On December 1st, 2012 The ALLY Foundation held “A GRAND Gala” at The Boston Harbor Hotel Wharf Room located on scenic Rowes Wharf in Boston. From 7pm - 11pm revelers celebrated and helped raise funds for the innovative ALLY Institute at RAND, set to launch in October 2013.
The ALLY Institute at RAND will be a critical advancement in the field of public health and human safety and the prevention of sexual violence.
The evening dazzled the over 200 attendees with sparkle, elegance and intrigue. From outside the majestic Wharf room projections of light with the ALLY logo announced the fete in GRAND style. Guests were wowed by a warm room filled with purple hues of lighting, linens and flowers, in honor of RAND colors and the ensuing partnership.
Some of the evening's highlights included innovative signature cocktails provided by Double Cross Vodka and Privateer Rum, two of the bar sponsors. A "Step and Repeat" red carpet experience provided picture making fun and three areas of themed 'silent auction' groups that guests could bid on from their Smart Phones kept the evening buzzing. A surprising and interactive "Spirit Wall" provided much entertainment, but the real event hit was the Berkeley School of Music inspired band "Good Will and Them Apples" who filled the room with energy and fun.
Award winning Chef Daniel Bruce provided sumptuous gourmet hors d'oeuvres and stations, and America's "Master Chef" finalists AJ and Anna Rossi demonstrated their own 'amuse bouche" and were also auctioned off for an in-house dinner party at a lucky patrons home.
The event featured an educational and comprehensive new video made specifically for the occasion and a speaking program which included "Special Guests" Janet Wu, Jim Braude, Tom Kershaw and Brian Jackson from RAND, who touched on the Institute endeavor and an enlightening compendium of RAND Corporation.
Jim Braude emceed the exciting LIVE auction which took an interesting "Academy Awards" style format and featured 'guest auctioneers' each auctioning off a package they helped build and donate. Packages included rare champagne, exotic getaways and private jet travel.
The Hosts for this inspirational evening were Andrea Casanova and Steve Stiles along with Co-Chairs Alec Stern and Grayson Moore and Jon and Seanna Crellin. An “Ambassador Committee” of professionals from the greater Boston area added to the diversity of the guest list.
The Gala was the first of many boutique fundraisers for the ALLY Institute at RAND initiative and raised close to $80,000 with an extensive list of Sponsors and In-Kind donors from the community. The ALLY Foundation was thrilled to celebrate this pivotal point in our development and raise critical capital for the much anticipated ALLY Institute at RAND.
