Earlier this week, Arms Around The Child launched The Other Ball at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.
Hosted by British producer Mark Ronson, The Other Ball featured an incredible performance by The Black Keys. Producer Jeff Bhasker served as the Musical Director for performances by A$AP Rocky, Mikky Ekko, Lykke Li, Miguel and Nate Ruess from fun.. Samantha Ronson was on-site as the house DJ for the night.
On the first day of snow, guests sat on Rococo furniture in front of fireplaces listening to the most culturally relevant bands and artists today at the fundraiser event. The Black Keys performed a 30-minute set, including “Ten Cent Pistol” and “Little Black Submarines.” Lykke Li performed “I Follow Rivers” and debuted a new song. Nate Ruess entertained the room with his hit single “We Are Young” and a cover of the Prince classic “Let’s Go Crazy.” Miguel brought the crowd to its feet with his classics “Adorn” and “Sure Thing.” Alicia Keys and filmmaker David Lynch attended by video with messages for the evening’s honorees.
Clive Davis spoke to the crowd about the critical need to help children living in extreme adversity and commended Leigh Blake, President of Arms Around the Child, for her 25-year history working as an advocate. Leonardo DiCaprio was also in attendance. All proceeds from the event went towards helping Arms Around the Child support children living in extreme adversity.
Leigh Blake, who co-founded Keep A Child Alive with Alicia Keys, is a harbinger of AIDS advocacy work. Over the years, Blake has made her mark in using the power of fame and celebrity to make the world a better place. One of the evening’s honorees, famed photographer and Rolling Stone icon, Mark Seliger, said in a speech last night, "Bono and I both agree. There are three things in life that are certain: You will pay taxes, you will die and you WILL say yes to Leigh Blake."
“Leigh has brought punk rock to the charity world,” added Peter Edge, CEO of RCA Records, who was also honored last night as a quiet revolutionary.
Arms Around the Child auctioned off an array of incredible items and experiences including couture leather bears that were custom designed and donated to the auction by top fashion designers, including Christian Louboutin, Topshop, Topman, Alexander Wang, Simon Doonan, Opening Ceremony, Chromat and Thom Browne.
“Through the auction at The Other Ball, Arms Around the Child will be able to protect many kids who would otherwise be prey to sexual abuse, exploitation, hunger and neglect,” said Leigh Blake. “I am incredibly thankful to all those who came out to support our cause last night.”
The Other Ball is a new annual fundraising event that harnesses the power of the collective to benefit children suffering in the developing world. Millions of children have lost their parents, become infected with HIV or other diseases, fallen prey to those out to harm them and have been trafficked, sold or sexually abused. Arms Around the Child wants to provide safe, loving homes to as many of these children as possible and advocate for a kinder world for children.
AATC works to provide a loving home, medical treatment, protection, respect and education for children who have lost their parents to AIDS or who are living in adversity, suffering from sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Providing a sense of community, safety, and understanding for children who are vulnerable, living in child headed households, abused, neglected, stigmatized or abandoned is at the heart of our mission. AATC advocates for the needs of these children so they may be the last generation to experiences the trauma of losing their parents from preventable, treatable diseases. AATC believes in a global future where all children in adversity have their lives transformed into a bright future.
