Philanthro Productions' Hollywood Debut a Smashing Success

Hollywood, CA – (July 2, 2007) – Getting a startup non-profit off the ground is notoriously difficult. Holding a successful debut as a fledgling event production company in the heart of Hollywood is even more challenging. But Philanthro Productions, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that hosts first-class social events to connect young adults to charitable causes, beat the odds with its triumphant June 9 premiere at Hollywood’s Spider Club at Avalon.

The debut event brought in $4,000 for one of Philanthro’s partner charities, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF). “Turnout was great and we really exceeded everyone’s expectations,” says co-founder Drew Geisse, 26. “We were at the club’s capacity throughout the night, and got rave reviews from our patrons, sponsors and special guests.”

The 350+ attendees enjoyed celebrity appearances from D.J. Qualls and Jason Ritter, and participated in a raffle for prizes from sponsors such as Pinkberry, Ray Ray Clothing, and Kaplan. DJ Tony Collage from Power 106 closed out the night for the energetic crowd.

“We’re starting to hear a lot of buzz, because we really set the bar high,” says Austin Kiessig, Philanthro’s head of marketing. “We wanted to set a precedent for what a non-profit could accomplish – introducing charity directly into Hollywood nightlife is brash, but the way we’ve been received has been remarkable. People started asking about our next event before the night was even over.”

The Philanthro phenomenon will expand southward when the San Diego chapter hosts its debut event at Belo in the Gaslamp on July 19 with renowned partner charity Invisible Children. Philanthro will return to Los Angeles for another event in late August. “Following up on the debut is going to be tough since everyone’s expectations are so high after the first event,” says co-founder Ian Lee, 25. “But we know we have something special – and we think everyone else knows it, too.”

About Philanthro Productions (www.philanthroproductions.org):
Philanthro Productions is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to get more young adults involved in charity by hosting first-rate parties in partnership with leading non-profits. Philanthro's goal is to eliminate the trade-off for young adults between going out with friends and giving back by creating unique opportunities for charitable giving where there were none before.