KALEIDA BALL
The Kaleida Ball is a black-tie fundraising event benefiting the Kaleida Health Foundation in Buffalo, New York. For the 2025 Kaleida Ball, I was responsible for both the creative direction and the execution of all design elements.
AT A GLANCE -
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
Creative Direction – Led the full visual strategy for a large-scale black-tie fundraising event, from concept development to final execution.
Brand Development – Crafted a cohesive visual identity that aligned with the event’s mission, audience, and tone.
Graphic Design – Designed a wide range of print and digital assets, including promotional materials, signage, and social media graphics.
Environmental & Experiential Design – Created immersive art installations that brought storytelling into the event space.
Collaboration – Worked closely with external event partners to ensure seamless execution across all touchpoints.
Production Oversight – Maintained high-quality standards across materials, ensuring brand consistency throughout pre-, during-, and post-event phases.
Developed the creative concept for the 2025 Kaleida Ball—The Art of Healthcare—reimagining the black-tie gala as a gallery-style experience that spotlighted powerful patient stories, staff portraits, and immersive storytelling. The visual direction combined striking black-and-white photography with bold, vibrant color accents to create a dramatic, emotionally resonant brand identity that honored the people behind Kaleida’s mission.
MOODBOARD
For the event collateral—including the invitation, program, bidder cards, and more—the bold color palette and storytelling theme were carried throughout to create a cohesive visual experience. Materials featured rotating patient stories, with different versions distributed among guests to spark conversation and highlight the diverse impact of the Kaleida Health Foundation.
COLLATERAL
Worked with external partners to create different exhibits throughout the event space that featured stories, quotes and photographs from patients, parents, and employees who have been impacted by Kaleida Health. The goal was to bring storytelling into the gala and engage guests throughout the evening with a variety of different touchpoints.
EVENT EXHIBITS
TAKEAWAYS
The 2025 Kaleida Ball wasn’t just about raising funds—it was about refocusing the spotlight on the why. This year’s creative direction aimed to reconnect attendees with the real stories behind their generosity by bringing the cause back to the center of the experience.
Through immersive art installations, dramatic visuals, and patient storytelling woven into every touchpoint—from invitations to event signage and post-event materials—guests were invited to engage with The Art of Healthcare. The concept transformed the gala into a space where donors could see, feel, and understand the life-changing impact they have on the Buffalo community.
By uniting bold design with meaningful narratives, the event not only met its fundraising goals, but also reminded donors of the lives they help everyday with their support.
