Though we started our business with the goal of goading creativity and innovation for corporate meetings, it’s no surprise our one-of-a-kind environment was quickly sought after to be the setting for big special events.
Over the years, we have been host to many over-the-top celebrations, where the festivities are just as audacious as our colorful décor. And it’s not just our clients who are ambitious in throwing parties. Let’s look back at a few exceptional gatherings we put on ourselves which provided fun and entertainment in really special ways!
Rip Roarin’ Rodeo
You know we’re not shy about our Anniversary parties! We put together a fun bash for our nearest and dearest, and we go all out. For our 8th Anniversary, we held a true barn burner: our Rip Roarin’ Rodeo. With our staff clad in western plaid and cowboy hats, our “Ranch” personas were on full display. We had five musical acts (including a Ranch Hand Band and a Manager Cabaret), carnival style games, and of course a feast of delicious eats.
And as always, it wasn’t just an outrageous themed party. We celebrated the Ranch while lifting up our community: a silent auction benefited the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Under a New Moon
In 2011, Illinois legalized same-sex civil unions, which was truly a “great leap” for humankind in the Land of Lincoln. To celebrate the occasion, we partnered with several vendors, including Jeremy Lawson Photography and Bleeding Heart Bakery, to host the first legal same-sex civil unions in Illinois. On the stroke of midnight, June 2, 2011 (the day that it was officially legal) six same-sex couples were joined together by life celebrant Anita Vaughn in our event Under A New Moon.
That evening we were proud to continue our history of active and vocal support of LGBTQ+ equality. The historic date was well worth celebrating.
Harmony Hope and Humanity
When the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in 2011, millions were left displaced and devastated. The first day it hit, we were shocked and upset by it, but rather than just sit back and watch the disaster from afar, we decided to contribute the best way we knew how: producing a fundraising benefit.
The event’s food and drink were generously donated by longtime vendor partners, and the main event was a cabaret performance by Chicago’s top Asian American talent, including Broadway performers Joseph Anthony Foronda (Miss Saigon, Pacific Overtures) and Emily Morales (South Pacific). Our very own Ranch Hand and staff member Danny Bernardo, who spearheaded the production of the event, was among the incredible musical theatre talents rounding out the cast.
Through all the generous contributions by these companies, performers, and the community, we were able to raise $5400 to aid the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund for Japan!
Art-Work Launch Party
In 2007, we devised a new offering, Art-Work, which would incite staggering creativity for clients through a remarkable partnership with the legendary Art Institute of Chicago. Art-Work saw clients immerse themselves in fine art at the museum before returning to the Ranch for creative exercises as a group.
And to launch this exciting program, we threw a debut party that was just as spectacular with immersive elements and performances happening throughout the event. The centerpiece of the performance art was a recreation of the famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte” by George Seurat, with professional Chicago musical theatre actors–along with our own staff–dressed in period costume, interacting with guests and eventually posing in a tableau recreation of the painting. The actors then performed selections from the musical revolving around Seurat and this painting, Sunday in the Park with George, by James Lapine and the late, great Stephen Sondheim. It was truly a night celebrating the power of art and artists to inspire connection and creativity.
Camp Boundless
In honor of our 15th Ranch Anniversary in 2017, we took our out-of-this-world environment and transported folks to entirely new destination: play camp! Our Founder, Eva Niewiadomski, along with a foursome of her artist-creator friends, dreamed up a refreshing getaway–both physically and mentally–for adults to have the opportunity to play with the freedom unique to young children, who are more able than adults to throw themselves into activities without being bound by self judgement. And voilà: Camp Boundless was born!
The immersive experience started right at the elevator, decorated like a wild forest, where a Camp Counselor welcomed campers to the event. Choosing from a wide array of “Play Sessions” such as macramé, life drawing with cosplayers, Bollywood dance, and circus arts, campers were treated to a full day of opportunities to fully savor play for the sake of play, and to turn off digital devices and connect with other play-minded adults.
Camp Boundless was a success and spawned several single-activity events offered throughout the year in addition to another day-long camp event.
Planning your Company’s Holiday Party?
Your NFP’s next fundraiser?
Learn more about hosting your special event at Catalyst Ranch!
