Amref Health Africa ArtBall
On April 27, 2019,Empire was honored to produce ArtBall, which raised funds for Amref HealthAfrica, the largest Africa-based and African-led healthcare organization atA/D/O in Brooklyn. This year’s ArtBall honored Zanele Muholi, a South Africanartist and visual activist focused on the LGBTQ+ community.
Upon arrival, guests enteredthrough a curated gallery featuring over 30 artworks by artists from across theAfrican continent that were up for auction. Each piece was available on Artsy priorand during the event, and 100% of the proceeds went to Amref. The VIP portionof the program included passed hors d’oeuvres and a special discussion with ZaneleMuholi moderated by Kimberly Drew. Among the many noteworthy guests werehonorary host and artist, Shantell Martin and Broadway's Féla star AdesolaOsakalumi.
After the VIP event, the party kickedinto full swing as over 600 general admission guests arrived in their impressiveAfrican attire. Open bars flowed with Hendricks, Tito’s, Espolon and otherspirits while guests enjoyed African diaspora inspired snacks provided by BrownsvilleCommunity Culinary Center.
Th centerpiece of the evening was aneducational activation—a replication of a classroom structure designed in thespirit of the Wamba Girls’ School in Kenya. The classroom was staged witha chalkboard, desks and “Dignity Kits” stuffed with school supplies, hygieneproducts and more, with each item laid out out as an example of what a smalldonation could provide for a child. The wooden walls were lined with facts and photosfrom Amref’s work. A polaroid station was set up just outside the structure soattendees could write notes and send their photos to the girls from the WambaGirls’ School in Kenya. Docents led guests through a guided tour of theclassroom to fully explain Amref’s important work.
Global CEO of Amref,Dr. Githinji Gitahi, delivered a moving speech about celebrating life, noting thatsome come for the “art", while others come for the “ball", encouraging all tohave fun and celebrate while being mindful of the cause for which the audiencewere gathered.
The night was ledby emcee, Young Prince, and an amazing mix of Afrobeats and other dance musicwas provided by DJ Tao, Rich Medina and Juls. Guests spent the night gettingdown on the dance floor until the very last second of the event.
Empire was proudto design and produce a successful fundraising gala for Amref Health Africa,supporting the inspiring initiatives they achieve.
Amref HealthAfrica provides health care solutions that are for Africans, by Africans. Tolearn more please visit https://www.amrefusa.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
