Boston Parks Commissioner Toni Pollak, Kathy Sakellaris and Jane Roy, left to right, smile for the camera at the Green and White Ball. (Photo by Roger Farrington)
 

The recent Green and White Ball "bloomed" with traditions and an enthusiastic public spirit thanks to The Friends of The Public Garden and lead sponsor Taj Boston.

The Ball, held in the Grand Ballroom of Taj Boston, was a milestone event in its 13-year history of fundraising. Henry Lee, President of The Friends of the Public Garden, and David Gibbons, General Manager of Taj Boston, announced that the black-tie gala event was the most successful ever, raising an unprecedented $525,000. More than $2-million has been raised from the festive Gala Ball since 2004 alone.

Formed in 1970, the Friends is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Public Garden, the Boston Common and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Thanks to the generous contributions and sponsorship gifts from individuals and corporations, all proceeds from this year's event will go to the endowment of the Friends as part of a larger campaign to provide for its future administration and critical areas of care in these three historic green spaces.

More than 250 generous supporters gathered to celebrate and preserve Boston's historic green spaces. The Gala began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and dancing to the White Heat Orchestra.

Salvatore DeGeorge, Director of Catering Sales and Executive Chef Franck Steigerwald oversaw the gourmet three-course dinner. The décor and table centerpieces, designed by Winston Flowers, transformed the Grand Ballroom into a magical garden, filled with blooming trees, topiaries, opulent flowers and twinkling candles.

Gala Benefit Scheduled for Fenway Park

The "8th Annual Gala and Silent Auction" to benefit The Angel Fund will be held in the State Street Pavilion at Fenway Park on Thursday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. The Angel Fund is an independent nonprofit organization, benefiting ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research at the Cecil B. Day Neuromuscular Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The event will honor individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the Fund. Red Sox relief pitcher Mike Timlin and his wife Dawn will be the guests of honor. As an added bonus, the World Series trophies will be on display throughout the evening.

The event will include a silent auction, a buffet and a tour of Fenway Park. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund research. More commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease.

"We have seen tremendous progress in research to find a cure for ALS during the past decade," President Rich Kennedy said. "The Gala is an opportunity to celebrate this ongoing progress and to recognize those who lend a helping hand as we work to find a cure for ALS."

Tickets at the "Base Hit" ticket level include the buffet dinner and a tour of Fenway Park. A 4" x 6" photo opportunity with the World Series trophies will also be offered at a nominal fee.

An additional ticket opportunity is available via the "Home Run" ticket which includes the buffet dinner, a photo opportunity with Mike Timlin and the World Series trophies, a 5" x 7" copy of the photo, and a tour of Fenway Park with Timlin before the start of the Gala.

While available, the "Grand Slam" Corporate Sponsorship includes the Home Run package, as well as the company name in accompanying press releases, the company name and logo on the signage at the Gala, and the logo on The Angel Fund Web site.

Advance reservations are required by Friday, July 25, and tickets must be purchased in advance. For information and registration, or corporate sponsorship, contact Ann Hadley at 781-245-7070, or log-on to the organization's Web site at www.theangelfund.org.

Largest Outdoor Jazz Festival Returns to Boston in September

The 8th annual "Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival," Boston's largest outdoor festival, will transform the Hub into a musical, multi-cultural Mecca for jazz, world, blues, and grooves, September 26-27, with concerts at various locations throughout the city.

World-renowned superstars and treasured local artists come together on four stages in both free and ticketed events that last year drew upwards of 70,000 people of all ages from every neighborhood in Boston and all over New England.

More than 15 bands and 120 musicians will perform at the Berklee Performance Center (BPC) and outdoor stages along Columbus Avenue. For a complete list of all events, venues, and performers, visit www.beantownjazz.org. Call 617-747-2261 or visit www.berkleebpc.com for more information.

On Saturday, September 27, the free and open-to-the-public part of the Jazz Festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on three stages over six blocks on Columbus Avenue, starting at Massachusetts Avenue, with a shimmering array of talent.

Also at the Columbus Avenue festival site will be an expanded Target Family Park, returning with many fun activities for the kids, including inflatables, photos, face painting, temporary tattoos, and an instrument petting zoo. More than 60 vendor booths will offer arts, crafts, accessories and great food representing a variety of countries.

"Producing the BeanTown Jazz Festival feels like Berklee is throwing a big party for Boston," says Larry Simpson, Berklee senior vice president for academic affairs and BeanTown Jazz Festival executive director.

"And our party has all of the essential ingredients for a memorable time: stunning live music that will make you move, a diverse mix of engaging people, a variety of delicious foods, and plenty to keep the kids entertained."

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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