There's No Place Like Home

Foster Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon. Each year I plan and host this event with a different theme. This year I hand painted the yellow brick road for guests to walk down, had hand blown centerpieces that were given to one guest from each table that also matched the hand blown awards given at the awards portion of the luncheon; had rainbow cake for desert, created the tall flowers like the ones first seen in Munchkin Land, and had a photographer that took photos of the guests with Wizard of Oz themed backgrounds from which they could choose. I created a video that was Oz themed and used the Executives of the foster care agency as the actors. Registration consisted of tickets for a free drawing of community donated gifts, a welcoming letter from our Vice President and and Passport to Oz I created. Inside the passport was a "License to Fly" travel tips (Oz related) a map of Oz and thank yous to staff and donors who contributed to the event's success. The featured set piece was the house that fell on the Witch of the East, with hand cut, painted, and glued shingles on the roof, windows with curtains and the legs and ruby slippers that belonged to the flattened Witch of the East, that stuck out. It was an amazing success.

• Desserts

  Over the Rainbow cake

• Party Favors

  Oz themed photos, Passport to Oz,

• Activities / Games

  Oz themed video presentation, Award Show, Prize drawings, Centerpiece give away.

• What People Ate

  colorful fruit cocktail served in marini glasses, chicken with a mild jerk/rosemary sauce, colorful vegetable medley, Over the Rainbow Cake

• What People Drank

  hand served colorful punch with rainbow straws during registration, iced tea and coffee during event

• Best Moment

  The video was a huge hit, and the centerpiece give away got rave revies

• Funniest Moment

  video

• Most Touching Moment

  two of the award winners hugging everyone in site

• Best Dressed

  All of the guests. The Master of Ceremonies (me) was in a black tux with emerald green accessories