Playworks: Get in the Game Gala

May 2017. New York City, Tribeca Rooftop

Playworks celebrated their third annual New York Get in the Game Gala, recognizing Most Valuable Principal Sandra D’Avilar, of Brooklyn’s PS 9 and Most Inspiring Leader, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, President Emerita of the Robert Wood Foundation.

This school year, the acclaimed nonprofit Playworks has provided safe, healthy and inclusive play for more than 65,000 girls and boys in 110 schools across New York and New Jersey. This is just the first stop on their road to reach 200,000 kids here in our region by 2020 with safe and healthy play that reduce bullying, increase physical activity, improve learning and promote social and emotional skills.

The evening featured remarks from Executive Director of Playworks, Kim McCall, Founder and CEO Jill Vialet, a live auction led by Pat Tully, entertainment from international recording artist ELEW, recess games, a friendly ping pong and basketball tournament, plus food and drink. Funds raised support the expanding efforts of Playworks to bring the power of play to every girl and boy in New York and beyond.

To help make this event a success, Empire produced the fundraiser at the elegant Tribeca Rooftop venue where we transported guests from the ballroom to the playground on the transformed rooftop space. Attendees enjoyed stunning Manhattan views and experienced play through sophisticated and immersive activations of traditional recess games like Four Square and Switch, along with life sized installations of Scrabble, Jenga and Connect 4.

Working closely with Playworks, Empire served as the event producer, managing elements including venue, décor, technical production, and performing talent. Empire is a leading producer of fundraising events and we are honored that Playworks continues to work with us to produce successful events.

To support or learn more about Playworks, please visit www.playworks.org

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