The first “Casino Night Fundraiser” brought out hundreds of supporters from the community to the Marriott Long Wharf Harbor View Ballroom to benefit the all-volunteer Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP).
It was a night of chance for a good cause with charity roulette, blackjack and craps along with a silent auction, DJ and photo booth. Event Chair Kim Caverly said before the event, “It’s an evening of fun, laughter, great food and an odds-on favorite to be the social event of the year in the North End and Waterfront.”
Highlighting the event was Boston Parks Commissioner Toni Pollak and FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines presenting member Joan Murphy with a special award and winter jacket for her dedicated and near daily cleanup efforts in the park.
This is the major annual event that funds FOCCP efforts including the iconic blue trellis lights, horticulture work on the Rose F. Kennedy Rose Garden, new trees and several special events throughout the year, including the July 4th and Columbus Day holidays. Major sponsors of the event include the Boston Marriott Long Wharf, Boston PushCart, CL Waterfront Properties LLC and Tia’s Restaurant. North End resident and magician, Michael Feldman, donated his talent and had everyone dazzled through the night.
Photos by Matt Conti. Gallery and prints here.
The FOCCP Board of Directors. From the left, Horticulture co-chairs Robyn Reed and Mary Ann Esparo, Website & Internet Communications chair Christina Sperry, Fundraising chair Sandra Harcourt, Membership chair Beverly Knight, President Joanne Hayes-Rines, Honoree Joan Murphy, Vice-President Trish Baumer, Director at Large Meghan Denenberg, Treasurer Virginia Kimball and Clerk Audrey Tortolani.
An excited crowd at the blackjack tables
From the left, Diane, Donna, Barbara, Mary, Rosanne and Nicki
From the left, Joan, Phyllis, Mimi and Blanca
Patricia Thiboutot with Len and Selma Rutenberg at the Blackjack table.
Winning!
CL Waterfront Properties Team at FOCCP Charity Casino Night
From the FOCCP Board (left to right), Joanne, Beverly, Christina and Audrey
The casino cashiers
From the left, Ford, Robin and Lou
I wonder if Greg has told Mary yet about Ann.
From the left, Joan, Phyllis, Mimi and Blanca
From the left, Michele Brogan, Event Chair Kim Caverly and Pam
NEWRA President Jim Salini and Pat Magner at the tables.
Beverly, Mardi, Peter and Liz
They must be winning
Meredith, Neal and Meghan
From Caffe Paradiso, Rita and Adriana DeStefano
Mary Merenghi and Kathy Ray
Erica and Steve
Holly and Dan Nuzzo
From the left, Sarah, Alex, Travis and Kheli
Craps anyone?
Pam wonders how Mike the Magician did that?
Terry and Joanne
The silent auction is a big hit!
Francine and Jim Gannon
Terry and Ann!
Steve and Vito look like they are winning!
Dorothy and Andrea at the FOCCP Casino Night
Beverly and Audrey share a laugh at the tables.
FOCCP President, Joanne Hayes-Rines
Jay, Sandra, Virginia and Audrey
From the left, Margaret, Ann and Bud … playing their luck at the tables.
The prizes!
Neal and Meghan
Anne Devlin Tagliaferro, greeting guest
From the left, Jamie, Mary, Mary and Greg
Carmela and Vito
FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines with service award honoree, Joan Murphy (in her gifted winter jacket)
Toni Pollak, Boston Parks Commissioner thanks Joan Murphy for her volunteer work in cleaning up the park.
Kay Ray and Don Chiofaro
Francine Gannon and Anne Devlin Tagliaferro
Donna Freni and Suzanne Lavoie
Paul, Karen and Paul
Anna and Jean
Cheryl, Trish and Lucy
Christina and Patrica with the funny money.
The next big project for FOCCP
Photos by Matt Conti. Gallery and prints here.
Oh my, Matt … your coverage and pics of the FOCCP Casino Night are fabulous! Thank you so very much for being such a great fan, member and contributor. YOU ROCK !!
Ah, Matt, you make the party live on. Thanks so much for the effort you give on this neighborhood’s behalf. Great job.