On November 7, 2012, Starshot helped elevate Hope Rising! to new heights. The second annual benefit concert brought together acclaimed performers Sarah McLaughlin, Annie Lennox and Angélique Kidjo, raising $ 250,000 for The Stephen Lewis Foundation.
The stellar performance, hosted by award-winning CBC broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi, was hosted at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto with guests from across Canada’s art, culture, finance and philanthropic communities.
Starshot’s focus was bringing its signature design-focused event strategy to life for Hoping Rising!’s pre-event V.I.P. reception. The special fete set the tone for the evening for 350 extraordinary guests and doubled as a 75th birthday for the honourable Stephen Lewis. Starshot was charged with curating the night’s experience, encompassing every aspect of the reception: from conceptual planning and menu selection, through to a special kiosk where guests could leave a personal birthday wish for Stephen Lewis.
The objective of delivering a high-impact, convivial experience was coupled with a need for astute fiscal responsibility, given the charitable underpinnings of the event. Every possible opportunity to maximize budget was exhausted, with Starshot leading cost-saving initiatives across all areas and vendors, from the pre-event V.I.P. reception, the main event, through to the after party.