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

Marcos Diaz date special, huh?

( it makes him laugh, that he might have some kind of date special. he wonders just what kind of date he'd actually take someone on if circumstances were different. he's never really been great at taking someone out.

people got kidnapped too often. )

What kind of date do you think I'd plan for us if you bid on me?

I hope it would be romantic.

[ but a charity bachelor auction date usually wasn't, so she might have to rethink this. her free hand taps at her chin for a moment. ]

Well, if it was for me, I'd hope it was romantic. But if you were planning a date for charity... maybe not. Maybe a trip to a carnival? You never did win me any teddy bears at the last one.

[ carnivals could go either way. you could have fun with friends or you could have fun with someone who would wind up being far more than a friend. though, if she's honest, caroline would have a hard time tamping down her jealousy if marcos decided to get in a ferris wheel with someone else at this point, platonic or not. ]

We got a little distracted the last time we were at a carnival. ( there'd been the ferris wheel and then stepping out to leave early for other reasons. so no, he hadn't won her a teddy bear but he thinks they'd still had fun. )

I think I'd keep it basic if I was taking someone out for charity. A quick meal and then maybe a movie or something. Something easy and light without a lot of expectations since I'm really not in the market for more than a friend these days.

A little?

[ but she's grinning, even laughing a little, so there's nothing more than fondness in the bond as she teases. it may have been a bit reckless to do what they'd done, but no harm came of it. they had a good time. now it was just another memory. ]

Maybe you should go up. I'll bid on you, and then we can do whatever we want. I did get some good deals earlier when I went shopping with Silena.

You think I should?

( he eyes the stage before shrugging and turning back to her. )

You're probably the only one's that going to bid on me so okay, I'll do it. ( he gives her hand a squeeze and then kisses her cheek before heading towards the stage.

it doesn't take that long to get signed up and pushed out onto the stage where he promptly looks like some deer in the headlights. )

[ as it turns out, caroline is not the only person to bid on him. while the displaced are here in decent numbers, and many of them have won each other's bids — whether out of romantic possessiveness or trying to save a friend from the awkwardness of being won by a stranger — there are plenty of regular, everyday citizens both being bidded on and casting their own bids.

marcos is a fairly hot ticket. his last-minute idea is sweet enough to appeal to plenty of people, and his relaxed, sleeves-rolled-to-the-elbows appearance shows off the muscles in his arms. working men who have a good sense of humor about themselves are always attractive, and though caroline certainly doesn't relish the thought of sharing, she finds she doesn't mind at all when an elderly woman with bright white hair wins with a significant bump to her bid at the last moment.

it's for a good cause. and so when marcos is shepherded off the stage, caroline is there to meet him. ]

Do you think I should be jealous?

[ she's not. she's all smiles, actually, and especially proud. it'll be nice to point out to her boss that her boyfriend made plenty of money for charity. where was her boss' contribution? ]

Oh, I don't know. She looks like she might be a handful. I might have to set aside a half a day just to make sure she has a good time.

( he smiles when she does, stepping closer to kiss her cheek gently before tugging her into an embrace. he knows she's not jealous so this isn't for reassurance. he just wants to hug her. she's worked really hard and she deserves all the accolades she's going to get. )

I'll still work on planning a romantic date for you and me, though. No auction win needed.

I thought guys were supposed to trade their girlfriends in for younger models.

[ that woman was probably old enough to be their grandmother. but she looked happy about her win, and the money was going to a good cause — so caroline figured she could let her boyfriend show a happy lady a good time for a day. besides, it wasn't like he had to do more than offer up his arm to help her cross the street. nothing to be jealous about there, he was more friendly with silena when they all crowded on the couch to watch tv these days. ]

You know, I could give you a tip. For charity. It would be only fair, since you're going to plan an extra date just for me.

Well, you know I've always liked to do things differently than most. ( he, of course, isn't going to be trading anyone in but he knows he can show the lady that bid on him a nice time for a night. she'd thrown enough money at him for him to be a little embarrassed by it so he now he knows he needs to step up. )

What kind of tip? ( because he's not going to take her money. ) I'll only accept a few specific things, you know.

[ to be fair, if marcos did trade in his girlfriend for a younger model, he'd literally be breaking the law. not that she's going to tell him that. she is enjoying the convenience of presumed innocence where she can get it. ]

Well, if you won't take a tip for charity, maybe you can tell me what you will accept?

[ batting lashes and waggling brows abound. ]

A kiss. A hug. Maybe you and me locking the door to the bedroom and not coming out for a day?

( that wasn't always possible with roommates and her busy schedule but he hasn't seen much of her lately and he wants to rectify that. )

We could do a staycation or something. Just for one day until we go back to our lives.

[ she laughs, bright and cheerful, and squeezes his hand in hers; the laugh is a sound that turns a few heads for its ebullience, but when they turn in her direction, caroline only shrugs. the attention doesn't bother her. not right now. ]

Scandalous. I like the sound of that.

[ they didn't have to do anything. they could just sleep, maybe eat some snacks, watch a few movies. just relax. ]

We could start tonight, if you want? After all this is done? My boss said I can take a couple days off, since we hired a crew for clean-up.

Yeah, if you're up to it. I'd love to get a head start on things. I can get us some drinks and snacks and we can just...lock the door and not come out until the day after tomorrow or something like that.

( maybe longer if she was up for it. if she wasn't, then it could be a day and then back to their lives. )

Just let me take care of you for a few days and that's all the tip I need. Just you and just me together.

A movie marathon?

[ a chick-flick movie marathon, with all their favorite snacks, and plenty of sleeping in and ordering takeout and not doing anything stressful for at least two full days — that sounded like exactly the kind of thing caroline desperately needed.

if they got up to anything else? well, that would just be the cherry on top. ]

It sounds amazing. Like, the best date I could have ever bid on.

I only have one condition.

( it shouldn't be a deal breaker but well, maybe it will be. he hopes not. don't let him down here, caroline. )

We can only watch The Notebook twice. ( he's seen that movie a few times since they started dating and he knows she loves it and he doesn't mind it but twice is his limit in one sitting. )

Twice in one day, or twice ever?

( it's a half-serious question. caroline does enjoy the movie, she won't lie, but she likes his company a lot more. she'd even be willing to put the notebook on a banned movie list for a few months for him — which is a lot more than she's ever been willing to do for anyone else, so he should feel particularly proud of himself for that accomplishment. )

I guess I could find a different romantic movie for you to half-ignore while you read a book on your implant... if I have to.

Wow, that's slander. I don't do that all the time. Maybe some of the time, sure, but not all the time.

( at least he wasn't falling asleep, caroline. )

Twice in one day. That's a little much for me. I think I've started to memorize some of the lines. Choose another romantic movie that I can half ignore so maybe I won't ignore it.

Okay, deal. Once per day, and then we'll rotate for any second showings if you're still awake enough to watch them.

( if he fell asleep, she reserved the right to just hit replay. )

Any other demands?

Just for you to not think about work. That's all.

( he would honestly watch the notebook eight times a day if it meant she let herself relax and not pay attention to work for a little while. )

And maybe a good cuddle or two.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

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