Non-Profit Event Planning
Where Elegance Fuels Giving
At Colin Cowie Lifestyle, we create extraordinary Gala events that amplify your mission and inspire, engage, and leave an enduring impression. Our extensive experience producing high-profile charity galas and fundraisers—such as those for City Harvest and Best Buddies—has given us a profound understanding of the unique needs and objectives of non-profit organizations.
What truly sets our Non-Profit event planning services apart is that we exclusively offer our signature service, personally led by Colin Cowie. Colin’s direct involvement ensures that every event receives the same level of care, attention, and creativity as our most exclusive gatherings. From concept through execution, our team collaborates closely with you to design one-of-a-kind experiences that speak to your audience and communicate your purpose with authenticity and resonance. Every detail—from venue selection and décor to entertainment and branding—is meticulously curated, allowing you to focus on your cause rather than the logistics.
We also recognize the importance of working within nonprofit budgets. With special pricing available for charitable organizations, we’re committed to delivering exceptional results while respecting your financial considerations. Our global reach—supported by offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Florence, Italy, along with representatives throughout Europe and the Middle East—enables us to bring unparalleled production value and world-class event management to fundraising efforts worldwide.
Contact us to learn how our non-profit event planning service can elevate your next event, helping you raise both awareness and support for your mission. Together, let’s create transformative experiences that resonate long after the final guest departs.
This marks our 6th year designing the American Turkish Society Gala— always a glamorous night for an amazing cause. Cipriani 42 Street knocked it out of the park for us ✨
Design & Production: Colin Cowie Lifestyle
Photography: Calen Rose
Venue & Catering: Cipriani 42nd St
Rentals: Nuage, BBJ, Party Rental Ltd, Luxe Event Rentals
AV: Star Group
Printed Materials: The Collective LLC
Band: On the Move Entertainment
DJ: DJ Bartug
Auctioneer: Harry Santa-Ollala
Video Production: RAW Media
We set out to shape a Miami Gala that didn’t just open the season but ignited it! 🔥 We loved creating an evening for @Bestbuddies that carried people from calm to electric in a matter of minutes, all in celebration of a mission that brings real connection and opportunity to so many. ❤️ We can’t wait for next year! 💃
Planning & Design: @Colincowie @Colincowielifestyle
Event: 27th Annual @BestBuddies Miami Gala
Florist: Keating Designs
Vinyl: @gotoshout
Food Truck Rental & Vinyl Wrap: @ladolcevitabevco & Evolution Graphics
Photo Booth Unit: @suitesoireeco
Draping: @cbkevents
Scenic: @eventeffects
Catering: @thierryisambert
Outdoor Lantern: @velaticandles
Technical Lead: @everlastproductions
Immersive Performance: @astarte.creative
Decor Photography: @rom_images
Videography: @24kcollective
Venue: @manawynwood
Mixology with a runway moment. This bar served both looks and cocktails 🍸👠
Planning & Design: @Colincowie @Colincowielifestyle
Event: 27th Annual @BestBuddies Miami Gala
Florist: Keating Designs
Vinyl: @gotoshout
Food Truck Rental & Vinyl Wrap: @ladolcevitabevco & Evolution Graphics
Photo Booth Unit: @suitesoireeco
Draping: @cbkevents
Scenic: @eventeffects
Catering: @thierryisambert
Outdoor Lantern: @velaticandles
Technical Lead: @everlastproductions
Immersive Performance: @astarte.creative
Decor Photography: @rom_images
Videography: @24kcollective
Venue: @manawynwood
This past weekend we had the pleasure of designing and planning the annual @bestbuddies gala, one of Miami’s most anticipated fundraisers and the unofficial start of the season. ☀️ 🌴
We welcomed 750 guests into a completely blank space and rebuilt it around a single idea… love. ❤️ Guests moved from a white cocktail hour with subtle pops of red into a dinner environment that unfolded into a chic nightclub where everyone felt close to the action. 🎭 Immersive entertainment kept the night moving with curated lounges, playful photo moments, incredible dance and aerial performances and a few surprises along the way. 🙌
This event carried all the hallmarks of a signature Colin Cowie experience. ✨ Our team shaped every element that was tasted, smelled, touched or felt so the entire evening felt considered from start to finish. 💃
Planning & Design: @Colincowie @Colincowielifestyle
Event: 27th Annual @BestBuddies Miami Gala
Florist: Keating Designs
Vinyl: @gotoshout
Food Truck Rental & Vinyl Wrap: @ladolcevitabevco & Evolution Graphics
Photo Booth Unit: @suitesoireeco
Draping: @cbkevents
Scenic: @eventeffects
Catering: @thierryisambert
Outdoor Lantern: @velaticandles
Technical Lead: @everlastproductions
Immersive Performance: @astarte.creative
Decor Photography: @rom_images
Videography: @24kcollective
Venue: @manawynwood
It was a night to remember at @cityharvestnyc’s 2025 Carnaval Gala! 💃With @biggsjason hosting, music by @onthemoveevents, and an incredible guest list—from Richard Gere and Christian Siriano to José Andrés and Katie Couric—we came together in spectacular style. The auction, led by @harrysanta, featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences from world-class chefs and helped raise enough to provide over 8.5 million meals for New Yorkers in need.
