Happy Hearts: 2nd Annual Fight for Education
Philanthropist and supermodel Petra Nemcova and the Happy Hearts Fund team called on Empire once again to produce their 2ndAnnual Fight for Education gala in the renowned Hammerstein Ballroom. On June 16, leaders from finance, sports, and fashion gathered to support the Happy Hearts Fund mission to rebuild safe, resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters.
The action-packed evening was kicked off by internationally-acclaimed tenor James Valenti and soprano Jessica Fishenfeld singing the National Anthem. After the moving performance, veteran sports announcer Mark Fratto invited Petra to the ring to thank the guests for their attendance and lead a traditional ten-bell salute, honoring the passing of Muhammad Ali.
The night proceeded with six fights featuring amateurs in finance representing Blackrock, Deutsche Bank and Oppenheimer, among others. Models Hind Salhi and Arlenis Sosa also showcased some exciting boxing in support of the cause. The last bout consisted of acclaimed professional MMA fighters Nick Pace and Julio Arce.
In between the action, auctioneer Patrick Tully led the live auction of eight lots, including a trip to Monaco and Cannes to experience the famous Formula E-race on the Monaco Grand Prix F1 track, and a special VIP package to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. As a compelling finale to the event, Ms. Petra “Trouble” Nemcova surprised guests by taking on comedian Dane “Kiss The” Cook in an entertaining fight using cupcakes, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.
Throughout the elevated evening, the nearly 400 guests were treated to a three course meal of caprese salad, chargrilled filet of beef, and family style desserts for a sweet finish, all catered by Abigail Kirsch.
Over $1.1 million was raised as a result of the Fight for Education gala, continuing the exciting annual tradition benefiting the Happy Hearts Fund.
Empire was proud to be a part of this creative fundraising event, having been the producer of Happy Heart’s annual events for the last 6 years and is a leading producer of not-for-profit events globally.
To learn more about the Happy Hearts Fund, please visit www.happyheartsfund.org.
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
