A “spectacular” evening was had by all on Sunday evening, April 24, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel at this year’s Spotlight Spectacular! fundraiser.
“The look this year is fun and happy,” said event producer Bryan Rafanelli, who served as Spectacular! Event Co-Chair with Carol Deane. In keeping with that theme, the Sheraton’s Grand Ballroom was bright and festive, with potted orange begonias and trays of green wheatgrass serving as centerpieces for the tables. Many guests left with begonias, but a few creative souls were also seen departing with the grass. We didn’t ask.
At this year's event, The Wimberly Award, the Huntington's highest honor, was presented to recent Tony Award nominee Kenny Leon, who completed his seventh production for the Huntington with the hugely popular and acclaimed Stick Fly. Also honored was Bank of America, the Huntington's Education and Access Partner, which has been a dedicated, long-time supporter of the Huntington and has recently deepened its commitment to our Education and Access programs.
Once again, the Huntington offered a wide array of exciting items and packages for its Live and Silent Auctions, including a party for 30 guests on the set of the PBS hit America's Test Kitchen, specially-created paintings from area artists, and a walk-on role in the upcoming 20th Century Fox comedy What’s Your Number? As in years past, our “Auctioneer Extraordinaire” was Board President Bill “the Velvet Hammer” McQuillan, who strode majestically into the ballroom dressed like a sheik as the theme from “Lawrence of Arabia” boomed overhead. Now we must figure out next year’s getup. Hee-hee!
Supporters and friends enjoyed performances by renowned stage, film and television performer Jasmine Guy (who was beautifully accompanied by members of the Boston Pops Gospel Choir), and heard a recitation from “Poetry Out Loud” finalist Amose Pierre, a student at Dorchester’s Codman Academy (the Huntington, as you may know, has had a longstanding partnership with this charter school.). New this year was the addition of a live band, Eye2Eye, who played throughout the evening. Guests, honorees and staff ended the night with a raucous impromptu dance party (Event Co-Chair Carol Deane even took the stage with the band to sing along on Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” I was not the only one who was wicked impressed!). Many other Trustees, Overseers and guests were out there getting jiggy with it. Personally, I thought this was a great way to end the night. It’s not often that the whole “family” – staff, Board and supporters – can get together, celebrate our accomplishments, and just have fun.
[Did you miss gettin' your groove on? Enjoy this video medley from EYE2EYE]
The proceeds from this annual benefit help to sustain the programs of the Huntington, including its award-winning Youth, Education, and Community initiatives. And hey -- it’s not too late to help support these vital programs! To make a contribution, please click to visit us here! Pretty please?
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