With 2010 marking the 100th anniversary of the Charles River Esplanade, The Esplanade Association’s biennial gala is a fitting and timely way to support this milestone for the historic urban park.
According to June Mattioli, the major gift officer and event organizer, the gala, which takes place at the Esplanade on Saturday, Sept. 25, is expected to attract more than 450 of the city’s business, political and philanthropic leaders. Keith Lockhart, the 20th recipient of the Boston Pops, will be the recipient of the Arthur Fiedler Achievement Award for bringing culture and art to Boston and the Esplanade.
This year’s honorary event chairs are Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick, while the masters of ceremonies are Channel 7 news anchor Frances Rivera and Jared Bowen of WGBH-TV’s “Greater Boston.”
The evening starts with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction
at 7:30 p.m. The Night Owls – a group of local young professionals – arrive for
cocktails at 8:30 p.m. and join the other guests for dancing and dessert near the Hatch Shell from 10 p.m. to midnight. Dancing music will be provided by the nine-piece, Boston-based band Soul Kitchen.
The event is expected to net between $400,000 and $450,000, which will subsidize the Esplanade Association’s operating cost, as well as upkeep and programming at the park. This year, the Esplanade Association is also partnering with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Community Boating Inc. to replace the Community Boating docks.
“We want people to think of this evening as a gift to the park,” Esplanade Association Executive Director Sylvia Salas said. “The gala’s proceeds help make the Esplanade a better place for the millions of people who use and visit it each year.”
For tickets or for more information, contact June Mattioli at 617-227-0365 or [email protected]