Benefits and Fund Raisers

Big Wave is one of the leading event planning companies in NYC and Connecticut. We specialize in benefits and fundraisers for many kinds of organization. We are known in the industry as a one-stop shop. We provide innovative and creative, cutting-edge event design and production. Some of the superior technical and visual equipment we use for our successful corporate parties in NYC include:

  • State-of-the-Art Line Array Audio Systems
  • High-Definition Video Projectors
  • Traditional, Intelligent, & LED Lighting
  • Drapery & Stretch Fabrics

Whether your benefit among the university events in Connecticut, or in a tent, a hotel ballroom, or an airport hangar, Big Wave will develop your theme while ensuring that your silent auction tables are lit properly, guest speakers are amplified sufficiently, video screens are bright and high definition, that your room is creatively decorated, and your dance floor lighting is hot. Let Big Wave be your designer as well as your production firm. It is our mission to provide our clients with the highest quality at a price that fits their budget.

Events

Fairfield Prep Auction

Location:  Fairfield Prep Cafeteria

Producer:  Brian Winthrop

Sound Engineer:  Joe Burns and Frank Egan

Video Tech:  Preston Martinik

Decor:  Mariella Winthrop

Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation Gala

Site:  RCG Farm, Newtown, CT

Event Production Management:  Brian Winthrop

LD: Joseph Burns

Audio: Frank Egan

Electrical Distribution:  Brian Jennings

Drapery:  Mariella Winthrop

New Haven Symphony Gala

Location: Anthony’s Waterfront, New Haven, CT

Producer:  Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer:  Joseph Burns

Audio Engineer: Brian Jennings

Catherine Violet Hubbard Fundraising Gala

Location: RCG Farm, Newtown, CT

Event Planner: Laura King

Event Director: Robert Wang, Broadcast Production

Technical Director:  Michael Volpe, Broadcast Production

Caterer: Kim Kloposky’s, Lily and the Rose

Featured Entertainment: Mickey Dolenz

Event Producer:  Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer: Joseph Burns

Audio Engineer: Frank Egan

Event Photographer: Jason Hess, jasonhessphotography.com

Operation Smile Fundraising Gala

Location:  Bell Haven Country Club, Greenwich, CT

Producer: Brian Winthrop

Event Planner:  Robyn Elefan

Lighting Designer: Joseph Burns

Audio Engineer: Aaron Stone

Special Guest:  Sheena Easton

Gunn Memorial Library Fundraiser

Location: Washington Town Hall

Farmers Table Fundraiser

Location:  Sunny Meadow Farm

 

Fairfield Prep Fundraising Gala

Location: Fairfield Prep

Producer:  Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer:  Joseph Burns

Audio Engineer:  Edward Godin

 

Operation Smile Fundraising Gala

Location: Belle Haven Country Club

Producer:  Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer: Rhys Kiernan

Audio Engineer: Joseph Burns

Griffin Hospital Gala

Producer: Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer: John Fraleigh

Sound Engineer: Rhys Kiernan

Designer: Mariella Winthrop

Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall School Gala

Producer:  Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer:  Jeffrey Winthrop

Audio:  George Matulis

Video: William Moore

Designer: Mariella Winthrop

 

Build Boston Fundraising Gala

Location: Massachusetts Convention Center

Producer: Brian Winthrop

Lighting Designer: Jeffrey Winthrop

Sound Engineer: Carlos Dias

Decor:  Mariella Winthrop

Fairfield Prep

Location:  Cafeteria at Fairfield Prep, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT

Producer: Brian Winthrop

LD:  Jeffrey Winthrop

Sound Engineer:  Joseph Burns

Décor:  Jessica Patterson

 

A Child’s Place Fundraiser, Westport, CT

Site: Realm, Norwalk, CT

Event Production: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Theme: Frat Party

DJ: DJ VDub & Club Big Wave

Sustainable America’s Inaugural Ball

Event Planners: Heidi Hart and Andy Holtz, Sustainable America and Anne Thaxter, TMK Sports & Entertainment

Event Production: Brian and Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Audio Engineer: Carlos Diaz, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Site: 700 Canal Street, Stamford, CT

Entertainment: Tamara Tunie

Caterer: Jen & Jim Vellano / Maison Prive

Party Rentals: Smith Party Rentals

Fairfield Prep Annual Gala & Live Auction

Site: Alumni Hall, Fairfield University

Event Type: Gala & Fundraiser

Event Planner: Kathy Norell, Event Coordinator, Fairfield Prep

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC.

