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.