A Funky Night of Philanthropy: Recapping the 2023 Purple Party
On the evening of November 3, the Grand Rapids Art Museum was transformed with the spirit of funk at the inaugural Purple Party hosted by the Mosaic Film Experience. Our inaugural FUNKRAISER, a dynamic follow-up to our impactful 12th annual Mosaic Event on November 2, brought together music lovers, philanthropists, and changemakers to celebrate student voices and career development.
As we reminisce on this electrifying evening, we extend our deepest gratitude to every attendee, donor, and partner who made this night a success and a landmark event in our mission to empower the youth.
From Educational Insights to Funky Delights
Just a day before the Purple Party, the Mosaic Event at Celebration! Cinema North set the stage. Here, 445 students from 17 West Michigan high schools engaged with various speakers and workshops. These industry leaders shared their diverse paths, highlighting the power of storytelling and creative careers.
When the Purple Party doors opened at 7 p.m., attendees were immersed in an atmosphere echoing the iconic era of Prince, Parliament Funkadelic, and other legends. The carefully curated playlist kept the dance floor alive. And the unique menu inspired by Prince's favorite foods and the specialty cocktail added a special touch to the evening.
Celebrating the Music of Prince and Our Students
Skot Welch, Mosaic Film Experience Founder and President, aptly described the evening as a heartfelt nod to our students, whose stories and voices we celebrate and elevate through our education and workforce development programming.
Special guests Lohanne Cook, Manager of Public Engagement for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles; Carlos Rosas, Chief of Production at experiential media firm MUV in Mexico City; Cass Taylor, the former head of sports marketing at Adobe; and Phillip Boutte Jr., a distinguished Concept Artist and Co-Founder of 9B Collective whose work can be seen in blockbusters like 'Black Panther,' 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood,' and 'Captain Marvel' made the night extra unique.
Their attendance directly extended their involvement in the previous day's Mosaic Event, where they inspired hundreds of West Michigan students with their career journeys and stories of innovation, resilience, and creativity. Their presence at the Purple Party offered attendees a rare chance to engage with these visionaries in an informal, festive setting.
Mosaic Film Experience is committed to empowering students at the intersection of education, diversity, and innovation, all through the powerful lens of storytelling. Friends like you make this journey not only possible but also profoundly impactful. Your investment in our youth helps us enrich our students' understanding and appreciation of the arts, fostering a space where creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and career preparedness flourish.
As we look ahead to 2024, we are as committed as ever to empowering young voices. Together with our supporters and partners, we aim to create a thriving community where the voices of our students are celebrated and their futures are bright and promising.
Relive the Magic
Couldn't make it to the party? Dive into our event photos on Facebook and access the official Purple Party playlist, featuring a special message from "X," The Voice of Spotify.
Your involvement in this unforgettable night fuels our mission, enabling us to nurture the talents of tomorrow's storytellers. Donate now to make a difference in the lives of students.