Event Designer: Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC.

Event Production Firm: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC.

DJ & VJ: DJ VDUB, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Food Service: Sodexo

Wakeman Boys and Girls Club Annual Spring Auction

Site: Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, Bridgeport, CT

Event Planner: Kait Herman, Wakeman Boys and Girls Club

Event Production: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Rumsey Hall School Annual Fundraising Gala

$450,000 was raised at this event!

Site: Tennis Facility on campus

Event Planner: Carol Maxwell, Director of Development, Rumsey Hall School

Auctioneer: Tom Farmen, Headmaster, Rumsey Hall School

Event Production (Audio, video, lighting & drapery): Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Audio Engineer: Brandon Liguori, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

LD: Tom Russell, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Photographer: Tanya Liguori, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

A Child’s Place Annual Fund Raiser

Event Chairperson: Stacie Curran

Site: Westport Inn, CT

Production Firm: Big Wave Event Productions, Ltd.

Pilobolus Ball

Site: 60’ x 160’ Pole tent on private property in Washington, CT

Event Planner: Allison Proudy, Secondbolt

Director of Production: Shane Mongar, Pilobolus

Event Production Firm: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

LD: Tom Russell, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Audio Tech: Colin Young, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Greenwich Red Cross Red and White Gala

Chairperson: Rachel McAree & Kathy Conner

Logistics Chair: Linda Chase-Jenkins

Director of Development for Greenwich Red Cross: Tonette Cookson

Red & White Ball Co-Chairs: Pamela Blackwell & Elizabeth Boutry

The Executive Committee: Colleen Hempleman, Rachel McAree and Lia DeNey

Site: Net Jet Terminal, Westchester County Airport, NY, Marietta French, VP, General Manager

Caterer: Food Design, Gallia Batt

Rentals: Smith’s Rents It, Mike Stelluti

Tent and Dance Floor: Northeast Tent, Joseph P. Hynes

Event Production & Design (Audio, Video, Truss, Lighting, Stage & Drapery): Big Wave Event Production, Brian & Mariella Winthrop

Entertainment: Total Entertainment, Marc Jason-Band

Totally Live Band: Soul Street

Family Service of Greater Boston’s Anniversary Gala

Site: Cyclorama in Boston’s South End

Event Planner: Jill Moran, Jill Moran & Associates

Event Technical Producer: Brian Winthrop

Event Fabrics & Room Wash: Big Wave Event Productions

Video: A Dream Picture, adreampicture.com

St. Mary’s Hospital Annual Ball

Site: Aqua Turf

Event Production: Big Wave Event Production, LLC

Greenwich Red Cross Red and White Gala

Chairperson: Rachel McAree

Logistics: Anne Thaxter & Lisa Cooper

Red Cross: Tonette Cookson, Director of Development

Site: Net Jet Terminal, Westchester County Airport, NY, Marietta French, VP, General Manager

Caterer: Food Design, Gallia Batt

Rentals: Smith’s Rents It, Mike Stelluti

Tent and Dance Floor: Northeast Tent, Joseph P. Hynes

Event Production & Design (Audio, Video, Truss, Lighting, Stage & Drapery): Big Wave Event Production, Brian & Mariella Winthrop

Entertainment: Total Entertainment, Marc Jason-Band

Totally Live Band: Soul Street

St. Mary’s Hospital Annual Benefit and Gala

Site: Michael Aberg, General Manager, The Aquaturf, Cheshire, CT

Event Planner: Peggy Lawlor, President & Lezlie Zupkus, Director of Development, St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation

Event Producers: Brian and Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave & Leslie Chiu

Event Production: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC (audio, video, lighting & drapery)

Entertainment: Club Big Wave

Phelps Memorial Hospital Annual Gala

Site: Trump National Golf Club

Event Planner: C. Stevens Cunningham,PMH

Event Production: Big Wave Event Productions

Annual Gala and Benefit for the Westport Arts Center

Site: Tent on site

Event Production including audio, video, lighting, lit tables and drapery: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Annual Greenwich Red Cross

