From left: Josh Bryne, Steve Oristaglio, and Allison Bryne were among the guests at the Moondance Gala.
On Friday, Sept. 20, more than 500 guests gathered in the park for The Esplanade Association’s annual Moondance Gala.
Money raised through the Moondance Gala supports public programming, restoration and enhancement of the park. This year the gala highlighted The Esplanade Association’s “Green in 2013” initiative, which focuses on sustainability and greening the park in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, the gala served as the perfect platform to introduce the organizations new messaging “Making Life Better on the Esplanade.”
Gala guests arrived along a path illuminated by High Output lighting designs. The evening began in a cocktail tent that was designed by Marc Hall and opened out to provide spectacular Charles River views. Guests had the opportunity to mingle and bid on various silent auction items while enjoying drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres.
After cocktails, guests moved into the main tent where they were welcomed by event emcee, Lisa Hughes. Lisa introduced Board Chair Margo Newman and Director of Development Tani Marinovich, who took the podium to thank this year’s supporters and committee Co-Chairs Joan Patton and Emi Winterer. They then presented David Solomon with the Charles Eliot Award for his contributions to the park.
As guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by MAX Ultimate Catering, Paul Saperstein took the stage and led a live auction. Guests bid on a luxury vacation at one of nine locations offered by Exclusive Resorts, a unique dinner in the park, and a Boston Bruins package that included 16 game tickets in a CMI suite hosted by Ray Bourque and a post-game meet and greet with Milan Lucic.
“It was a fabulous evening in an amazing spot and the guests raised funds to continue to make the park even better,” Newman said. “Proceeds raised from this extraordinary evening will help fund upcoming park improvement projects, including tree pruning, new gardens and much-needed horticultural maintenance. Additionally, donations will support enriching free park programs that over 5,000 people take advantage of each year.”
Following the live auction, dinner guests joined the Night Owls after-party, where music provided by DJ Dana Labb kept the dance floor full until the event closed at midnight.