On Saturday, Sept. 24, the Esplanade Association will celebrate 15 years of Making Life Better in the Park at their annual “Moondance Gala” to be held along the banks of the Charles River in Boston.
As one of the most beautiful evenings of the fall social season, this year’s “Moondance Gala” is expected to bring together close to 400 friends, supporters, business and civic leaders from throughout the city to celebrate Esplanade Association’s milestone anniversary and its commitment to the preservation and beautification of the Charles River Esplanade.
The Esplanade Association was founded in 2001 as a non-profit friends group committed to the restoration, management and beautification of the Charles River Esplanade. Since that time, in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and through the dedication of countless supporters, volunteers, and advocates, it has been the catalyst for over $28 million in park improvements. These improvements have helped to transform the once declining Esplanade into the vibrant and healthy park that it is today.
The “Moondance Gala” is the biggest fundraiser for the Esplanade Association, with all proceeds directly benefiting the organization’s work to maintain and improve the park. Co-chaired by Lori and Matthew Sidman, this year’s “Moondance Gala “committee is a dynamic group of Bostonians who care deeply about the Esplanade and want to ensure that this treasured green space continues to flourish and grow.”
“We are honored to be co-chairing this year’s ‘Moondance Gala’ and celebrating the Esplanade Association’s 15th anniversary,” said Gala Co-chair Lori Sidman. “Matthew and I are committed to working with our dedicated Boston community to raise the vital funds the organization needs to continue their important work of making life better in the park for all the families, community members, and visitors who use this beautiful urban oasis.”
With the theme Back to our Roots, the natural beauty of the park will be incorporated into all aspects of this year’s “Moondance Gala.” Catered by Max Ultimate Food, guests will sip on signature cocktails as the sun is setting over the Charles River, dine on an elegant seasonal dinner within a canopy of majestic trees, and finish the evening with dancing under the night stars. The evening will also feature a one-of-a-kind “giving garden” where guests have the chance to win beautiful prizes and experiences, all while supporting the park. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on the ultimate exclusive dining experience in Boston, an evening of cocktails, dinner, and music for twenty guests on the historic Hatch Shell stage.
“The gala is not only a celebration of the Esplanade Association’s 15th anniversary but also of our 15 years of partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation,” said Tani Marinovich, Esplanade Association’s executive director. “The ‘Moondance Gala’ will truly be a spectacular celebration of all our accomplishments in the park as well as an ode to our many incredible supporters with whom we share a vision and responsibility to protect and care for the Esplanade.”
Last year, the “Moondance Gala” raised over $800,000 for restoration, management, and beautification of the park.
For event details, tickets and sponsorship information, contact 617-227-0365, ext. 402 or visit www.esplanadeassociation.org.