Not yet opened to the public, CTAOP took over Harlem’s Africa Center for one night of fundraising, tasty South African cuisine, and live performances. As guests entered each soweto market-inspired touch point and photo moment, each was supplemented with an equally moving story from a Brand Partner -  girls and boys daily impacted by the Program’s various extensions. (These extensions were the heart of the event. Its what made a clear difference in my personal drive for accuracy and quality. Reading their stories before they became signs of pieces of printed collateral, made the entire event worth it in my eyes.) Choma’s mission of empowerment and self love were represented with a re-creation of their all pink shipping container. The safe space incorporated gumball machines displaying key mission facts and statistics; showcasing it’s broad reach. The marketplace dedicated to the educational influence of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, displayed stories of high performance graduates! Sponsors Toms and Little Market activated photo moments based on traditional marketers like basket weaving, bead artistry, and a fruit stand.

 

The family-style dinner was fashioned by renowned chefs Geoffrey Zakarian and Andrew Zimmern. As guests dinned and auctioned, live artists and drummers took the floor. For the organization’s largest fundraiser to date, the night ended with an iconic performance by Boyz II Men. 

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Client: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Programs

Role: Event Art direction, Lead Experiential Designer, Fabrication Management, On-site Install Direction 

Agency: Team Epiphany

Photos by: Dorothy Hong