Making a moonlit riverbank even more beautiful — if that were possible — was the goal as well-heeled Bostonians pulled out their tuxes and gorgeous gowns to raise money for the Esplanade Association at Saturday evening’s Moondance Gala on the Charles River.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Jeff McCormick, Boston banker Ashley Marlenga, real estate gurus Ken Tutunjian and Regina Winslow were among the guests that raised $900,000 for improvements to the Esplanade. Audrey and Jim Foster, of Charles River Laboratories Inc., chaired the gala. The money will help fund the Hatch Shell restoration project and the installation of several new gardens, including 700 daffodils.
More than 500 people partied until midnight under a tent decorated by Rafanelli Events. Winston Flowers and Vizcaya Flowers both had breathtaking bouquets.
In the middle of the tent stood a Giving Tree where guests could try their luck pulling prize envelopes, and 25 people were lucky enough to win prizes that ranged from a trip to California to Celtics tickets.
The Esplanade Association works with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to help beautify the river as well as provide a variety of free programs for underserved children. It is a nonprofit group that relies on generous friends of the park to restore and enhance the esplanade. Tani Marinovich, interim executive director of the Esplanade Association, noted, “As Van Morrison would say, ‘What a marvelous night for a moondance.’ ”
So who goes to this soiree? Marinovich said it best when she told one volunteer, “Your neighbor down the hall will be there and your boss’s boss. It is really a multi-generational event. So many people love the river and care about supporting the park.”
I co-chaired the Moondance After Dark party, and Boston Herald Radio news team Tyler Sullivan, Christian Burgoyne and Matt Fitzgerald helped make it happen, manning the check-in. It was part of Herald Radio’s effort to engage with the community.
“We lend a hand to worthy causes whenever possible,” BHR executive producer Tom Shattuck said. “Whether it is the beautification of the Esplanade or honoring a hero by promoting the Glen Doherty charity run this coming Sunday.”
For more information on the Esplanade and how you can help, go to esplanadeassociation.org.
Copyright © 2024 Jaclyn Cashman.
