-----Original Message-----
FROM: Helga The Help
SENT: Oct 1 2003 12:00AM
SUBJECT:After Hours Fashion Show
GenArt is a New York-based organization whose charter is to showcase emerging talet in the arts. They frequently throw parties in large cities to raise funds for their cause. This particular party sucked so bad that I could not resist sending the CEO this diatribe. I sent it via snail mail to make sure he read it.
Dear Mr. Gerard, [CEO, GenArt]
I am a former GenArt party regular.
Because I have in the past enjoyed some of your parties so immensely, I feel compelled to write you this explanation.
On September 25th, I attended the After Hours Fashion Show at a cost of 45 dollars x2. Overall the experience can be described as dreadful.
As the flyer directed, we arrived on the 9th floor of Marshall Fields and walked into a vacant ballroom. 9 stories and 4 inquiries later, along with several others in a similar predicament, we finally found our destination.
Eager to get out of our coats and into the fun, we checked in and…oops…no coat check!!! Marshall Field’s has one but it’s for customers and the store closed at 8:00 – several minutes into our find-the-party mission.
Staff was as eager to help as a federal bureaucrat.
Oh well. Being experienced barflies, my date and I can easily eat sushi with one hand, drink vodka with the other and still hold our jackets gracefully. We were a little alarmed at the scarcity of bars and their tenders but nevertheless, round one was relatively painless. Round two…well…there was no round two.
The lights dimmed, the runways illuminated and the bartenders stepped back and stopped serving. One may think that this flies in the face of festivity but apparently the promoters were so intent on directing the attendees’ attention that the enjoyment of a line 40 people deep was not important. A bartender was quoted as saying: "They don’t want us to serve drinks while the models are out." I submit to you Mr. Gerard, that what "They" want is not relevant.
Even the path between the stages was strategically blocked by a gigantic sound booth around which everyone had to stumble. If you're going to require people to move around, either clear their runways or let them drink. At least that way they'll make a better herd.
So there you have them. Some of your parties are second to none in both planning and execution. Some are simply exercises in cost-accounting by planners who would do their victims a service if they practiced at a few more suburban Bar-Mitzvahs before charging 45 dollars/head.
As frequent guests and latest victims we can only hope that you solve these problems before our ranks multiply and the very brand name that you spent a decade building is held accountable.
Sincerely,
Helga The Help
-----Original Message-----
FROM:
SENT: Oct 15 2003 12:42PM
SUBJECT:After Hours Fashion Show
Let me first start by apologizing for the experience that you had at the "After Hours Fashion Show" presented by Marshall Fields.
I can't make excuses but simply explain that this event was not at all produced by my team at Gen Art Chicago but solely by the Marshall Fields event team. Gen Art was the sole beneficiary of the event hence why our name was on the invite.
I'd also like to thank you for the accolades where you say "some of your parties are second to none in both planning and execution". I hope that you will continue to attend Gen Art hosted events where we have the control.
Take a look at our website for more information on Fresh Faces in Fashion taking place on November 13 at the Park West featuring some the hottest designers from NY to LA. Crobar is the after party location which will be newly reopened and an event not to be missed!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or further concerns,
Respectfully,
Gen Art Chicago
-----Original Message-----
FROM: Helga The Help
SENT: Oct 16 2003 10:50AM
SUBJECT:After Hours Fashion Show
Thank you for the reply.
I apologize for being so harsh in my previous letter when the accusations were clearly misdirected. I hope that you forward the letter to the Marshal Field's staff responsible for your brand's thrashing.
Tell them that if people who buy Coke sometimes get Coke and sometimes get syrup they will lay blame not on their local bottling plant but on the Coca-Cola name. Inform them that you do not have the resources to do quality control or ensure satisfaction. Instead you ask your fans to read past the brand and look at the bottler.
Tell them that they're setting you up for a huge deficit of trust.
Sincerely,
Helga
-----Original Message-----
FROM:
SENT: Oct 17 2003 9:46AM
SUBJECT:After Hours Fashion Show
Hi Helga,
Thanks for your note and yes, I will definitely forward to the team at Marshall Field's.
In the meantime I can offer you and your friend an invite (by invite only) to the Diesel event we are hosting on Nov 5. It's from 8-10 and will entail served c**ktails and Heineken products, DJ Czr will be playing and you can enjoy 15% off all clothing including all denim. Apparently they never discount their jeans so if this event is of interest to you please e-mail chicagostaff@genart.org and as before your name will be placed at the door. For more info...check the website under events.
Respectfully,