Teens Against Cancer Inaugural Teen Gala

When a newly-formed charitable organization, led by 17 year old founder Max Cohen, faced the daunting challenges of making a splash in New York City on it's first ever event, they turned to Empire Entertainment and event designer Colin Cowie to make dreams come true. The event would be even more challenging than most on account of the necessity to appeal adult-age donors and sponsors, while remaining cool and relevant to the largely teen audience from all of New York City's elite private and public schools. Empire Entertainment, Colin Cowie and Teens Against Cancer Founder Max Cohen and his committee of friends worked hard to deliver success.

Teens Against Cancer held it's first fundraising event on October 12, 2006 at Gotham Hall in New York City with the goal of raising money for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The benefit featured musical performances by SONY Music artist, Teddy Geiger, a concert by The Roots and dance music by DJ Cassidy as well as a fashion show choreographed by Thrash Creatir Sheryl Murakami for Seven Jeans and LeRock. The event also featured a live auction for items such as a weekend at the Atlantis Resort and a Monday night dinner table at Rao's restaurant. For the teenage guests the event offered a raffle for dinner at Ciprianis, sport jerseys and sports tickets.

TAC was founded in 2005 by then 17 year-old New York City student Max Cohen after his mother overcame a terminally ill case of Cancer. Cohen started the organization in hopes to raise awareness in teenagers about the disease and to show them that they also can make a difference. "After my mother became ill with Cancer her endless display of courage and the pain that my family and I fought through inspired me to begin Teens Against Cancer," Cohen said. "I want teenagers to be aware of what Cancer is and to provide support to anyone who has to cope with it in their life."

The event was designed and decorated by renowned event designer Colin Cowie. Entertainment and production were handled by Empire Entertainment. Robbins Wolfe Caterers graciously donated the catering and Lizzie Grubman handled all Public Relations. The benefit was sponsored by Seven Jeans, LaRock and One Step-up.In the end, the event was a huge success, drawing over 500 attendees and raising substantial funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Empire is a leading producer of not for profit events and has the creative flexibility to produce events targeted to any demographic including teen /youth audiences.