Every year, Samsung hosts a benefit gala to thank its customers and partners for supporting their greatest philanthropic endeavor, the Samsung Hope for Children program. This dedicated program has raised more than $30 million for more than 500 schools, health initiatives and community-based foundations.
The gala hosts Board-level Samsung guests, valued customers, A-list celebrities and global media. The event generates immense media buzz for the program and serves as a unique opportunity to deepen important relationships. After a brief change in venues, Samsung decided to return the Gala to the legendary Cipriani Wall Street® in New York City. GPJ was charged with refreshing, updating and producing Samsung’s prestigious event.
Every touchpoint needed to reflect the highest standards, from creative theming, guest experience development and run-of-show to environmental design, scriptwriting, attendee communications and end-to-end event management.
Working closely with Samsung partners, GPJ raised the bar on the Gala, surpassing donation goals and delivering an amazing guest experience that left attendees wanting more. A 70-foot “blue carpet,” with nearly fifty media outlets and interview-ready press bullpens, set the tone of the evening. From there, Master of Ceremonies Sherri Shepherd of The View fame framed an evening that included a fundraising football toss with Drew Brees, Boomer Esiason, Jimmie Johnson and Samsung president Tim Baxter; presenters Chelsea and Bill Clinton; performances by Robin Thicke, Estelle and Matchbox Twenty, the presentation of Ambassador of Hope awards to recipients Tony Bennett and John Legend; and much more. Stunning design treatments coupled with beautiful lighting schemes were key in bringing guests a stylish new experience within a familiar space.
The newly reformatted Gala engaged, entertained and inspired close to 900 attendees while generating 276.6 million impressions in influential fashion, style, entertainment and culture media; streamed live interviews via What’s Trending to key influencers, resulting in over 152,000 Samsung-branded content views; and raised a total of $1.5 million.
