Life, celebrated
The event | The Celebrating Life and Liberty Event brought together over 1,000 cancer survivors and their families to celebrate life, liberty and new beginnings on Ellis Island.
The history | This was the first of what will now be an annual event for this organization. The Charles Group was honored to help launch and manage it.
The task | On a gorgeous September morning, along the breezy docks of the Hudson River, stood more than 1,000 cancer survivors and their families—eagerly waiting to board ferries and journey to an entertaining, yet highly symbolic, celebration of their victories over cancer.
The event, sponsored by the Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) Foundation for the John Theurer Cancer Center, took place at Ellis Island—a symbol of hope, renewal and liberty for generations of Americans. Through this unique celebration, coordinated and managed by The Charles Group, HUMC extended its commitment, care and congratulations to patients who have survived one of life’s toughest trials.
Consequently, this had to be more than a mere party—it was a salute to survival that touched the hearts and souls of all who attended. And The Charles Group came through with a memorable, moving event.
Attendees were treated to a special performance by Le Cirque de la Liberte, tours of Ellis Island Museum, visits to the Statue of Liberty, and musical entertainment from fellow cancer survivors… while sharing their experiences and hope for the future with each other.
What we did | Selected the site and negotiated the venue; developed and managed the event budget; directed all set-up for the site, including tents; managed all food and beverage; coordinated activities to promote both physical and spiritual wellbeing; organized raffles; booked all entertainment; arranged ferry and ground transportation for all attendees; determined and managed all onsite volunteer needs; and provided complete onsite management, including check-in, exhibits, guest relations, and more.