Empire Produces Macy Gray For the Challenged Athletes Foundation

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June 1, 2011

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It was a night to remember for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) who hosted their benefit gala, “A Celebration of Heroes, Heart & Hope” at the world- renowned Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Over 800 guests comprised of innovators, achievers, endurance athletes and leaders came together to support CAF to help provide opportunities to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF has enabled individuals to complete an Ironman with one leg, ride 620 miles down the coast in a handcycle, play baseball with other kids and compete in multiple sports in the Olympics. CAF’s goal is to help people with physical disabilities accomplish the challenge that is set before them and live life to the fullest by providing mentoring, clinics and support programs, as well as removing the barrier of expensive equipment and training and competition costs.Empire was honored when CAF had asked us to provide a headline entertainer to help celebrate the achievements and bravery of these amazing athletes. Empire fulfilled the client’s request by securing superstar performer Macy Gray and handling all contracting, management and logistics for her performance.After an inspirational program of speakers and presenters who were endurance athletes themselves, CAF hosted a compelling and exciting live auction that raised over $1 million dollars in a matter of minutes. Macy Gray then performed her greatest hits, such as “I Try, “Kissed It,” and Beauty in the World,” as the Challenged Athletes gathered on stage as a finale to a night full of inspiration and unforgettable stories. Empire supports the Challenged Athletes Foundation in their mission to have a great and significant impact on each physically challenged athlete served.To learn more about CAF, please visit www.challengedathletes.org.

A modern event space decorated with greenery, featuring sleek tables and chairs with a Microsoft Connect() sign.

Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.

A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.

Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.

Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.

To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent

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