meadowlarklogs | EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

Entry tags:

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

WHO: Everyone
WHERE: New Amsterdam
WHEN: March 13-14
WHAT: A charity event
NOTES OR WARNINGS: Please see the OOC Planning Post for further details!

> THE FOUNDATION GALA & SILENT AUCTION

In early February, invitations begin to be dispersed to power players in various industries across New Amsterdam and other global megacities. From famous artistes (one of whom sadly never confirms his appearance) to CoolTalk influencers, banking moguls and scientific pioneers, anyone who is anyone receives a personalized, couriered invitation to a very exclusive event — a silent auction, co-hosted by Joseph Lynch and the New Amsterdam Events Committee, with all proceeds benefiting the newly minted Outer Worlds Foundation. Established after the first gubernatorial debate by Lynch and his campaign, the Trust aims to honor those whose sacrifices have paved the way for humanity's exploration of space by funding environmentally-savvy research initiatives and providing support to organizations devoted to providing a better quality of life for all those who work and live on the colonies.

Of course, even charities are rarely all that they seem. Political journalists and bloggers have long speculated that Lynch plans to capitalize on the social unrest stemming from the recent Mars colony uprisings, and with frontrunner Katelin Jovavich's recent debate missteps on this topic, the rumor mill has been hard at work pointing out just how timely a charitable trust like this one must be. Positioning himself as a champion of the underappreciated (read: exploited) citizens sent out to toil for the advancement of the elite is a savvy political move, and one that proves difficult to dismiss in the polls.

With such a politically-charged opportunity and the promise of plenty of media coverage, the event itself becomes a must-do on the social agenda of many of New Amsterdam's most recognizable names. Elin Zepatka and her philanthropic organizations are quick to lend their credo to the event, along with a selection of art pieces from her personal collection. (Rumor has it they're being donated to avoid having to catalogue their worth in her upcoming divorce.) Also on the guest list? Beyond host and gubernatorial candidate Joseph Lynch, his opposition Simone Durcell will be making an appearance. (Jovavich, notably, is not.) Employees from Ibis and Caudata Tech will also be on hand, the latter especially as a subsidiary under Durcell's management, despite corporate boards still throwing in with the front-runner. Most interestingly, however, is the fleeting promise of spotting reclusive Matek Kattan. The Displaced may remember this name from the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, when Pulsar subsidiary Tempo's newest VP of Marketing pitched in to run community meal programs. Clearly, charity outreach is just another ball this mystery man is capable of juggling.

The auction itself remains as exclusive as the invitations. With the large number of VIP attendees and the stressful year New Amsterdam has had, security remains a high priority throughout. Those without an invitation will find it difficult, if not impossible, to "sneak" their way in. However, with the influx of notoriously particular VIP attendees, the expectations also remain high. To meet them, companies involved in the auction begin to take on temporary workers, offering short-term job opportunities in everything from catering to janitorial work to even checking coats and bussing empty glasses. For those that are willing to undergo background checks and sign non-disclosure contracts, this is a lucrative opportunity to make high hourly rates — and potentially get their foot in the door for long-term employment if they impress the right person!

Of course, it wouldn't be a New Amsterdam event if the Displaced weren't given a particularly special way to participate. As a last-minute addition to the program, Caroline has worked with the New Amsterdam Events Committee to allow urban explorers and treasure hunters to submit rare, previously unseen artifacts from various areas of the globe up for auction. Members of the Displaced who have brought back items and artifacts from their voluntary (or involuntary) treks around the world may want to take this opportunity to make a few credits — or make a name for themselves as charitable members of the community, which may just earn them attention considered far more valuable than a few credits to their name. To sweeten the deal, each member of the Displaced that opts to present an item for sale at the auction will be provided an invitation for themselves and a plus-one of their choice.

