Lucy Reflects

“Oh, I love chaos!” Joe Hess exclaims. “And party planning is chaos.”

For those who know about one of the largest and most coveted annual fundraising parties in Lancaster – Fete en Blanc (party in white) and Fete Noir (party in black) – Joe’s chaos happens to be organized, spectacular and unforgettable. Last year, he managed to have a helicopter shower the crowd with rose petals. I mean, where does one even get a helicopter?

Joe has spent most of his career as a party planner, fundraiser and helped open corporate restaurants up and down the east coast, but has always found his way home to Lancaster. He’s currently co-owner of Cracked Pepper Catering and is head of planning for the Fete parties since its fourth year, when the torch was handed to him by original planner April LaMon.

The first party in white in Lancaster was held on the back steps of the Lancaster Art Museum almost eight years ago with 70 people and Joe was invited by April, knowing he would completely outdo himself.

“You put me here because you knew I’d make a spectacle,” Joe laughs as he told me about the first party and how he completely exceeded expectations with lavish centerpieces, food and décor.

The idea of Fete en Blanc originated in France. A young man who moved into a new neighborhood and wanted to get to know his neighbors sent out invitations that read “Please bring a dish and meet me under the tree in the park. I’ll be the one in white.”

Here in Lancaster, Fete en Blanc is held at a secret location in Lancaster City, which isn’t revealed until the day before the event. You need to be quick to get tickets online as they sell out in seconds.

The party kicks off with guests waving white napkins in the air, enjoying dishes each group brings to the table, followed by dancing, celebrating and getting to know your neighbors. Tables are elaborately decorated, the food is top-notch, the spirits are flowing (guests supply all their own décor, food and beverage), the vibe is like no other and the music makes you want to dance the night away.

“You meet new people, it’s comfortable, and the people are so awesome,” Joe says of the Fete parties. “People just love it and I love that about it. It’s a chance to just be free for the night.”

Joe has not only kept his promise to keep Fete thriving, he’s taken it to a whole new level. Last year’s event attracted 2,700 people and raised $20,000 for local and well-deserving charities, including A Week Away and Building Bridges Foundation – Equine Assisted Therapy for Veterans.

“My goal was to turn it into a fundraiser,” explains Joe. “We want to give SO much money away! We love charities that deal with children and the arts and we love School District of Lancaster."

It takes a lot of behind-the-scene work to plan a party like Joe and his crew do and he’s gracious to have some of the best volunteers.

“My committee is so incredible. I can say I need something, and it’s done,” Joe boasts of his volunteers. “These people are rock stars. In my years of doing party planning, I’ve never had a group like this.”

As far as the upcoming Fete in June, Joe tells me there are two possible locations (one will be saved for next year) and he can’t wait to unveil it. For those curious about logistics: the committee is up early the next morning to ensure the location is cleaned to perfection, it’s held during the week because it would be impossible to uphold a noise ordinance on a weekend night, and the team works closely with the mayor’s office to ensure the events are properly executed.

I met Joe for the first time at Fete Noir and drummed up a conversation. When he told me proceeds of the event were benefitting the sixth-grade trip to Northbay for the students of School District of Lancaster, my heart almost burst. My son is taking that trip and I recently learned that although the excursion was covered by a grant, some kiddos couldn’t afford the supplies, like boots, rain coats and proper clothes.

“The end goal is to be a force for these charities,” Joe explains. “When I saw that that there was a need for donations for the Northbay trip, the committee was like ‘Do it today. These kids need this trip.’” For someone to care that much about our kids makes my heart full and sometimes it’s the little things that people don’t notice. But Joe took notice and he helped.

Joe told me he has a goal to meet three new people a day. I’m glad I was one of them. He’s doing an amazing thing for Lancaster charities and I hope to attend his parties for years to come.

“Fete en Blanc is a gift you give people in Lancaster every year,” concludes Joe. “It is a gift and it’s beautiful.”

We’d like to hear from you, have you been to Fete en Blanc or Fete Noir?