Beyond the Canvas: The Harry Tompson Center Story
Some of the most powerful moments in live art don’t begin with a brushstroke. They start long before the first drop of paint hits the canvas—and their impact echoes long after the applause fades.
A while back, a member of my team agreed to bring a Works4Charity™ performance to the Harry Tompson Center in New Orleans. When I spoke with their leadership, I didn’t dive into logistics first. Instead, I shared how my reputation with the world’s leading companies could help them unlock something bigger.
Fortune 500 companies routinely invest millions in leadership events, client experiences, sales kickoffs, and executive gatherings—securing venues, catering, production, entertainment, and speakers. My shows alone, with full production, easily reach six figures. That’s why a Works4Charity grant is so transformative: the charity incurs zero cost for the performance, yet they can leverage my appearance to attract high-level sponsors and create real ROI.
It’s a far cry from the typical rubber-chicken dinner filled with endless donation asks.
In the past, one of their major bank sponsors had only given a token $2,500—and no key executives ever showed up. But this time, they listened. They brought the bank to the table. The bank stepped up and purchased three tables for $15,000, bringing their executives and brokers. Those brokers, in turn, bought seats for their clients. The momentum built.
The night before the event, I was out with the charity’s committee members when we ran into Champ Evander Holyfield and his entourage. I invited them to the performance the next night—and they showed up looking sharp.
When my team and I arrived on site for the show, I was shocked. The usual venue (the school cafeteria) looked small and basic—uncovered folding tables, standard deli catering in foil trays, limited space. No real room for a full live performance by any typical standard.
But the response had been so strong they’d rented a large tent in the parking lot. Even then, it was mostly theater-style seating. Here’s what floored me: before the event even began, they had already exceeded all previous years’ sponsorship totals.
Because of the affluent crowd now filling those seats, the live art auction that night shattered records—bringing in six figures for the center.
During the evening, I had the honor of presenting Evander Holyfield with a painting of Muhammad Ali. (I wished I had one of him ready—that would have felt even more fitting—but he was incredibly gracious about it.)
That night wasn’t just about the paintings created on stage. It was about dignity, possibility, connection, and showing what’s possible when imagination exceeds reality.
While in town, I got a meaningful tour of the Harry Tompson Center’s facilities. Founded in 1999 by Father Harry Tompson, S.J., this collaborative day shelter serves hundreds of unhoused individuals daily with hygiene services, healthcare, housing navigation, hospitality, and more at the St. Joseph Rebuild Center. It’s a place of calm care in the heart of New Orleans.
Supporting the Mission of the Harry Tompson Center
I now share this story with other charities to show what’s possible when they fully embrace what a transformative live art experience can bring—not just on the canvas, but in sponsorships, attendance, energy, community connections, and long-term impact. Many have followed suit, raising far more than they ever thought possible.
This is the power of Works4Charity™—turning one night of art into lasting change for organizations doing vital work.
When imagination exceeds reality… dreams are born. And sometimes, entire communities get lifted higher.
— Michael Israel
Special thanks to the Harry Tompson Center team, the committee, and everyone who helped make this unforgettable night possible—including Champ Holyfield for joining us.
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In sharing the story of the Harry Tompson Center, I illuminate a path where creativity meets compassion. Through the lens of Works4Charity, we witness how a night of artistic expression can ripple outward, igniting hope and generating essential resources for those in need. This collaboration transformed a simple performance into a vessel of dignity and connection, showcasing the profound impact of charity fundraising on lives that often go unnoticed. The presence of icons like Evander Holyfield served as a reminder that when we unite for a common cause, we can uplift an entire community, forging lasting bonds and inspiring future generations. It is through these moments that we find the true essence of humanity, where dreams not only take flight but also create a legacy of support and understanding for the most vulnerable among us.