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On May 19, nearly 1,000 Minnesotans gathered to raise funds to help light the way for at-risk teens at TreeHouse’s “Shine the Light” fundraiser gala, supported by Presenting Sponsor Periscope and Entertainment Sponsor Target. Among highlights of the event were guest speaker Apolo Ohno and a special performance by Committed, winner of NBC’s hit series The Sing-Off.
This was the second year that Periscope produced the fundraiser for TreeHouse, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk teens in the twin cities area. This year’s theme, “Shine The Light,” was developed to reflect the organization’s dedication to providing at-risk teens with hope and guidance.
“We used light as a source of inspiration and revelation, as a call-to-action for Gala attendees to light a new path for TreeHouse youth,” says Experiential Design Director Matt Miller. “Each light was a symbol to help these teens believe in their potential and to see the endless possibilities before them.”
To bring the concept to life, Periscope used a combination of lights, from candle centerpieces to a galaxy of pin lights overhead and a magical LED star drape backdrop that was revealed to the audience during a performance by Committed and over 100 TreeHouse youth.
Gala attendees and TreeHouse teens were also treated to special guest speaker Apolo Ohno, whose own competitive speed skating career has had its share of twists and turns. From failing to make the Olympic team in 1998 to winning 8 medals in subsequent Olympics, his story was particularly relevant to the at-risk teens that TreeHouse serves. As a special treat for a group of these teenagers, Apolo spoke privately to them prior to the Gala.
This year’s benefit raised more than $850,000 gross revenue to continue to provide teens with a place to meet friends, serve others and become empowered to succeed.
Periscope is a proud supporter of TreeHouse and their dedication to loving, supporting and transforming the lives of at-risk teens. In addition to the annual Gala, Periscope provides TreeHouse with marketing and advertising support, strategic planning, event management and board membership.
For more information on TreeHouse, visit www.treehouseyouth.org.
