String Fling, the Center for Puppetry Arts’ 22nd annual fundraising gala, delighted crowds who engaged in hands-on puppetry experiences, indulged in a three-course meal and participated in live and silent auctions offering items such as golf experiences, wine baskets, a behind-the-scenes tour of Mercedes- Benz Stadium and workshop tour of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in New York. Following the “Out of this World” theme, 330 guests interacted with puppeteers throughout cocktail hour, and many created their own alien puppets. This black tie event also featured short puppetry performances. The meal by Grand Hyatt Buckhead Executive Chef Jesse McDannell included a salad of bibb and artisanal greens with heirloom tomatoes, Parmesan and roasted garlic dressing, herb-crusted chicken breast with a port reduction, asparagus spears and Gouda-whipped mashed potatoes, all capped with a gourmet dessert trio and a flowing supply of Barefoot wine, one of the evening’s sponsors. The center, which provides more than 70,000 tickets annually to children and groups who may not otherwise be able to visit, raised $200,000 from the gala to financially support the arts-infused program, primarily for schools and community groups. – Jordana Klein
[nggallery id=49]Photos: Ninh Chau