> THE WHITE DAY AUCTION

As media coverage begins to speculate on the who's who on the guest list (and what they might donate for the cause), another event is organized to follow shortly after. Not satisfied with extending the olive branch of charitable goodwill to the upper echelons, Caroline and the NAEC begin to draft up an opportunity for all those affected by the recent crises in New Amsterdam and abroad to give back to their community, taking advantage of the upcoming White Day holiday to promote a special, seasonally-appropriate opportunity for giving (and getting) back.

The White Day Auction, as it's formally billed, isn't a new concept. Matchmaking parties and speed dating events have long been part of the New Amsterdam social scene, and while they typically are held in the weeks prior to Valentine's Day, the upcoming pressure to "give triple" (still referred to as sanbai in New Tokyo) means finding a suitable gift is still high on the to-do list for many of the city's population. For those that don't have a significant other... advertising alone would make it clear that securing a potential plus one for any auction winnings should be top priority.

To entice attendance, the event just so happens to be in a rather exclusive location — a mansion in the more upscale area of town, typically reserved for events like the recent masquerade ball to kick off Carnivale season. It's the perfect backdrop for CoolTalk selfies, making the first move on a certain someone, or impressing your date with your nouveau riche ensemble.

To ensure all are welcome and able to attend, admission is reasonably priced, and while attendees are encouraged to dress to suit the theme, there are no masks or other requirements to attend the event.

◉ In the east wing of the mansion, those with money to burn can explore the well-advertised Sanbai Selection. Here, potential purchasers can peruse a variety of couples' packages, all donated by local businesses and the occasional affluent individual. There are varying options here, with everything from the classic "dinner and a VR movie" arrangement to a full day's VIP experience at Riverstone's Dream River theme park, to even the more scandalous "Red Room Experience", offered by one of the Red Light District's most well-known brothels. Whether they offer a hard-to-beat discount — like two-for-one couples' massages or a prix-fixe menu at a recent Restaurant Week winning venue — or a rare experience, each of these opportunities are exclusive to White Day attendees. Many of the more popular options will be available for multiple purchasers to collect at lower prices, while some of the most exclusive and sought-after are sure to go quickly.

◉ For those who may not have a date, a bachelor's auction will be hosted later in the evening. Sponsored by one of New Amsterdam's newest craft breweries, the New Amsterdam Bachelor(ette) Auction offers a chance for those who may not have the funds to donate to offer up something else for charity. For those ready to bid, winning a date with one of these potential bachelors (or bachelorettes!) up for auction will grant access to a unique date experience, each tailored to the man or woman on offer's skills and interests. Dancing lessons, self-defense classes, art history lessons — there's a wide variety of options on the table! The Displaced are highly encouraged to sign up as potential bachelor(ette)s, or to bid on each other.

◉ In addition to the various auction opportunities, the evening offers a variety of opportunities for charitable giving! Attendees can visit the multiple full bars staffed by local culinary school students, purchase some of the winning food items from New Amsterdam Restaurant Week participants at reasonable prices, and pick up last minute gift ideas from pop-up shops — with all proceeds donated to the Foundation! Banners and signage all thank attendees for giving, and every so often, video messages from Joseph Lynch on VR screens profess his deep gratitude for the city's endless generosity, with a reminder that 'together, anything is possible.'

> OOC NOTES

Welcome to the party! Just a few reminders:

▸ Players are welcome to have their characters sign up for any kind of short-term job opportunity. No special arrangements are required! If your character decides midway through the night to abandon their duties and try to mingle... well, they'll just have to hope their boss doesn't spot them first!

▸ There will be opportunities for NPC interactions during the silent auction, hosted by the mod team. Keep an eye out!

▸ Feel free to go wild with couples' package options. While most of the companies participating would be from within New Amsterdam, who knows what kind of global opportunities lay out there. If you want to utilize this offer to make connections with a new destination, check in with Plot Engagement!

