Mentor Foundation USA, the fledgling office of the London-based international organization dedicated to fighting substance abuse by children, enlisted the help of Mentor International board member (and chess legend) Garry Kasparov for a fundraising event in New York City.

In the Mentor-Kasparov Chess Challenge, Kasparov played 30 chess matches simultaneously against teams of children sponsored by leading New York companies such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Independence Community Bank and Delta Airlines, among others.

WMC was hired to produce the event, provide strategic and editorial support for Mentor USA sponsorship activities and handle publicity.

The event was a rousing success with Mentor USA achieving its fundraising goals while also establishing a higher profile in New York City with the individuals and companies that often provide generous support for worthy causes. Significant media placements included The New York Times and New York Magazine and a booking for Kasparov on Charlie Rose.