| The Scene In and Around Boston . . . By Hilda M. Morrill May 9, 2008
On April 10, former Boston TV personality Janet Langhart Cohen and her husband, former Secretary of Defense William "Bill" Cohen, hosted a VIP reception at The Taj Boston prior to the debut theatrical reading of the one-act play, "Anne & Emmett," at Emerson College's Semel Theatre. Written by Janet, the play is an imagined dialogue between teenagers Anne Frank and Emmett Till-one murdered because she was Jewish, the other because he was black. The play reveals the commonality of their struggles and marks the first time anyone has drawn historical parallels between the two teens' lives. "Anne and Emmett" was first published in 2007 in "Love in Black and White: A Memoir of Race, Religion, and Romance," by William S. Cohen. Among the guests were Emerson College President, Jacqueline Liebergott; Obie Award Winner and Performing Arts Associate Professor at Emerson College Robbie McCauley; Eliot Tatelman of Jordan's Furniture and his wife June; Peter Meade, Chairman of the Board, Emerson College; and F. Lee Bailey-just to name a few of the civil, political, religious, business and community leaders of Greater Boston in attendance.
More than $70,000 Raised for the Homeless Guests packed the Wharf Room at the Boston Harbor Hotel on April 17 to make the 2nd annual "What's In a Bag" handbag auction a huge success, raising more than $70,000 for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH). Guests had the opportunity to bid on more than one hundred designer and celebrity donated bags. "Ugly Betty" star Vanessa Williams, "Men in Trees" actress Sarah Strange, General Hospital characters "LuLu" and "Carly," American Idol contestant Ayla Brown, news personalities Kim Khazi, Bianca Delagarza, Mish Michaels, Maria Stephanos, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers, and Patriots owner Myra Kraft were just some of the notables who donated purses. The most popular bag was a black Giorgio Armani beauty that was auctioned off for $1100. But some of the most coveted items at the auction were not for sale! Incredibly lifelike handbag cakes created by "Amazing Cakes by Joanne" served as centerpieces and dessert for the lucky guests. "We are thrilled with the turn out for the event and all the support we received," said MCH Executive Director Robyn Frost. "I am pleased to say that we exceeded our goals and surpassed the amount raised last year." Kim Forrester was the guest speaker of the day, bravely sharing her story of struggle. Forrester, once a homeless single mother, directly benefited from the services of the MCH and reflected on how the organization gave her a new start and new hope. "It is people like Kim that inspire us to do what we do and why supporting events like this one is so important," added Frost. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) is the country's oldest statewide homeless advocacy organization. To find out more about their programs and future events, visit www.mahomeless.org.
"Party in the Park" Scheduled for Back Bay Fens The 5th annual "Party In the Park," to benefit the Justine Mee Liff Fund at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, takes place on Wednesday, May 14, beginning with a reception at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. One of Boston's signature fund-raising events, it attracts more than 600 of the city's most influential women and men. This year's event will return to festive tents in the Back Bay Fens, across from the "Museum of Fine Arts Footbridge," The Fenway entrance to the MFA. In addition, if they wish, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy guided tours of the Kelleher Rose Garden, the Museum of Fine Arts Japanese Garden, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Courtyard. The 2008 Justine Liff Spirit Award will be given to Boston philanthropists Ted and Joan Cutler. In preparation for the event, more than 100 corporate supporters and friends of the Conservancy recently gathered at the Back Bay residence of benefactor Jane Roy to celebrate and kick-off the upcoming gala luncheon. Guests enjoyed catering by Taj Boston, fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue and jewelry by Shreve Crump & Low. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy's mission is to protect, restore, maintain and promote the landscape, waterways and parkways of the Emerald Necklace park system. Enjoy! |
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Janet Langhart Cohen and her husband William S. Cohen, right, welcome Eliot and June Tatelman, left, to the reception and debut theatrical reading of "Anne & Emmett."