▸ For Displaced opting to sign up as a Bachelor or Bachelorette, please remember that no intimacy is required. Characters can, of course, voluntarily provide things like massages or dancing lessons, but no characters should feel obligated to be anything more than professionally friendly with their bidder.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i. night one; working the gala

[ Somehow, despite signing up for security or coat check or something that didn't require him to mingle, Wash has been designated a server tonight. He's well out of his comfort zone both in the tux and role, having to judge when people might want a snack or drink and approach them accordingly. How's he supposed to read total strangers and tell if they're hungry, really? So he winds up just walking in slow circles around the venue with his little tray, and anyone who looks at him will have it offered to them politely.

At least his excellent memory means he remembers exactly what everything is, which is usually where a new server will struggle. He's also sampled a few and the food is good, at least in his opinion.

Should you give him even a passing glance you'll find said tray held out to you, and Wash awkwardly asking: ]

Um. Hors d'oeuvre?

ii. night two; up for auction

[ God, how did Carolina manage to goad him into this... no, he knows. By implying he couldn't do it, sarcastically saying he'd be an amazing date, of course he should sign up, and his pride had wanted to prove her wrong. Right? Of course things had become far more complicated only two days later, but she wasn't letting him off the hook. When he awkwardly suggested pulling out of the auction she'd doubled down -- it's for charity! You're not worried, are you?

So here he is. A bachelor in the auction and looking very uncomfortable about it, a constant light flush beneath his freckles. What the hell was he even thinking? His pride got the better of him, that's all.

His "special date experience" is a personal training session of the winner's choosing, the list being anything he feels he's good at that doesn't require weaponry: running, weight lifting, hand to hand combat training, a custom obstacle course, hoverboarding, yoga... physical things, followed by a meal together because he figures that's part of most dates, right? It's always "dinner and x/x and dinner" so as long as he's not expected to cook for someone, he tossed that in.

No, he's never actually been on a date before. But Carolina helped with his hair and he looks pretty cute in the suit they've stuck him in, which he keeps tugging at the tie of. ]

[Events like this land directly in Diana's wheelhouse. Ever since she'd decided to begin working in museums and art galleries in her own world, she'd had to learn how to navigate the societal standards of the upper class. It had taken a while, but nowadays she can schmooze with the best of them and pretend it isn't her preference to be home wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of tea.

However, with so much work to do, there isn't an overabundance of time for casual conversation. She's here not only to represent the Lilly&Moki gallery, but also to monitor the sale of the artifacts most of the displaced had brought back from their excursion to the gates. Honestly, this auction couldn't have come at a better time; she's practically been pulling her hair out trying to figure out what to do with these items, and this event had turned out to be a miraculously good choice. And now that everything is arranged and the relics will likely move to the homes of private collectors, she's given herself leave to let her hair down, as the saying goes, and try to enjoy herself at least a little.

Not everyone, she knows, is here to sell their relics, though. She's seen more than one familiar face toting around trays and monitoring doorways. When she sees Wash, she offers a warm smile, meeting him halfway as he moves towards her.]

They went all out for this, didn't they?

[ It's a good thing that Wash is a gentleman, because that's one hell of a dress. As it is he can't help his eyes flicking over her form as she approaches him, mesmerized by the way her skirts flow and the crossing straps of the bodice, but then his gaze is firmly affixed to her face. Come on, Wash, it's like you've never seen a woman in formalwear before. (Actually, he hasn't, not in person.)

He recognizes Diana, though, and offers her a tiny smile of greeting, knowing he doesn't have to be as formal around her but maintaining a straight pose in case the supervisors are watching him. ]

Hey -- they sure did. This is the fanciest thing I've ever been to, actually.

[ Second would be the masquerade his group arrived to, which... says a lot about his life, actually. He extends the tray he's holding in her direction so she can help herself to a snack. ]

You seem right at home.

[He isn't alone in that, she's certain. She's seen a lot of other displaced here who have the same look about them--as if they aren't sure where to look, how to stand, what to say. Being at events like this definitely involves a huge learning curve, and she remembers it well.]

And what do you think? Do you think you'll attend another?

[Were it not for her job and a particular lead she's currently following on the true artist of the shrines, she would prefer not to.

