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September 03, 2015
In The Mix

Belle of the Balls

The longtime producer of the Governors Ball looks back in new book.

Libby Slate

The diamond-shaped chandeliers that adorned the Governors Ball at the 60th Emmy Awards in 2008 were purchased at Costco and made of 319 glass crystals.

At 312 chandeliers, that totaled 99,528 crystals — and each chandelier had to be assembled by hand.

Somewhat of a glitch, perhaps, but not one that fazed Cheryl Cecchetto and her team at Sequoia Productions. She recounts that tale and many others in her new book, Passion to Create: Your Invitation to Celebrate, which details her rise from aspiring actress in her native Canada and New York to become one of Hollywood’s premiere event planners.

This year marks Cecchetto’s 18th time producing the Governors Ball and Creative Arts Awards gala for the Emmy Awards and her 26th time producing the Oscars’ Governors Ball.

A breezy mix of insider’s insights and entertaining how-tos, the book was “written for anybody and everybody,” Cecchetto says. “It’s about how you get from here to there, inspiration, Hollywood and giving back. If you’re a cook, you’ve got great info here from famous chefs.”

Indeed, she includes recipes from such celebrity chefs as Joachim Splichal, Wolfgang Puck and Curtis Stone, as well as her own favorites from childhood to the present. Dozens of photos capture lavish event layouts, table settings and lighting.

While writing, “I did realize how rewarding it was to put so many memories in one place,” Cecchetto says. “It reminded me how lucky I am to work with so many artists and technicians. Every event is a learning experience.”

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