The Ripples of Impact Gala was a meaningful fundraising event supporting a vital Cancer Initiative aimed at reducing disparities in cancer care within a major healthcare system.
Brandbridge Ltd partnered closely with our client to curate a program that wove together the essential themes of this important initiative. By thoughtfully blending varied audience experiences, we ensured the event left attendees with a lasting sense of surprise, awe, and awareness.
About the Production
The production design was clean, elegant, and purposeful. At the center stood a 15’x24’ LED wall, which served as the backdrop for three featured video segments. We crafted dynamic screen content for presenters using variations on the event’s theme, incorporating subtle animations to keep the visuals fresh and engaging.
Creating a beautiful and distinctive stage environment was essential. Flanking the LED wall, we installed sky-blue chameleon scrim fabric—translucent and ethereal—onto which we meticulously applied thousands of feet of LED light strands. These weren’t applied flatly; instead, they were formed into swirling ringlets that added a sculptural depth and shimmer, evoking movement and life.
The program opened with a powerful performance by the world-renowned Philadanco, setting a tone of excellence and emotion. Broadway’s Jackie Raye then delivered a poignant tribute to healthcare workers with her soulful rendition of For Good, captivating the audience. To add a light-hearted moment, the program’s honoree was celebrated through a humorous and affectionate roast, delivered in poetic form by the five Presidents of the healthcare institution.
The Finale
The client envisioned a finale that was unexpected, joyful, and unforgettable. While fireworks were initially considered, logistical limitations and a desire for a more meaningful experience led us to explore a more innovative concept—a drone light show.
After assessing feasibility around the expansive grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we discovered that the dream was well within reach. The creative journey began.
To set the stage, we enlisted beloved Philadelphia icon Jason Kelce, who appeared in a pre-recorded sequence flying in a virtual football-shaped drone over Boathouse Row, delivering a playful and mysterious message urging guests to move outside for a surprise. His message seamlessly transitioned to a live performance by Jackie Raye, who began singing Rewrite the Stars as she led guests toward the terrace.
This transition was captured in real time with a roaming RF gimbal camera, projecting the unfolding moment live onto the LED wall as the audience exited. To guide their path and build anticipation, Philadanco dancers reappeared in stunning, illuminated capes, signaling where to look next.
And then—magic.
The drone show began with breathtaking proximity, the lights in the sky so vivid and dynamic it felt as though you could reach out and touch them. Accompanied by a soaring soundtrack and layered with heartfelt voiceovers from colleagues, friends, and family members offering personal messages to the honoree, the experience became a multisensory crescendo.
The result: a dazzling symphony of light, sound, and emotion—an unforgettable finale to an unforgettable night.
