2011 Stay Classy Awards

If you’re a long-time follower of my blog, you might have seen me post about this event last year – and it was just as much a privilege to shoot this year’s.

If you’re new to the blog, let me give you a brief run-down on what the Stay Classy organization does exactly.  Stay Classy was founded by Scott Chisolm and Pat Walsh – originally as a promotions company with a twist – party for a purpose.  Profits from their parties would go towards charities and philanthropic organizations.

Now, Stay Classy has evolved into a large-scale organization that facilitates the donation process for individuals and businesses to link up with the charity of their choice.  When someone throws an event, Stay Classy provides the online network of charities for the company to choose from, and makes it a breeze for anyone to donate towards the cause.

At the awards ceremony, Stay Classy recognizes outstanding individuals and businesses for their philanthropic achievements over the past year.

Here are a few favorites from the event-

 

Registration.

 

 

This is Adam Garone, founder of Movember.  The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The plan was simple – to bring the mustache back as a bit of a joke and do something for men’s health. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a mustache for the entire month. The mustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men.

In 2010, the organization raised over $80 million in donations.  I just read an article stating that this past November (2011), the organization raised over $107 million dollars.  WOW!

 

 

Meadow Soprano (AKA Jamie Lynn Sigler) hosted the night.

 

 

Accepting an award.

 

 

Have no clue what these red lights were (thought at first they were exit signs), but turned out a cool photo with Scott Chisolm, co-founder of Stay Classy.

 

 

Some “behind the scenes” shots.

 

 

Wanted to make sure to include a Troy Yocum.  This guy walked across the US – TWICE – to raise money for military families.  I shot this event the night I got back from New York, and it just so happened that he & I were on the same flight to San Diego.  He told me it took him 2 and a half months to cross Texas alone.  To find out more about his story, check out this video.

 

 

For the homies who “couldn’t be here”.

 

 

Scott Chisolm and Pat Walsh, founders of the Stay Classy organization.

 

 

After party at the W!