The Scene In and Around Boston . . . Congratulations are in order! The recent "Dress for Success" luncheon at The Fairmont Copley Plaza raised more than $268,000, not including the proceeds from an online auction. The event marked the fourth year that a group of Boston's leaders came together to celebrate and support the work done by Dress for Success, whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools they need to thrive in work and in life. The large committee included Jacqui and Wayne Budd, Sara Campbell, Kristen Daly, Peggy Dray, Boston City Councilor Maureen Feeney, Carol and Bernie Fulp, Karen Marinella Hall, Denise Hajjar, Joanne Jaxtimer, Julie Kahn, Mary J. Kakas, Karen Kaplan, Pat Kreger, Mimi La Camera, Irma Fisher Mann, Doctor Mallika Marshall, Margaret McKenna, Thomas F. Reilly, Dusty S. Rhodes, Emmy Whitney and Bennie and Flash Wiley, just to name a very few. As always, The Fairmont Copley Plaza ballroom looked festive and beautiful with floral table centerpieces by Wendy Teplow of Izabelle's Design. Each vase was cleverly wrapped in a pink leather belt, emphasizing the clothing/dressing theme. Dr. Mallika Marshall, HealthWatch Reporter for WBZ-TV Boston, welcomed everyone and introduced the event co-chairs Laura and Dave Lamere of Weston, as well as Mrs. Angela Menino, an honorary co-chair and a member of the board of directors. A live auction by auctioneer Paul Zekos and Shayna Seymour of WCVB-TV's "Chronicle" added to the fun, as well as to the monies raised. Kim Todd, the Executive Director of Dress for Success Boston, gave a heartwarming welcome and thanks to everyone before introducing a video presentation detailing the work of the non-profit and highlighting some of its clients. Among the fun comments overheard: "Because of Peggy [Dray], the Copley Plaza has become the organization's home away from home." "You can tell that Dusty [Rhodes] and Conventures ran the event. Everything happened exactly as scheduled." For more information about Dress for Success Boston, call 617-779-2177 or visit www.dressforsuccess.org.
"Eleanor's Affair" Will Benefit ALS Association On Thursday, February 25 we are invited to "Eleanor's Affair" at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. The event will feature a Denise Hajjar fashion show featuring the designer's 2010 Spring/Summer Collection. The fun takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will benefit the ALS Association of Massachusetts The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter is committed to fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on all fronts. The organization offers more than a dozen free programs and services to persons living with ALS and their families, supports worldwide research efforts, and advocates for the entire ALS community on both a state and federal level. To learn more, visit www.als-ma.org, or call 888-CURE-ALS.
"TomorrowNite Gala" at Mandarin Oriental on March 6 The "19th Annual TomorrowNite Gala" takes place on Saturday, March 6, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Boston from 6 to 11 p.m. to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. WHDH-TV news anchor Frances Rivera will emcee the Gala, which is chaired by Milton resident, Anne Tamer Hajjar. The Boston-based TomorrowNite 2010 will embrace Hospital founder Danny Thomas' Lebanese roots with a "Haflee theme." Guests will enjoy traditional Lebanese appetizers and music by Mitchell Kaltsunas and Ensemble, followed by dinner, dancing and cocktails. A silent auction will include luxury shopping, sports memorabilia and one-of-a-kind items. Early event sponsors include Anne and Chuck Hajjar, Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Camer, Eastern Bank, KHJ Integrated Marketing, and Ligris & Associates. Recognized as the Hospital's premier fundraiser for this region, the Boston-based event has raised nearly $4.8-million for the hospital over the past 18 years. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. To purchase tickets or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities visit www.stjude.org/tomorrownite or call 617-965-5262. Enjoy! |
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In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
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Enjoying the "Dress for Success" luncheon are, left to right, WCVB/TV Channel 5 anchor Bianca de la Garza, Host Committee Member Kristen Daly, and realtor Kathy Huntington. (Photo (c) Hilda M. Morrill)