This spring marks the 20th anniversary of the Friends of the Public Garden’s “Green & White Ball,” the festive black tie event that brings the community together and raises awareness and funds to provide care for the Boston Common, Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Beacon Hill’s Susan Boney, Jackie McCabe and Tiverton McClintock are co-chairing the milestone gala with Fiona Benenson (Brookline) and Tamar Frieze (Back Bay). Longtime supporter of the event, Beacon Hill resident Beth Johnson is an Honorary co-chair along with Kate Gilbane (Chestnut Hill).
This year will feature a special 20th anniversary program including once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Friends has announced that for this anniversary event, all sponsors who give $20,000 or more will be included in a list of names on a beautiful bench plaque in the Public Garden.
Over the last two decades, the Green & White Ball has raised over $6 million to provide care for the Common, Public Garden and Mall, which has been the mission of the Friends since its inception 47 years ago.
Proceeds from the events have provided critical funds for annual care and maintenance in the parks, including the care of 1,700 trees and 42 pieces of public art. Financial support from the Green & White Balls has ensured a successful capital campaign for the Friends, enabled the dramatic renovation of the Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common and the restoration of the George Robert White Memorial Fountain in the Public Garden. Last year, the Ball helped to establish the Henry and Joan Lee Sculpture Endowment, which provides for the long-term care of public art in the parks.
Longtime partner, Taj Boston, will host the highly anticipated event in its ballroom on Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. After cocktails and sit-down dinner, around 270 guests will have the option of enjoying the Pops Jazz Trio in the ballroom or moving to the Taj Room for dancing with the band Night Shift.
“For 20 years, guests of the Green & White Ball have made the Friends’ vital stewardship of the parks possible,” said co-chair Fiona Benenson. “This year, we are truly grateful for the tremendous increase in generosity from Friends supporters in honor of this special anniversary.”
For more information about the Green & White Ball, visit www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.