Scharff Weisberg provided a full complement of sound reinforcement, video presentation, and video projection to David Stark Design and Production in support of the star-studded 75th Anniversary Benefit for Save The Children. Held in Damrosh Park in Lincoln Center on September 6, the celebrity-filled gala marked the organization’s 75 years of service to children and families in need.
Save The Children was founded in New York City in 1932 to help families of Appalachian coal miners during the Great Depression. Today, nearly 6,000 staff members work to make lasting, positive change in the lives of children in the US and in 50 countries around the world.
During the gala evening former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton were honored for their humanitarian service in response to the tsunami in Indonesia and Hurricane Katrina. Philanthropist Melinda Gates was also recognized for her efforts to reduce infant mortality rates through Save the Children’s Saving Newborn Lives program.
Music was provided by Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars band and Broadway star Idina Menzel with the New York Children’s Chorus. Drew Carey promoted Save The Children’s anniversary online auction.
David Stark Design and Production, which planned the benefit and handled its decor, selected Scharff Weisberg to provide the event’s AV support. The gala, emcee’d by Samuel L. Jackson, would normally have taken two weeks to execute but was ready in just four days.
Scharff Weisberg provided three video cameras switched by a Grass Valley Kayak with video playback and recording facilitated by Sony PVW Beta SP decks. Four Barco SLM R12 video projectors displayed imagery on a pair of 12x16-foot front projection screens. The Scharff Weisberg-supplied sound system consisted of a Yamaha PM5D console for front of house, Yamaha M7CL monitoring, Meyer M2D speakers and 650P subwoofers for front of house, with Meyer M1D and UPJ speakers for center and side fills.