photographer: 360 Photo Booth
- AV: Markey’s
- Linens: A Classic Party Rental
- Band: Blue Water Kings Band
More Event Photos from the Dragon Regalia Gala at The Heirloom
Related Topics: Events, Charity & Fundraising Events, Events Ideas & Inspiration, Downtown Event Venues