We are extremely excited to report that Big Night 11 raised $2.3 million to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay’s one-to-one adult child mentoring friendships. Special thanks to Big Night founder and visionary Jim Pallotta for creating this one-of-a-kind event that has stood the test of time and varying economic climates and is critical to our ability to serve children.
Our sincere thanks also go to event chair Joe Ayoubfor his tireless efforts and to Big Night Committee members Steve Demirjian, Paul Deninger, Tim Dibble, Rick Grinnell, Phill Gross, Jeff Leerink, Marty Mannion, Paul Margolis, Peter Monaco, Frank Petz, Michael Stansky and Kristin Teehan. Their countless hours of hard work ensured an amazing event in what remains a challenging economy.
We are incredibly appreciative of the generosity of all of our sponsors. This year we welcomed fifty new sponsors and benefited from upgrades in support from eleven others.
In addition to sponsorships, table and ticket sales, we benefited from donor generosity on-site in several other areas including:
- A direct appeal to “Support a Match” following a heartwarming presentation of the match between Big Brother Jon Sproul and Little Brother Bryant Simpson.
- Special fundraising challenge led by Robert “Tish” Tishman and his friends.
- Sales of t-shirts celebrating the rare performance of the J. Geils Band
Big Night 11 featured the J. Geils Band, reuniting for perhaps the last time. With the guestst invited to “Party like a Rock Star”, it was only fitting that a real-live rock star, Aerosmith’s drummer Joey Kramer, served as our emcee and welcomed them in their rock-star costumes.
Known for its amazing cuisine, this year's Big Night was no exception. Seth & Angela Raynor – The Pearl, Boarding House, Corazon del Mar - presented a spectacular first course of Nantucket “Night Time” bay scallop ceviche with “Whammer Jammer” spiced popcorn. Ming Tsai – Blue Ginger - amazed us with “Wooba Gooba” Ma Po Tofu (panko crusted tofu with a black bean pork sauce and Thai basil puree). Michael Schlow – Alta Strada, Radius, Via Matta – serve up a spectacular “(Ain’t Nothing But a)” tender Tuscan pot roast with mushrooms, tomato and rosemary. And Joanne Chang – Flour Bakery, Myers + Chang – took us to new heights with “My Angel is a…..” jelly roll of angel food cake roulade with raspberry jam and lemon cream.
In the speaking program BBBSMB President and CEO, Wendy Foster thanked supporters and committee members, updated the crowd on where the agency stands today and introduced Big Brother Jonathan Sproul and Little Brother Bryant Simpson who told their match story in video..
Chair Joe Ayoub presented the inaugural James J. Pallotta Award to Phill Gross for his dedication to supporting children’s charities. Named in honor of Jim for his tireless efforts, enormous creativity and determination dedicated to helping children reach their full potential, this new annual Award will recognize an individual or individuals who have engaged the community in supporting children in need and whose efforts have had a significant impact on children’s lives.
At the end of the formal program the J. Geils Band took the stage for an unforgettable rocking evening. Celebrated for their legendary live shows, they played many of their hits including Looking for a Love, Whammer Jammer, Give it to Me, Ain’t Nothing But a House Party, Must of Got Lost, Love Stinks, Freeze Frame, and of course, Centerfold. Around midnight, French Lick took over, performing their classic rock covers to keep the Boston Rock Party rockin’ into the wee hours.