i.am angel Foundation 2018 TRANS4M Gala

February 2018. Los Angeles, Milk Studios

For the seventh year, Empire teamed up with visionary artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist will.i.am to produce the annual TRANS4M Gala, benefiting his i.am angel Foundation.

This year’s gala honored Sean Parker, Chairman of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, which is responsible for uniting laboratory and clinical efforts that will lead to the immunological treatment, control and prevention of cancer. The evening was co-hosted by Marc and Lynne Benioff, Ron Conway, Dean Kamen, Laurene Powell-Jobs, Van Jones, Ken & Teri Hertz and The Anneberg Foundation.

The i.am angel foundation supports charitable activities and programs providing college scholarships (i.am scholarship), college preparation (i.am College Track), and opportunities in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and remains committed to TRANS4M-ing will.i.am’s hometown neighborhood of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles.

On the evening of February 20, 2018, 350 supporters gathered at Milk Studios for an intimate evening that showcased the Foundation’s programs and students. i.am angel’s donors enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres as they, engaged with students in a variety of demonstrations related to i.am angel’s STEAM programs.

After cocktails, guests made their way to The Hangar, which was transformed into an elegant dining room with long rustic wooden tables juxtaposed with the venue’s steel and urban vibe. Flourishes including hanging greenery, pin-spotted tabletop florals, and flickering candlelight for a warm yet forward-looking style.

The program was emceed by the Roast Master General, Jeff Ross. As the evening progressed guests listened to heartwarming student testimonials and a fireside chatbetween will.i.am and honoree, Sean Parker. Later in the night auctioneer Zack Krone took the stage with special guest auctioneer and comedian, Chris Tucker. Together they led guests to bid on VIP experiences that ranged from a VIP U2 concert experience to a vegan dinner and lifestyle experiences with Moby and will.i.am. The evening raised more than $1.6 million that will support ongoing STEAM education programs..

The evening finished with a high-energy double-bill performance by Black Eyed Peas and Earth Wind & Fire.

Empire is honored to continue our long-term partnership with the i.am angel Foundation and to serve as producer of this exclusive event.

For more information on this innovative foundation, please visit www.iamangelfoundation.org