The annual fundraiser for Friends of Christopher Columbus Park is always a huge success and this year was no exception with a sold-out Monte Carlo night at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel.
A highlight of the event was recognizing Antonia Pollak, Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation. “Our partnership with the City had made Christopher Columbus Park a special place for neighbors and visitors. We have Mayor Menino and Toni Pollak to thank for always helping to guide us as we improve the park,” said Joanne Hayes-Rines, FOCCP President.
Looking to its next big project, the Urban Oasis, FOCCP announced that CL Waterfront Properties has made the first major pledge of $25,000. Owner Carmela Laurella was on hand with her husband Vito Ascolillo and many members of their team. FOCCP has worked with the City of Boston Parks Department since 2012 on the Urban Oasis project that will redesign, expand and irrigate an arid circle in the park that lies on the heavily trafficked pedestrian crossroads from the Greenway to the Harbor and from the Marriott to the North End.
“We are so very thankful to Carmela and CL Waterfront Properties for stepping forward with this leadership gift,” said Joanne Hayes-Rines. “We plan on getting more of the business community involved in the Urban Oasis. Through this quarter million dollar project, FOCCP will create a space that invites people to pause and sit for a while on welcoming benches in a lush, shaded area among native plantings and trees.”
FOCCP’s Monte Carlo evening featured dining, dancing and games of chance including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Complimentary Patron Signature Cocktails has become a tradition at the event, thanks to the support of Patron Spirits and North Ender COO John O’Donnell. The Luke Marzantz Quintet hit just the right beat for dancing and gaming while many participated in a silent auction. Cuisine at the Fairmont was by Chef Arwi. Major sponsors for the event include Al Dente Restaurant, Boston PushCart, The Chiofaro Company, CL Waterfront Properties, Marriott Long Wharf, NorthEndBoston.com, Patron Spirits, Sunstone Hotel Investors and Tia’s Restaurant.
“This is an exciting time for the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park,” said President Joanne Hayes-Rines. “We hope to see everyone at the free Trellis Lighting event, 5:30 pm on Monday, November 25th. Mayor Menino will throw the switch to transform the park into a magical wonderland, which only happens because of FOCCP!”
See FOCCP.org for more about the group and enjoy these photos from the event on Saturday, November 16, 2013.
Photos by Matt Conti (with some guest help!). Click on any image to start a full screen slideshow.
This was the first time I had attended this event and I have to say what a thrill. In the hustle of life, we don’t see our neighbors enough and the park is a great place to do that. Thank you for all your work!
Fabulous photos and everyone looks like they are having a great time! So sorry I had to miss this amazing event,