Make-A-Wish 25th Anniversary Gala

While normally the special event emcee for this type of an event I was asked for a new thing......STAY OFF THE STAGE! That's right! Actually, how can I compete with Rascal Flatts anyway who were getting a very special award.

My role? I was brought in to the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 25 yr anniversary celebration and fundraiser to create the script and direct the stage to be the most engaging and inspiring while benefitting the cause of the night; to raise some funds to help fulfill the backlog of 'Wishes.' As the live event host for many high caliber events and understanding the importance of the celebs and special guests that were going to be there, I was honored to take the back stage role here and call the shots for the evening.

This was no small ordeal as there has never been an event quite like this one. Taking place at the Ohio State Stadium with so many unbelievable surprises planned it was awesome to be a part of such a special event.

While raising over $800,000 and pulling off this one of kind event together with the best event planning company in Ohio and best audio video production company in ohio (Destinations By Design and Page Tech LTD), We helped make hundreds of wishes come true that day.

Phil Vassar (Nashville Recording Artist) and Nuttin' But Stringz also performed that night and a host of celebs and dignitaries were on site to be a part of it.

My favorite was still playing football on the Buckeye Field with some special Make-A-Wish child VIP's. They were truly the stars of the night.

I also did get to put my corporate magician skills to the test as well. The photo shown is me performing sleight-of-hand for Jay DeMarcus (Rascall Flatts) and Mike Vrabl (NFL Pro Bowler). Another photo is Jay accepting the award on behalf of Rascall Flatts and a Make-A-Wish child while being given by Jim Tressell, OSU head coach.

Meeting Professionals International Annual Awards

What a treat! Not only did I get to attend the annual event, but I was asked to host it this year.

My goal - give them a day to remember of course. Backed by a great recognition committee made up of industry professionals from groups such as Hyatt, Bath and Body Works, Sterling jewelers, Sharonville convention center, Omni Resorts, Abbott and more we put together a true SHOWTIME experience that drew compliment after compliment about a show well produced from start to finish.

The production and presenting sponsor of the event was none other than Columbus Ohio based Audio and Video production company; Page Tech Limited. They decked this place out and it looked incredible! But all looks aside, the functionality is what counts. Lead personally by owner John Page and production manager Molly, the show ran flawlessly. Thank you Molly and John, couldn't have done it without you.

Award programs all seem to be the same at times...but what can you do. Well rather than give them the norm, we delivered an eclectic mix of visual, audible and physical entertainment and comedy elements strategically intertwined with the process of the event. There was never a dull moment when people even thought of checking their blackberries.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners! Look forward to seeing you next year!

More follow up from the 25 year Make-A-Wish Gala celebration. Our Superstar Cassidy and other hosts of characters help raise nearly $800,000 that night. Here was a link to a video that I was just sent.


Photo is Cassidy with mother Shannon, Coach Jim Tressel and Jay DeMarcus of Rascall Flatts getting an award.

Here is the video link:

Ever wanted to be a travel show host? It was GREAT!

When asked to spice up the promotional video for the State of Ohio and Columbus Ohio to help bring people to a large annual show I said......"Baby...It's SHOWTIME!"

With a VERY tight time frame (one week from start to finish - seriously) I needed to call in some people I could trust. Enter John Page of Page Tech LTD - as my Director and Columbus Ohio production company. Working with Experience Columbus was wonderful! They gave me the seven places they wanted to highlight and literally three days later we had the entire project shot and ready to go to editing. Hats off to the editing team who literally worked around the clock to make 9 hours of tape and b-role down to the 10 minutes you now see.

Funnest part: Having the "Civit" at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium climb from the caretaker to my shoulders looking for more banana,. SHARP CLAWS - but very funny.

Toughest Part: Wearing the floral apron at the Gahanna Herb Center and having to stare into the sun on multiple occasions as we shot this so quick and didn't have budget for a full crew (meaning no one to hold that big silver thing you see to block the sun for me...it's the little things huh?)

What I learned: (1) The we have two of the top rated attractions in the country - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and COSI. Both are awesome! (2) How cool the Ohio Historical Center is (3) That I can make some GREAT tea!

Hope you enjoy the brief film and you get a nice laugh from it!