EVENT REPORT 02.22.10 2:44 PM Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit Reunites J. Geils Band
For its annual—and largest—fund-raiser of the year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay reeled in legendary ’80s group the J. Geils Band, who reunited for a rare performance.
Held on January 23 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the event, dubbed Big Night 11, garnered 1,100 guests, an increase from previous years, and raised $2.3 million, just shy of its highest-ever gross of $2.6 million in 2007.
Beth Mac Neill, vice president for development for the nonprofit, produced the event, which raises a significant portion of the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual budget. “It’s over the top in a positive way,” she said. “This year, however, we needed to figure out a way to have everything, yet cut costs. The challenge was how to make a big splash in a way that donors still feel comfortable giving to you.”
Mac Neill and her team began planning earlier than in the past. “We had deeper conversations with people who have been making tough decisions about how many events they can attend in a year. We stress that Big Night is fun, yet serves a population who needs us even more in these challenging times,” she said.
For the decor, Corinthian Events partner Mary Coch said, “We wanted to evoke the grungy rock vibe of the '80s.” In a nod to dive bars of the '80s (where the J. Geils Band often played), tables were decorated with elements of dartboards, Ping-Pong tables, and graffiti.
Other entertainment included billiards, Guitar Hero in the foyer, and photo ops on the “Celebrity Walk of Fame” step-and-repeat red-carpet setup. Following the J. Geils Band, local band French Lick finished off the night.
33 Restaurant & Lounge
Having planned more than 300 events a year for the last eight years, 33 can execute any and every special occasion imaginable. From cocktail parties to corporate meetings, wedding receptions to pharmaceutical dinners, 33 offers full-service event planning and can accommodate private and semiprivate groups of five to 500. More >>
VDA Productions
VDA Productions is Boston's premier event design, project management, production, and fabrication firm. Their complete in-house production services team specializes in custom and stock meeting sets, unique themed event decor, theme trade show booths, audio and lighting support, and themed permanent installations for retail, museum, and high-end private-residence environments. More >>
CORT Event Furnishings
Over the past four decades, CORT has led the meetings and events industry by providing specialty furnishings and lighting for meetings and events nationwide. Through their 12 distribution centers and team of dedicated event professionals, CORT provides the rental furnishings that help make meetings and events successful. More >>