We were honored to bring this celebration to life—vibrant, joyful, and filled with purpose. #CuratedByCowie #CityHarvest #ColinCowie #Carnaval
We brought a fresh, colorful eye to @BestBuddies’ annual Miami Gala by embracing a punchy pop art theme inspired by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, and Takashi Murakami. Anyone who knows us, knows we love a glamorous entrance—and this one raised the bar. Congratulations to @anthonykshriver for hosting another extraordinary gala. And, of course, @50cent brought the house down with his performance.
#CuratedByCowie #ColinCowie #BestBuddies
Design: @colincowie @colincowielifestyle
Production: @everlastproductions @bestbuddies
Venue: @icepalacestudios
Florals: @ovandony
Photography: @kristelleboulos
Décor: @colincowielifestyle @bubbledesignrentals
Lighting: @everlastproductions
Entertainment: @50cent
Immersive Entertainment: @aragonartists
DJ: @colemanmusic
Scenic: @rocbuildingllc
Catering: @thierryisambert
Linens: @bbjlatavola
Neon: @pixelstudio_us
It was an unforgettable night of elegance and celebration at the Fortune Global Forum Gala Dinner! 🍾✨ Guests were treated to a lavish Dom Perignon and caviar reception, followed by a culinary experience that delighted the senses—complete with stunning edible FORTUNE gold bars!
The evening was a grand tribute to Fortune’s Most Powerful People in Business, featuring a musical journey through the decades. From the Roaring Twenties to the soulful tunes of Motown and the disco hits of Studio 54 to the energetic beats of Hip Hop and the early 2000’s, ending with the epic hit “Empire State of Mind,” the night was alive with rhythm and joy. #CuratedByCowie #ColinCowie #FortuneGlobalForum
A huge thanks to everyone who made this event a spectacular success!
Design & Production: @colincowie @colincowielifestyle
Producer: @arnelldesign
Venue: @jazzdotorg
Florals: @jsperaltaevents
Photography: @judson_rappaport
Décor: @colincowielifestyle @taylorcreativeinc @luxeeventrentals
Lighting: @levynyc
Entertainment: @onthemoveevents
Stationery: @alexandmima
Scenic: @wearesbi
Technical Direction and Project Management: @empireproduced
Technical production: @4wall
Catering: @gpfood
Plenary session: @Fortunemag
Video production: @lerevefilms @arnelldesign
Kinetic Art: @breakfaststudio
✨ The stars aligned for a night of glamour at the American Turkish Society’s gala dinner, celebrating the Turkish Film & TV industry! 🎬 Cipriani 42nd Street transformed into an enchanting Old Hollywood scene, with spectacular candles, red roses, dazzling showgirls, and live entertainment.
Swipe to relive the magic! ➡️
#CuratedByCowie #ATSGala
Design & Production: @colincowielifestyle @colincowie
Client: @americanturkishsociety
Venue: @cipriani
Photos: @calenrose
Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra, @bartwofficial
Rentals: @luxeeventrentals, @partyrentalltd
#TurkishFilm #OldHollywoodNights #GalaGlamour
Everything’s coming up roses 🌹
We were thrilled to co-produce the RSVP New York North American and Caribbean Awards and Evening gala at the Glasshouse together with our dear and fabulous friend, @normacohenproductions. This could never have come together without our trusted production partner, @jengouldevents. Of course special mention to @cecinewyork who did the most amazing invitations and personalized menus. And, what’s a party without great food - Thank you Amy.....from @majorfoodgroup. Darren and his team from @onthemoveevents kept us literally moving and mesmerized all night long... A massive thank you to all the creative partners who came on board to deliver this spectacular industry night. We set a new bar for industry events!