Site: Net Jet Hanger, Westchester County Airport

Event Chairperson: Lisa Cooper

Event Production: Brian Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions

Drapery & Fabrics: Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions

Annual Gala and Benefit for the New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Site: Lanman Center, Yale University

Big Wave Event Productions: Audio, Video, Lighting & Fabrics

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP

Audio: Jay Morascini

LD: Pete Wylie

Designer: Mariella Winthrop

University of New Haven Scholarship Ball

Site: UNH Field House

Event Planner: Jennifer W. Pjatak, Director of Alumni Relations

Event Production (Audio, Video, Lighting & Draperies): Brian & Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Audio Technician: Carlos Diez, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Lighting Designer: John Diez, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Raising $1 Million for Juvenile Diabetes

Site: Connecticut Convention Center

Event Planner: Mary Ann Slomski, Executive Director, Juvenile Diabetes

Producer: Karen Fallo, Perfect Productions

Event Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Annual Gala and Benefit Ball for Kids in Crisis

Site: Tent in Greenwich, CT

Tent Company: Stamford Tent, CT

Event Planner: Lotte Bidstrup, Director of Special Events, KIC

Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions

Entertainment: Club Big Wave

Producers: Brian and Mariella Winthrop

Floral & Furniture provided by: Maria Clark, Green Floral & Events, www.green-greenwich.com

Annual Gala and Benefit for Norwalk Hospital

Event Planner: Susan Ludwig, Director of Special Events, Norwalk Hospital

Tent Company: George Szondy, Abbey Tent

Caterer: Judy Hundley, Gracious Thyme

Generator & Electrical Distribution: Big Wave

Event Production: Brian Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

St. Luke’s Lifeworks Annual Gala and Benefit

Site: Stamford Palace Theater

Event Planner: Hollywood Pop

Event Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Wounded Warrior Benefit

Client: Wounded Warriors

Site: NY Armory, 26th & Lexington

Event Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Feature: Blue room wash, with with drapery, stretch fabrics and Live I-MAG

Annual Benefit and Gala for BAM

Event Planner: Glen Stiskal, Special Event Coordinator, BAM

Site: 250’ x 50’ Tent in BAM Parking Lot

Tent Company: Abbey Tent

Event Production: Big Wave Event Productions

LD: Pete Wylie, Big Wave

Annual Benefit and Gala for Norwalk Hospital, CT

Event Planner: Susan Ludwig, Norwalk Hospital

Tent Company: Abbey Tent, George Szondy

Caterer: Gracious Thymes, Judy Hundley

Kids in Crisis Annual Gala & Benefit

Site: Tent in Greenwich, CT

Tent Company: Stamford Tent, CT

Event Planner: Allison Salvati

Main Tent Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions

Entertainment: Wild Video Dance Party®

Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP

Floral & Furniture provided by: Maria Clark, Green Floral & Events, www.green-greenwich.com

Rumson Country Day School Annual Gala & Benefit

Site: Rumson Country Day School

Theme: Ice Cave

Event Planner: Charlene Masselli

Event Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Producer: Brian Winthrop

LD: Pete Wylie

Annual ‘Heroes’ Benefit for the New Milford Hospital held at the Canterbury School Field House

MC: Ann and Dennis Leary

Event Planner: Ann Dixie Todd, Production Resources

New Milford Hospital Executive Director of Development: Marydale DeBor

Rumsey Hall Benefit

$303,000 was raised at the Rumsey Hall Benefit with a Halloween Theme

Benefit for the Young Lions at the New York Public Library

Décor: Lewis Miller of LMD Floral Events Interiors

Lighting: Brian Winthrop of Big Wave Event Productions, LLC.

Catering: Creative Edge Parties

American Diabetes Association Annual Benefit

Site: Hartford Marriott Hotel, Karen Walsh, Catering Manager

Event Planner: Jennifer Galica, Special Events Manager

Event Production Company: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Annual Benefit for Mid-Fairfield County/New Canaan Red Cross

Theme: Paint the Town Red

Site: Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, Marcos Santiago, Catering Manager

Event Planner: Carol Fishman, Director of Events, Mid-Fairfield County Red Cross

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Lighting Designer: Peter Wylie, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Audio Engineer: Jay Moriscini, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Video Engineer: Jeffrey Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC.

