Yelp’s most dedicated Boston users filled the Harvard Museum of Natural History on August 18 for the red carpet treatment and some of the area's most highly rated food. Billed as its biggest Boston event yet, Yelp’s Red Carpet Gallery Gala drew more than 600 guests.
The event featured 35 sponsors, and securing them proved to be an easy task. Yelp Boston community manager Leighann Farrelly, who organized the event, said she ultimately had to turn down potential sponsors. “We want to use companies that see the value in our events and value promotional exposure,” said Farrely. “I think it says that businesses are starting to get really comfortable with new media and social ways of meeting possible consumers."
Inside the galleries, Yelp users reaped the benefit food sponsors from 12 of Boston’s top-rated restaurants, culled from among the positive reviews on the site. Gaslight served beef tartare, Bon Savor handed out paté on toast, and Sweet served a variety of cupcakes. Alcohol sponsors Svedka and Maker’s Mark provided cocktails.
In addition to bites and refreshments, local spas and salons like Mizu, Salon Capri, and Bodyscapes Fitness were on hand to offer complimentary manicures, hairstyling, and skin care sessions. A three-piece jazz band comprised of members of the Beantown Swing Orchestra provided background music.
Nonprofit Project Smile raised more than $3,600 in donations during the party and will use the funds to purchase toys, games, and stuffed animals for police and fire departments to distribute to children who have experienced traumatic events.
Guests received swag bags filled with gift cards to nearby businesses and companies the Web site deems in line with its culture of environmentally safe products and support of local commerce.