Co-Producer: @colincowielifestyle @colincowie
Co-Producer: @normacohenproductions
Venue & Beverage: @theglasshouse.nyc
Event Design & Production: @jengouldevents
Food: @majorfoodevents
Entertainment: @onthemoveevents
Invitation Design, Menus & Event Branding: @cecinewyork
Photography: @anastasiiaphotography
Videography: @royalfilms
Mixology: @the_cup_bearer
Furniture Rental: @luxeeventrentals
Custom Carpets & Escort Wall: @enhancecolour
Dance Floor: @gotoshout
Ice Sculpture: @okamotostudio
Rentals: @smithpartyrentals
Floral Supplier: @fmifarms
Photo Booth: @scenestealersofficial
Napkins:@mydrap_northamerica
App/Guest Management: @vownetwork
Wifi: @nveventsmarketplace
Philanthropy is a big part of our DNA, and we were honored to produce the 25th anniversary gala for @ubunthupathways, a charity near and dear to our hearts. We have produced this extraordinary event for the past 8 years and I am fortunate to sit on the board of the game changing platform. The evening raised over $1.6 million for this cradle-to-career platform. Many of these children have suffered the most dreadful and humbling experiences and Ubuntu gives them the opportunity to thrive and shine. #CuratedByCowie #Philanthropy
Client: @Ubuntupathways
Venue: @Gothamhallny
Lighting: @Bentleymeeker
Audio: @easternstageproductions
Opening Performance: @bongiduma
After-Dinner Entertainment: @amayomusic
Photographer: @menbarphotos
@ubuntujakes @travisrandall
Motown Moments! 🎵We were thrilled to collaborate with @cityharvestnyc for their 2024 gala. It was a musical evening with @johnlegend and entertainment by @onthemoveevents as we celebrated the Magic of Motown and raised $5 million. #curatedbycowie #cityharvest #motown #nonprofit
Design: @colincowielifestyle @colincowie
Client: @cityharvestnyc
Photography: @judson_rappaport
Venue: @cipriani
Entertainment: @onthemoveevents
The House of Harvest at Cipriani 42nd ! 🍾
We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the world`s first and largest food rescue organization at Cipriani 42nd Street this week. Notable guests included Eric and Sandra Ripert, Emma Lovewell, Richard Gere, Ron Ben Israel, Tyson Beckford, William Abadie, among many others.
We are so proud to collaborate with City Harvest once again for their annual gala. City Harvest, thank you for the incredible work you do! 💚
Design and Décor Production: @colincowielifestyle
Production: @joshwoodproductions
Venue: @cipriani
Entertainment: @onthemoveevents
Linens: @bbjlatavola; @nuagedesignsinc
Décor Photography: @calenrose
Florals: @fleurish_nyc
#curatedbycowie
Celebrating in style! The American Turkish Society Gala honored entrepreneurs from Turkey and the United States. From the iconic venue, technicolor décor, and mood lighting to the entertainment, live band, and vibrant dance party, it was an unforgettable night! 🥂
#curatedbycowie
Production and Design: @colincowielifestyle; @colincowie
Client: @americanturkishsociety
Venue: @theplazahotel
Décor Photography: @judson_rappaport
Client Photography: @gettyimages
Printed Materials: @alexandmima
Lighting & Audio: @bentleymeeker
Entertainment: @mrchrisnorton
Stilt Walkers: @astarte.creative
Rentals: @luxeeventrentals, @partyrentalltd, @nuagedesignsinc
Napkins: @sferralinens
Hosted in the dazzling Plaza ballroom, the American Turkish Society Gala was an evening to remember... As the Society’s main fundraising event, the dinner raises support for educational and cultural programs, including scholarships, exchanges, residencies, cultural performances, lectures, and grants. Specialty performances included Foreigner and Burhan Ocal, as well as the Jordan Kahn Orchestra.
Production & Design – Colin Cowie Lifestyle (@colincowielifestyle); Colin Cowie (@colincowie)
Client – The American Turkish Society (@americanturkishsociety)
Venue – The Plaza Hotel (@theplazahotel)
Lighting/Audio – Bentley Meeker (@bentleymeeker)
Entertainment – Jordan Kahn Orchestra (@jordankahnorchestra)
Specialty Performance – Foreigner (@foreignerlive)
Specialty Performance – Burhan Ocal (@burhanocalofficial)
Video Tribute – Raw Media Network (@rawmedianetwork)
Photography – Patrick McMullan (@patrickmcmullan)
Covid Safety – VOW (@vownetwork)
#curatedbycowie
Oprah’s Civil Rights Legends Gala – “Legends Who Paved The Way” – honored legends of the civil rights movement (2014).
Honorees included Ambassador Andrew Young, Berry Gordy, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Diane Nash, Dick Gregory, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Juanita Jones Abernathy, Julian Bond, Marian Wright Edelman, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier, and Harry Belafonte. Other guests included Ellen DeGeneres, Deion Sanders, Alfre Woodard, George Lucas, Gayle King, Iyanla Vanzant, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Magic Johnson, Maria Shriver, Phylicia Rashad, Rashida Jones, Reese Witherspoon, Jimmy Iovine, Robin Roberts, Roland Martin, Samuel L. Jackson, and Smokey Robinson, among many others.
The O’Jays played R&B classics and the cast of Selma read Pearl Cleage’s celebratory poem ‘We Speak Your Names,’ which served as the centerpiece to Oprah`s first Legends Ball (2005).
“Cleage considers the poem a continuation of an oral tradition that encompasses the entire history of the African-American experience. The praise poem acknowledges the legacy of those who have gone before and a realization "that we are part of something better, truer, deeper." (Pearl Cleage, Zaron W. Burnett Jr.) (Legends Weekend 2 (2014) • PART 1/3) #curatedbycowie
