New York Gala Rising $1m for Charity

Location: New York City

Attendees: 800 People

VIPs: Boris Kojo (Hollywood Actor), Revered Jessie Jackson, President and First Lady of Ghana

With 2 Days notice, I got a call asking me to cover as the host for a New York gala fundraiser with an aim to raise $1m. I was flown out to NYC and spent 8 hours preparing then it was show time. As I travelled to the event, I was told that the President of Ghana will be in attendance, as well as Hollywood Star Boris Kodjoe and civil rights royalty Jessie Jackson… no pressure!

Event day came and there were over 800 people in attendance from the worlds biggest banks and companies.

That night we raised ~$1.1m and the organiser said, what are you doing next year.

“Michael, simply performed alchemy! Despite the short notice, he demonstrated his professionalism, dynamism and infectious energy which helped raise $1m for a great cause!”

Peter Akwoaboah - COO for Technology and Global Head of Innovation Morgan Stanley