Hope is a vital message in uncertain times which is why the Catholic Charities Gala theme this year was “Rooted in Hope, United in Mission.” As the Washington DC Gala was turned over to our design team, we wondered–how does one give shape to hope in a way that can bring a subtle sense of calm and happiness to an audience? In this case, our Creative Director and President, Sara Rose Harmon chose to have birds, beautiful, pastel and in flight, bring the message to the stage.
It was a design solution that came with a beautiful message. Since ancient times, birds have been a symbol not only of beauty, but resilience, renewal, and the enduring belief that we can always rise our earthly world.
To bring this sentiment to life, the design was anchored with a simple backdrop of white spandex arches positioned behind the speaker. “The look was elegant,” Harmon says, “offering a clean visual on camera while subtly concealing the band equipment.”
At the center of the composition, an oversized bird silhouette was the focal point. Surrounding it was a collection of colorful, dimensional bird cutouts suspended on monofilament introduced movement and visual interest, while maintaining a balanced, intentional aesthetic.
An acrylic podium, branded with the Catholic Charities logo, stood center stage, complemented by a soft floral surround of delicate blooms and organic textures. On either side, seven-foot ficus trees paired with lush, colorful blooming plants added depth, gently framing the stage and grounding the overall design.
The evening opened with an invocation by Cardinal McIlroy, Archbishop of Washington, setting a tone of reflection and purpose. Among the 1,000 guests, distinguished guests, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Congresswoman April Delaney of Maryland, joined an audience gathered in the Washington Hilton International Ballroom, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
As the Washington DC gala transitioned into celebration, the stage transformed, shifting the energy of the room in just a few seamless moments. The hinged spandex arches slid away to reveal the band, while the central bird remained in place. Around it, the suspended bird elements became more vibrant and dynamic under the evolving lighting design.
Enhanced stage lighting introduced saturated tones and contrast, amplifying depth and movement across the composition. With the podium removed, the stage opened fully for entertainment, allowing the design elements to breathe and the performance to take focus. The transition from light to dark, from reflective to celebratory, created a memorable visual shift that mirrored the progression of the Washington DC gala, while maintaining a cohesive and intentional design story throughout.
Even the floral centerpieces echoed the theme of hope across all 110 tables that filled the ballroom. Sara incorporated a vibrant orange Bird of Paradise into each arrangement, subtly connecting the tablescape to the cutout birds floating above the stage. Fresh greens, soft whites, and warm coral tones layered with orchids, anthurium, roses, ranunculus, and green amaranth created arrangements that felt both elevated and alive—all set within gold glass cylinders in a mix of low and elevated heights.
Encore Decor’s efforts not only made the evening one of the most memorable galas of the year but also contributed to a meaningful outcome, helping raise more than $3,000,000 in support of Catholic Charities’ mission. After the event, Jim Malloy, president and CEO of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, told Ken Rosen, Encore’s CEO, “From the moment the crowd entered the ballroom, the atmosphere you created played such an important role in the success of the evening. From the beautiful floral arrangements and table setting to the overall aesthetic, every detail contributed to a warm and welcoming environment for our guests. We’ve heard wonderful feedback about how elegant and festive the space felt, and that is a direct reflection of your team’s creativity, energy and care. It really made the room personal and special!”
We were proud to partner with the Catholic Charities Gala committee once again, creating an evening defined by lightness, beauty, and the enduring reminder of hope and mission.
The creative team:
Stage and table design, floral and execution: Encore Décor | Venue/Food: Washington Hilton | AV/ Entertainment: GIGS Studio | Linens: Perfect Settings
