Anne Tamer Hajjar, left, TomorrowNite event chairperson, with Frances Rivera, 7News anchor and event emcee. (Photo by Lisa Polucci)

The 18th Annual TomorrowNite gala, "A Night of Hope," takes place on Saturday, March 21 to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The event, which is scheduled from 6 to 11 p.m., will be held for the first time in the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, where Asian blossoms will be in full bloom.

Anne Tamer Hajjar of Milton is event chair, and 7News anchor Frances Rivera returns as emcee for the 8th year.

This year's theme of hope is especially relevant in this economic downturn where the spirit of giving is more critical than ever. It is estimated that more than 160,000 new cases of childhood cancer will be diagnosed worldwide in the coming year.

Special highlights include a piano performance by John Alston, a former St. Jude patient who is also a student at Berklee College of Music. The evening will include gourmet dining, dancing with the Rollins Ross and Soul Source Band, and a silent auction featuring sports events, spa getaways, and major artwork.

Early auction items include an original Lego Sculpture by artist Nathan Sawaya; autographed scrubs from the cast of "ER"; tickets to attend tapings of "The Colbert Report" and "Conan O'Brien"; hotel getaways, fine dining and shopping; a gift certificate to Kleinfield, Manhattan, world-famous Bridal Salon; and one-of-a-kind autographed Red Sox memorabilia.

Recognized as the hospital's premier fundraiser for this region, the Boston-based event has raised nearly $5 million over the past seventeen years.

For more information, visit www.stjude.org/tomorrownite.

Boston Whaler Boat Will Be Raffled at Gala for Autism Fund-Raiser

The "Second Annual Gala for Autism" takes place on Saturday, March 28 at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston. The raffle of a 2008 Boston Whaler "170 Montauk" boat will be one of the highlights of the benefit fund-raiser. The boat comes equipped with a trailer, Mercury 90hp motor, sun-top roof, and more.

Political, sports and media personalities recently gathered to kick-off the promotion with a photo-op. "The community leaders joining us here today, along with our Honorary Committee and the 11,000 members of Teamsters Local 25, have made a commitment to raise awareness of this disorder," said Sean M. O'Brien, president of Teamsters Local 25, the sponsors of the gala.

"With one in 150 children diagnosed with autism each year, most everyone knows a family affected by this disorder. The boat raffle, coupled with our online auction, and the gala itself, give people an opportunity to participate on many levels. I encourage everyone to help in this cause."

Tickets to the gala include dinner stations, a cash bar, a live band and dancing, silent and live auctions, and many more surprises. Randy Price will be the evening's emcee.

We are told that you do not need to be present to win. To learn more, call 617-241-8825 or visit www.teamsterslocal25.com.

In the last year, Teamsters Local 25 has raised nearly $200,000 for Autism and has become New England's premier fundraiser for Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatment of autism.

Gourmet Celebration to Mark St. Patrick's Day throughout Greater Boston

Boston is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a tasteful display of contemporary and traditional cuisine from Ireland as the "5th annual Gaelic Gourmet Celebration" takes place the week of March 11-18, 2009 in hotels, restaurants and pubs throughout the city.

The annual program, presented by Tourism Ireland and the Boston Irish Tourism Association, is designed to showcase new cuisine from Ireland alongside the distinct culinary traditions of Massachusetts.

"For people seeking a tasteful way to experience and enjoy Irish heritage in March, Boston is the place to be," said Colette Quinlin of Boston Irish Tourism Association.

The marquee event of festivities is the "Gaelic Gourmet Gala" on Saturday, March 14, at Aura Restaurant, Seaport Hotel Boston. Aura's executive chef Rachel Klein is joined by Ireland's Chef Reidy along with Boston's renowned Chef Barbara Lynch.

The four-course, sit-down dinner will benefit Fisher House Boston, a non-profit group that provides housing to families of veterans in Boston for medical care. Major General John F. Kelly, U.S. Marines, is special guest of honor. Celtic Thunder, Ireland's popular singing quintet featured on PBS, is providing musical entertainment. Tourism Ireland is also raffling off a grand trip to Ireland at the gala.

The culinary week in Boston was developed in 2005 as a way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a more stylish, sophisticated way, said Quinlin, whose association promotes travel between Massachusetts and Ireland throughout the year.

For more details on "Gaelic Gourmet Week," including reservation information, prices and times, dinner recipes, chef listings, and other information, visit the Boston Irish Tourism Association's Web site, www.Irishmassachusetts.com.

In addition to culinary events, the site features a variety of Irish and Celtic concerts, dance performances, theater, literary readings, parades and cultural gatherings taking place throughout Massachusetts. According to the US Census, Massachusetts is the most Irish state in the USA, with 24% of all residents claiming Irish ancestry.

Enjoy!

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