The event space was inspired by NYC above the clouds, as seen through the black-and-white coloring and LED screens displaying the tops of iconic buildings. Signage also displayed “/imagine,” which was meant to be symbolic of an artificial intelligence command to serve as “a metaphor for what we can achieve together," according to executive producer Lindsay Carroll.Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood
NEW YORK—Robin Hood, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization, honored its decadeslong effort to make New York City a more utopian society with references to the dystopian plotline made famous in The Matrix throughout its 2024 benefit gala. On May 13, some 3,000 of the Big Apple’s most influential names in finance and philanthropy descended on the Javits Center and were ushered into the 30,000-square-foot event space by an entry tunnel projecting so-called “digital rain” consisting of symbols representing Robin Hood’s work.
The greeting “set the stage for a transformative journey,” said Lindsay Carroll, the executive producer of the benefit, who also serves as Robin Hood’s head of marketing and events. On the other side of the portal, guests found themselves in a black-and-white scene resembling New York City above the clouds.
“This setting not only offered a breathtaking view but also symbolized the endless possibilities and the ‘sky’s the limit’ mindset essential for innovative solutions,” Carroll said of the cocktail hour space, where the tops of iconic NYC buildings were displayed on oversize LED screens and performers dressed in all white swung above inflatable clouds. Signage also displayed “/imagine,” which Carroll said was symbolic of an artificial intelligence command to serve as “a metaphor for what we can achieve together.”
While infused with futuristic moments—which Carroll said she hopes “inspired guests to imagine and contribute to a future where strategic interventions can significantly elevate our community”—there were also live sketch artists and haiku writers. Carroll said the on-site artists were meant to bring in a “human touch” while “engaging guests personally and creatively.”
The angelic scene was brought to life by longtime Robin Hood creative lead David Stark Design and Production. David Stark himself told BizBash that he takes “immense pride” in having worked on the Robin Hood annual benefit gala since 2000, noting that through the years, the event has “become much more sophisticated in its storytelling,” containing “more surprises and delights than ever.”
To pull off such a massive creative feat, the event requires more than 1,000 dedicated staff.
To escort guests to the dining area, “black and white magically became flooded with color, and the skyline became a vivid sunset,” Stark described. “The city became a roller disco, animated with 60 roller-skating New Yorkers, leading guests into the hidden dining room ablaze with color. Who doesn't love a disco ball, right?"
The jubilation continued over dinner as sports TV personality Stephen A. Smith delivered opening remarks, followed by performances from Mumford & Sons and comedian Nate Bargatze. The Matrix theme was revisited when billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones emerged in a black cloak reminiscent of Neo, played by Keanu Reeves in the 1999 film, and delivered heartfelt remarks that “reinforced our commitment to addressing challenges with cutting-edge solutions,” Carroll said.
By the time dinner concluded and guests—including A-listers like Tory Burch, former hockey star Henrik Lundqvist, and Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels—were treated to an intimate performance from Post Malone, Robin Hood raised a staggering $68.5 million in charitable donations at the benefit, 100% of which funds the continued feeding, housing, educating, and more for the millions of New Yorkers living below the poverty line.
The sum blew past the $61 million that was raised during last year’s benefit, courtesy of the generosity of Robin Hood’s new partners this year, including WWE and 2K Sports—which was born out of John Cena’s involvement in the 2023 event—as well as MrBeast, the most subscribed-to YouTuber, and his organization, Beast Philanthropy.
Post Malone, for reference, also performed for free. And this year, additional invitations were extended to workers at the nonprofits supported by Robin Hood to solely attend the star’s end-of-night musical performance. “This approach was chosen to honor and energize those directly involved with and passionate about our mission, adding a special energy and enthusiasm to the event,” Carroll explained.
“The variety in our storytelling—enriched with humor, music, and heartfelt narratives—ensured that every moment resonated with our audience,” Carroll said of the programming. “The joy and engagement we saw in the crowd not only affirmed the quality of our production but also reinforced the impact of our mission, making it my favorite touchpoint and a profound reminder of why we do what we do.”
Keep scrolling for a full list of vendors who contributed to Robin Hood’s 36th benefit, plus more from inside the memorable affair…
VENDORS
Beverage Sponsors: Casa Dragones, Wölffer
Catering: Union Square Events (for guests); DEGA Catering (for crew)
Choreography: Sarah O'Gleby; Miss’iles Creative
Creative, Decor, & Design: David Stark Design and Production
Draping: Drape Kings
Event Management: Event Associates Inc.
Graphics: Riverside Graphics
Lighting: 4Wall Entertainment Lighting
Mobile Check-In & Pledging: Checkin Tech LLC; Smartsource; Yurgosky
Photography: Ronald Antonelli; Travis W Keyes
Printed Materials: Riverside Graphics
Production (Event, Show, & Technical): Nimblist
Production Staffing: Theatrical Resources; Pentwater Productions; Tait Production
Rentals: AFR; Call-A-Head; Dimitri Carpet; Party Rental Ltd.; Pete’s Big TVs; Precise Prompting; Productions on Point; Quixote; SGPS; Taylor Creative; United Rentals
Rigging: 2XD Productions; C2W
Scenic: Atomic Design
Security, Health, & Safety: GXC Inc.; K-Street Group; The Baghera Group
Sound: Clair Brothers Audio Systems
Staging: All Access
Table & Ticket Management: Event Associates Inc.
Talent Management: Marty Hom Inc.
Venue: Javits Center
Video: All Mobile Video; FUSE; Verona
Video Content: Long Story Short