Fabric Designer: Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Rigger: Gerry Brown, Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Moonlight Serenade… New Haven Symphony Orchestra Gala

Auctioneer: Eric Hummel

Catering: Jordan Caterers

Entertainment: Bales-Gitlin Band

Event Design & Planning: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Event Production: Big Wave Event Productions, LLC

Floral Arrangements: Fleur de Lys

Annual Benefit for Sacred Heart University held at the University Field House

Cocktail Hour with Silent Auction and Dinner with Award Ceremony and Live Auction

Director of Special Events: Anne Miron

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP

Décor & Fabrics: Mariella Winthrop

Lighting Designer: Pete Wylie

Audio Technicians: Jay Morascini and Scott Sireno

Long Wharf Theater Ruby Gala 2005 in a 180’ x 80’ tent at the Long Wharf Theater

Big Wave provided all lighting and décor fabrics.

Director of Development for the Long Wharf Theater: Paul Jacobson,

Event Planner: Audra Antrum, Antrum Events,

Director Décor Designer: Nicky McHugh, Nicky McHugh Public Relations, LLC

Fabric Designer: Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave International, Ltd.,

Lighting Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP, Big Wave International, Ltd.,

Lighting Designer: Joe Eager, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Sacred Heart University Annual Gala held on in the Field House

Event Coordinator & Planner: Anne Miron, Sacred Heart University

Event Production Company: Big Wave

Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP

Lighting Designer: Joe Eager

Audio: Jay Morascini and Scott Sireno

Video: Ian Lewis and Rob Barbieri

Décor Designer: Mariella Winthrop and Gerry Brown

Fundraiser for Rumson Country Day School, Rumson, New Jersey

Chairperson: Rebecca Donington

Décor Chairperson: Cami LaBarbara

Theme: Early Sixties

Entertainment: Big Wave Dance Club™

Event Production Company: Big Wave International, Ltd.

Annual Fund Raiser for the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Dedicated to Kurt Weil held at the abandoned warehouse for the New York Daily News.

Fund Raiser to Celebrate raising $31,000,000 for the University of Connecticut at Storrs

Event Planner: Cara Workman, Director of University Events

Event Designer: Richard Carbotti, Perfect Surroundings

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Lighting Designer: Andy Rugvie, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Stretch Fabric Designer: Mariella Winthrop, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Palisades Hospital Annual Fund Raiser

Event Planner: Beth Shubert, President, Evention

Event Production Company: Big Wave International, Ltd.

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP

LD: Michael Seidman,

Audio Technician: Scott Sireno

Yale University

New Haven Symphony Orchestra – Annual Fund Raiser

Learning Corridor, Gym, Hartford, CT

Annual Fund Raiser

Event Planner: Pam Churchill, Vice President, Learning Corridor

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Lighting Designer: Ian Lewis, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Annual Fund Raiser for the Fairfield County Red Cross

Event Planner: Carol Fishman

Hotel: Westin Hotel, Stamford, CT

Event Production Company: Big Wave International, Ltd.

125th Fund Raiser for the Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Event Planner: Andrew Rubenoff, Andrew Rubeno & Associates

Event Production Company: Big Wave International, Ltd., Ian Lewis, LD

Tent at the New York Aquarium

Site: Tent at the New York Aquarium

Event Planner: Suzanne Holloway, Marketing Manager, New York Aquarium

Production Company: Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP, President, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Caterer: Laura B. Wootton, Elegant Affairs,

Photos from the 2002 New York Aquarium Annual Fund Raiser. All photos taken by Brian Winthrop, CMP, CSEP

New York Aquarium Annual Fund Raiser

Event Planner: Suzanne Holloway, New York Aquarium

Event Producer: Brian Winthrop, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Lighting Designer: Ian Lewis, Big Wave International, Ltd.

Annual Fund Raiser Auction for the Long Wharf Theater, New Haven, CT

Caterer: Jordan Caterers, Jeffrey Rapoport, President & Chris Phelan, Event Planner

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

The BAM Annual Fund Raiser was held in a 246′ long by 49′ wide tent. The Crown Prince and Princess of Monaco were the guests of honor.

The Event Planners for the event were Jennifer Stark and Elizabeth Berg of BAM.

Design, audio, video and lighting were supplied by Big Wave.