Affairs to Remember
Because sometimes, philanthropy isn’t just about doing good—it’s about showing everyone just how much good you do. Take a look inside three of Boston’s top fundraising galas.
— Party in the Park —
WHEN: May
BENEFITS: Emerald Necklace renewal efforts.
RAISED: More than $1 million in 2017.
KNOWN FOR: Ladies who lunch; elaborate hats—the bigger the better.
BOLDFACE ATTENDEES: Mayor Marty Walsh; former WHDH anchor Janet Wu.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: The most thrilling moment of this year’s event came at the unofficial after-party at the Bristol, where revelers happened upon Justin Bieber eating alone with his bodyguards.
— Hot Pink Party —
WHEN: May
BENEFITS: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
RAISED: $1.7 million in 2017.
KNOWN FOR: Fanciful after-dinner performances (this year’s included human disco balls); coveted swag bags; fashionably pink attire.
BOLDFACE ATTENDEES: Bill Belichick and Linda Holliday.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: “This event feels the most real,” says one prominent person on the gala scene. “There isn’t usually a dry eye in the entire house during the speeches.”
— MFA Summer Gala —
WHEN: June
BENEFITS: The museum’s exhibitions and programs.
RAISED: Undisclosed.
KNOWN FOR: Brahmins commingling with a new generation of art lovers.
BOLDFACE ATTENDEES: Artists Farzaneh and Bahareh Safarani. Don’t recognize their names now? You will.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: This is the party where even the stiffest patrons let loose, according to one attendee: “Maybe it’s because it feels like you’re doing something wrong, being in the museum after hours.”
