On Saturday, March 4, 2023, the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation hosted its ninth annual fundraising gala at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Connecticut, raising more than $100,000 for childhood cancer research. The Star Wars themed event included dinner, cocktails, a stage program, casino tables, dancing, and a large silent auction. But what had the attendees captivated above all was a 15-minute performance from official Star Wars characters who volunteered to attend in-character, including storm troopers, Han Solo, The Emperor, Rey, Kylo Ren, the Mandalorian, and Grogu. The TLC team is grateful for the generosity of the 501st Legion, the Rebel Legion, and the School of Saber Fighting for attending and donating their talent to help this important cause.
“This event proved that Star Wars isn’t just fun for the kids,” said TLC Founder, Louis Campbell. “The Rebel and 501st Legions have been attending TLC’s annual Mess Fest fundraisers for more than a decade, delighting the little kids in attendance, but this year it was the adults turn to have some fun interacting and taking pictures with real Star Wars characters!”
The cocktail hour hosted in the hotel foyer was decorated like a movie theater entrance, and the ballroom was transformed into an intergalactic universe complete with the Death Star projected on the ceiling. After the performance, guests were invited to enjoy dinner while learning about the important mission of the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation before hitting the dance floor and casino tables for some late night fun while placing bids on the auction. After an important video demonstrating the impact that the organization has had on the childhood cancer research over the years, hundreds of donations and auction bids came flooding in.
“We are just so grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and donors, who continue to make this gala a huge success, even during difficult economical times,” said Campbell.