The Boston Red Sox loaned their two World Series trophies to the YMCA of Greater Boston on Wednesday night. With the theme "Everyday MVPs," the 200-guest event honored local youth who make commitments to leading healthier lives. The organization presented the ambitious kids with star-shaped trophies that were showcased on cocktail tables. This year, the event took place at the Oak Square YMCA in Brighton.
“We are holding the event at the YMCA in Oak Square, which isn't a natural space for a high-end fundraiser,” said Amy Kimball, owner of Amy Kimball Events. “So, we have worked hard with the folks at the Y and great vendors to fully transform the first floor of the building without trying to cover up the fact that [it's still] a YMCA.”
Kimball achieved this balance by integrating the distinguishing features of a community YMCA—a pool and basketball court—into the evening’s entertainment. During cocktail hour, the pool area was transformed to channel an upscale nightclub—equipped with highboy tables draped in Peterson Party Center’s teal linens and a sound system for hip-hop tunes from a Groove Entertainment DJ—all to highlight a performance by Wheaton College’s synchronized swim team.
At an in-the-round staging area that utilized the raw space of the basketball court, guests watched performances from the Gung-Ho Club's lion dancers, African tribal dancers OrigiNation Inc., and zumba dancers from the Charles River YMCA. To highlight the performers, the buffet-style dinner prepared by the Catered Affair—which included wild mushroom risotto, butternut squash ravioli in sage butter, and a mobile doughnut sundae cart—was served on the sidelines.
Guests heard from the Everyday MVP Youth Honorees during dinner, and then they ended the evening by competing with each other in a variety of games, including quarterback toss, air hockey, and basketball free-throw toss. For guests who felt more comfortable competing in a virtual environment, two large TVs programmed with the Wii Sports package allowed players to go remote-to-remote in boxing, baseball, bowling, and golf.
