The Scene In and Around Boston . . .
By Hilda M. Morrill
March 2, 2007
 Kristen Daly, left, and 7NEWS Anchor Frances Rivera at the “Dress for Success Luncheon” at The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. (Photo © Hilda M. Morrill)
We were recently honored to be the guest of Peggy Dray at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel for a “Dress for Success” luncheon benefit. Ms. Dray, who is the Director of Community Affairs and Special Events at the hotel, was a member of the large committee hosting the very successful event, which had raised more than $150,000—even before the live auction was held at the luncheon by noted auctioneer Paul Zekos.
Dress for Success is an organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools. It was founded by Enith Levine and Nancy Schneider.
Jacqui Budd, chair of the Board of Directors, and Karen Kaplan, president of Hill, Holliday, Boston, were co-chairs for the fundraiser, which was coordinated by Dusty Rhodes, president of Conventures, Inc.
Among the many guests present were PR Princess Rosanne Mercer; Smoki Bacon, co-hostess of the popular cable TV show, “The Literatti Scene”; Maureen Alphonse-Charles; and Kristen Daly, to name a very few. Ms. Daly had invited the charming 7NEWS Anchor Frances Rivera as her guest.
Dr. Mallika Marshall, WBZ4 News Medical Reporter, gave the opening remarks and Jacqui Budd welcomed everyone “to Peggy’s Place”—to the delight of the estimated 500 guests. There were a few “brave gentlemen” in attendance including Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, whose lovely wife Angela is also on the Board of Directors.
The hotel’s elegant ballroom looked especially festive, as the clever centerpieces were comprised of fashionable purses filled with colorful tulips and greenery. Not to worry, we were assured. The blossoms were carefully arranged within hidden waterproof containers so that the purses could be added to the Dress for Success inventory.
A highlight of the presentations was a video clip from Liz Walker’s WBZ4 Sunday television program, on which she had interviewed a jubilant Dress for Success client. Ms. Walker was also present at the luncheon and received many kudos for her wonderful program.
The auction items included gift certificates, jewelry, hotel stays, sports event tickets, spa treatments, clothing and accessories—including a fabulous silk scarf, donated by Sandy Miller of Earthly Possessions, courtesy of Milton resident Otile McManus, another member of the host committee.
The ever-bubbly Marjorie Clapprood graciously modeled many of the accessories while encouraging everyone to “bid higher!”
As we left, we were all presented with colorful tote bags from Talbots filled with information and goodies, such as individually wrapped yummy cookies from the Dancing Deer Baking Co. It was truly a wonderful afternoon, and for a very good cause. Congratulations and best wishes all around.
For information about Dress For Success and its programs, call 617-323-7544, or visit them online at
www.dressforsuccess.org.
Storybook Ball Raises $1.8 Million
It’s never too late to congratulate hard work and good deeds. Congratulations are in order to The Storybook Ball chairmen, committee members, and nearly 600 gala guests who raised $1.8 million for the MassGeneral Hospital for Children many, many weeks ago. According to our dear friend and noted photographer Roger Farrington, the glitzy event was held at the new Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Roger tells us that the night was full of fun and surprises—including a Cinderella-themed grand carriage (festooned with hundreds of blossoms), the hospital's "experience" video presentation, all types of prize-winning games of skill, and yes, even dinner, a live auction and dancing.
The 7th Annual Storybook Ball co-chairs were Suzanne Joyce, Simone Winston and Patty Ribakoff. Among the guests enjoying the event were: Red Sox principal owner John Henry and his wife Peggy Henry; North End residents Kerri and Stephen Richard; and MGH President Peter Slavin and his wife Lori Slavin, to name a very few.
Proceeds from the annual ball will support clinical and research initiatives in the areas of Autism and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Long Term Survivor Clinic.
Dr. Jane Goodall to be Honored by Harvard Museum of Natural History
On Sunday, March 18, Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned scientist and author, will receive the Roger Tory Peterson Medal presented by the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Dr. Goodall will deliver the Peterson Memorial Lecture at 2 p.m. in Sanders Theatre, Harvard University.
A book signing at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, will follow the lecture.
Advance tickets are required. Tickets are available from the Harvard Box Office at 617-496-2222. Call 617-495-3045 for general information or visit
www.hmnh.harvard.edu.
Handel and Haydn Society Announces New Season
The Handel and Haydn Society announces its 2007-2008 season including ten programs—a total of 21 concerts—featuring beloved masterpieces from the Baroque and Classical eras played on the instruments and in the style from the composers’ day.
Sir Roger Norrington begins his second year as Artistic Advisor; Grant Llewellyn, who served as Music Director from 2001 through 2006, continues in his role as Principal Conductor; and Conductor Laureate Christopher Hogwood returns.
Three high-profile conductors who specialize in historically informed performance make guest appearances, including Harry Christophers, John Nelson, and Philip Pickett. Associate Conductor and Chorus master John Finney offers a “Holiday Sing,” and Concertmaster Daniel Stepner leads a program of Italian Baroque concertos. Concerts take place at Boston’s Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory.
Principal Conductor Grant Llewellyn and the Handel and Haydn Society Period-Instrument Orchestra open the Society’s 193rd season with “Distinctly Beethoven” on October 19 and 21, 2007, at Symphony Hall.
Tickets went on sale last week. They may be purchased through the Handel and Haydn Society Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., by phone at 617-266-3605 or in person at Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. Patrons may also subscribe online at
www.handelandhaydn.org. Single tickets will go on sale on September 4.
Enjoy!
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