The annual Robin Hood Benefit Gala is an annual non-profit event that helps highlight the impact of custom event inflatables. For the third year in a row, Inflatable Design Group has had the pleasure of working with even designer David Stark and his team to help transform the New York City’s Javits Center into a showstopping celebration of hope, heart, and hustle. This year’s gala took place on May 12th, 2025, and as always, was extremely successful.
The Jacob Javits Center came alive with the spirit of New York Sports – a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and belief. Team Robin Hood stood as a powerful symbol of unity, embodying the very essence of what’s possible when we show up for one another and face challenges together.”
Robin Hood 2025 Press Release
With set up beginning a full week before the event, IDG’s team was on site to oversee and help rig, inflate, and perfect a collection of sports-themed inflatables that helped transform the Javits Center into a stadium of dreams. These custom vent inflatables captured the energy of New York sports and the spirit of a community rallying together for change. From oversized golf balls and basketballs to a detailed inflatable football on a tee and a larger-than-life baseball glove, each piece was designed to echo the energy and resilience of New York Sports and the New Yorkers this event supports.
Rallying for a Cause
As @robinhoodnyc so perfectly put it on Instagram, “Inspired by the heart and hustle of New York sports, this year’s Benefit is a rally: for second chances, for resilience, for the more than 2 million New Yorkers living in poverty – and for the community that refuses to give up on them.” That message rang loud and clear throughout the event space, where IDG’s inflatable sports props helped set the tone for a night filled with community, purpose, and celebration.
Each inflatable was thoughtfully integrated into the event design, strategically hung or placed to create an immersive environment that balanced elegance with whimsy. Many of the inflatables were also internally rigged with lighting, giving them a subtle glow that added depth, drama, and photo-ready ambiance to the entire venue and event.
Performance, Purpose, and a Powerful Total
Of course, a night like this would not be complete without some big-name performances, and this year, guests were treated to incredible sets from Keith Urban and The Weeknd. But the true star of the evening was the cause itself. This year’s Robin Hood gala raised a staggering $71,634.729. These funds will be put to work immediately, providing New Yorkers with access to essentials like food, shelter, quality education, job training, and a path out of poverty.
Every dollar raised supports Robin Hood’s mission of uplifting those in need, and IDG is proud to play even a small role in helping create the kind of atmosphere that inspires people to give generously. Custom event inflatables can be more than just event décor. They can help build an experience, support a message, and drive home the heart behind an event.
Custom Event Inflatables Go Beyond the Event
Custom event inflatables allow designers to create a large-scale visual impact without the heavy rigging or logistical headaches of more traditional décor. They pack small, inflate quickly, and can be designed in virtually any size, shape, or style, making them an ideal tool for transforming large spaces like the Javits Center.
Over the years, IDG has had the pleasure of creating everything from glowing inflatable crowds to inflatable replicas of NYC’s iconic symbols, each piece contributing to the Robin Hood Gala’s mission. Learn more about past Robin Hood events and see pictures of the inflatables we made for the 2024 and 2023 galas on our website.
Order Your Custom Event Inflatables Today
It has been an honor to be part of the team that brings the Robin Hood gala to life again this year with our custom event inflatables. Seeing our work become part of something so meaningful and knowing how it contributes and impacts New Yorkers is amazing.
To learn more about our work with large-scale events or get started on your own custom event inflatables, email us at info@inflatabledesigngroup.com. Our team will work with you to bring your vision to life.