She reaches out to pluck a tiny quiche from the tray, and is surprised at how delicious it is. She doesn't think there's a single insect in it. Diana shrugs slightly at that, but can't help but smile.]

I've just had a lot of practice. [Her smile turns a bit teasing, and she reaches out to straighten his bowtie just so.] Getting to dress up helps.

Uhhhhhh.... no. Not unless I'm working it again.

[ The hesitation was for effect -- Wash didn't have to think about it, this is absolutely not his scene. Dressing up and having to play copycat the whole night to make sure he's behaving appropriately... and it's not like he'd have any money to come to this to bid on things even if he wanted to. Which he doesn't.

Diana takes a snack off his tray and then straightens his bowtie, which gets a sheepish grin out of Wash. ]

Thanks. I'm amazed I managed to tie the thing... I'm not a 'dress up' guy. [ But she sounds as if that's the only part she likes, so Wash tilts his head curiously. ] How do you have so much practice?

[She nods, understanding completely. Adjusting to this kind of environment takes time, and she very much doubts this is the kind of thing most displaced would attend regularly enough to gain the experience they'd need to feel truly comfortable.]

I don't blame you. But the tux does suit you.

[She's completely earnest in that. At his question, she chuckles quietly, raising a hand to gesture in the general direction of the artwork and artifacts up for auction.]

This was my job back in my own world. I've been working in museums and art galleries for a long time. Before coming here, I was the director of a department at the Louvre. A job like that requires a lot of elbow-rubbing with people who enjoy these kinds of things.

[ although she's pretty proud of how she managed to manipulate wash into signing himself up for this, carolina's original interest in the charity weekend was more curiosity than anything else. not quite enough to warrant putting in the effort towards working at the gala (and it turns out she was emotionally exhausted and would have hated anything to do with people, so that was probably a good call) but the white day event is accessible enough.

a frustrated hour of shopping after work had updated her wardrobe the bare minimum required and she's wearing the fruits of her efforts now: a high-necked, long sleeved white blouse and flowing navy pants, a cute bow at the waist. both reusable, versatile pieces she'd found on sale. as a bonus, the pants have pockets, mostly for keeping carolina's still noticeably banged up hands out of sight. they're healing but she has no desire to use this world's technology to speed it up, even if icing them had helped.

as soon as wash goes to check in as a bachelor, carolina disappears, giving herself some time for recon around the venue before eventually showing back up again. she's not going to leave him alone all evening long. ]

Still blushing, huh?

[ he may very well have a new reason for it, but he was flushed when she left him and it's an easy target for her teasing. ]

People keep looking at me.

[ It's an odd complaint, especially when he has a 'bachelor' nametag on now, but it's legitimately bothering him being eyed like this. He shifts his weight, wishing he felt comfortable enough to drink and take the edge off. ]

Is it too late to tell them I changed my mind about this? It's stupid.

[ that gets a little huff of amusement out of carolina as she shakes her head, her posture deceptively relaxed for the sort of crowd they're in. she would have loved a party like this, years ago. now it's just a reminder of how long it's been since she last really socialized like a real person and not a soldier. ]

It's much too late for that. [ whether or not it actually is, it is by carolina standards. sorry, wash. ] And people keep looking at you because you look handsome. It's a compliment. Take it as one.

[ If Wash were smoother, he'd manage to say something flirty, maybe ask if that's her opinion or something... but he's not smooth. He just smiles a little, reaching up to make sure his hair's not sticking up in all directions again yet. It seems like no matter what he does to it, it winds up disheveled sooner rather than later. ]

Okay. I still hate this tie, though.

You're fine. Now, stop-

[ one of her hands comes up, swats his away from his hair and fixes the piece he'd just been touching. were the gesture coming from anyone else, it might be intimate; with carolina, she looks a little exasperated. endlessly fond of wash, sure, but she's already given him his compliment for the evening, so it's back to business as usual. ]

Every time you touch it, you just make it messier.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

Washington; both nights, OTA

night one

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