Robin Hood’s Milestone 2023 Benefit Depicted NYC as a Colorful, Whimsical Wonderland

The May 15 affair marked the nonprofit organization's birthday with a fantastical nod to the city it supports.

May 22, 2023

The ode to NYC was constructed with LED lights, inflatables, fabricated sets, and more.Photo: Courtesy of Robin HoodNEW YORK—Robin Hood’s 2023 Benefit gala brought the happily-ever-after folklore of the mythical character it’s named after to life on May 15. The event marked the nonprofit’s 35th year of fighting poverty in New York City, and celebrated with a bash that nodded to the metropolis Robin Hood so obviously loves.

Upon walking into the Javits Center—the event’s longtime host—more than 30,000 square feet of whimsy showcased the city like the 3,000 guests in attendance have never seen before. In the forefront of a colorful mural depicting the city, three-dimensional buildings were erected throughout the space, including cross-street signs that nodded to the city’s five boroughs.

A nod to Madison Square Garden, Manhattan’s iconic sports venue, featured a half-size basketball court in Robin Hood’s team color (green). And an oversize Anthora coffee cup proved to be the ultimate photo op. David Stark of Brooklyn-based David Stark Design and Production helmed the design again this year.

Robin Hood’s head of marketing and events, Lindsay Carroll, pointed to Stark’s “variety of elements—LEDs, inflatables, performers—that created a dimensional experience.” And although it’s no easy feat to reinvent a benefit of this scale each year, Carroll said that “luckily, New York City serves as the ultimate source of inspiration.” The planning is also a “yearlong process, kicking into high gear six months out,” Carroll added.

This year’s benefit was co-chaired by Greg and Alexandra Mondre, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, and Kenneth Tropin. And, in true Robin Hood Benefit fashion, programming boasted a star-studded lineup, including presenter Gayle King, a word from pro wrestler John Cena, a set by comedian Jim Gaffigan, and performances by Kendrick Lamar and Brandi Carlile.

A perimeter of screens lined the dining area, where guests learned more about Robin Hood’s billions' worth of efforts over its 35 years—which included moving 32,000 New Yorkers off the streets and into housing, providing 82 million meals to hungry New Yorkers, building 12,500 affordable housing units and 60 libraries, and launching 177 charter schools, just to name a few.

In its latest act of philanthropy, Robin Hood raised $61 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.

Keep scrolling for a full list of vendors who contributed to the benefit’s 35th anniversary celebration, plus more from inside the notoriously wow-worthy event…

VENDORS
Catering: Union Square Events (for guests); DEGA Catering (for crew)
Choreography: Sarah O'Gleby
Creative, Decor, & Design: David Stark Design & Productions
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
Production (Event, Show, & Technical): Nimblist
Production Staffing: Theatrical Resources; Pentwater Productions; Tait Production
Rentals: AFR; Dimitri Carpet; Party Rental Ltd.; Pete’s Big TVs; Precise Prompting; Productions on Point; Quixote; SGPS; United Rentals; United Sites
Rigging: 2XD Productions; C2W
Scenic: Atomic Design
Security, Health & Safety: GXC Inc.; The Baghera Group; T&M USA, LLC
Sound: Clair Brothers Audio Systems
Staging: All Access
Talent Management: Marty Hom, Inc
Venue: Javits Center
Video: All Mobile Video; FUSE; Verona
Video Content: Long Story Short

The benefit occupied a 30,000-square-foot space in the Javits Center with a whimsical recreation of New York City. The cherry on top? An oversize blimp boasting Robin Hood's logo in the organization's iconic green color, of course.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood

It was only appropriate that the 35th anniversary of Robin Hood looked back at the impact the organization has had on NYC over more than three decades. The entrance to the event space did just that.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood

The ode to NYC was constructed with LED lights, inflatables, fabricated sets, and more.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood

Performers acted out scenes atop building-like platforms. Some tap-danced while others played chess, like many New Yorkers do in Union Square, Central Park, and Washington Square Park.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood

What's a portrayal of NYC without Madison Square Garden, Manhattan’s iconic sports venue?

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood

Mini buildings made for centerpieces at the dining tables. The room was surrounded by oversize greens, where guests watched Robin Hood's story unfold throughout the night.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood

In true Robin Hood Benefit fashion, programming boasted a star-studded lineup, including presenter Gayle King, a word from pro wrestler John Cena, a set by comedian Jim Gaffigan, and performances by Kendrick Lamar and Brandi Carlile.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood