Arms Around the Child's The Other Ball 2013

Arms Around the Child is a new not-for-profit organization that believes in a world where children living in extreme adversity can have their lives transformed into a brighter future. They are committed to providing safe, loving homes for underserved, orphaned and abandoned children.

Arms Around the Child was created by activist and child rights advocate, Leigh Blake who had previously founded the Red Hot Organization and Keep a Child Alive. The Other Ball would be Arms Around the Child’s signature, annual fundraising event with the objective of reinventing the modern philanthropic experience in order to benefit children suffering in the developing world.

Empire had the great honor of producing this inaugural event at New York’s Highline Ballroom and helping Arms Around a Child to tell their compelling story. With the “more black leather than black tie” theme, The Other Ball was not your parents' dinner party. Working with creative director Periel Aschenbrand, we transformed the venue into a large living room with individually-packaged, intimate lounge seating areas with working fireplaces. The objective: make guests feel like they are seeing the world’s greatest concert in their own living room.

Graciously sponsored by TOPSHOP TOPMAN, the Other Ball honored quiet revolutionaries who tirelessly and patiently work to change the world. This year's inaugural event paid tribute to Peter Edge, CEO of RCA Records, Bob Roth, Executive Director of the David Lynch Foundation and Mark Seliger, famed photographer and Rolling Stone icon. Incredible couture black leather bears that were individually customized by some of the biggest fashion designers in the world were auctioned to raise money. Participating designers included Simon Doonan, Thom Browne, Christian Louboutin, Alexander Wang, Topshop, Topman, Opening Ceremony, and Chromat. Other auctions included a work by artist Nissim Ben Aderet and other incredible once in a lifetime experiences.

The stars aligned as Grammy-winning producer, DJ and musician, Mark Ronson took the stage as gracious host to introduce an incredible lineup of performers. Grammy award-winning producer Jeff Bhasker put together an amazing band and served onstage as Musical Director as guests were treated to performances by some of the world's most sought-after artists for an eclectic evening of music destined to bring hope to children in need.

Mikky Echo quieted the intimate venue with his soulful “Stay.” Lykke Li performed “I Follow Rivers” and debuted a new song. FUN’s Nate Reuss rocked the stage with the hit single “We Are Young” and a cover of the Prince classic “Let’s Go Crazy.” A$AP Rocky pumped his hit song “Wild For The Night” while Miguel serenaded the crowd with his classics “Sure Thing” and “Adorn.” Then the Black Keys rocked the house with a 30 minute set, including hits such as “Gold On The Ceiling” and “Tighten Up.” After an amazing set of performances, DJ Samantha Ronson kept the 300+ leather dressed guests dancing into the early morning.

Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for this event and was responsible for aspects including site selection and acquisition, design, décor, catering, technical production, and stage management.

This event brought together creative hearts and minds in one of this year's most exciting not for profit events. The evening raised substantial funds to protect at-risk children and to achieve social change. Empire is honored to partner with Arms Around the Child to transform the lives of children. To learn more about Arms Around the Child or to get involved, please visithttp://www.armsaroundthechild.org