Diana Krall Performs at Camp Harbor View Beach Ball
Over $3 million raised for summer camp at third annual gala
Boston, MA – On Saturday evening, June 12th, Camp Harbor View hosted 430 guests at the 3rd Annual Beach Ball gala. Soggy weather did not dampen the experience at Camp Harbor View on Long Island in the Boston Harbor as guests wined, dined and were entertained by Grammy award-winning and Platinum selling artist, Diana Krall.
A power-packed Beach Ball crowd, including City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Massachusetts Congressman William Delahunt, New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Massachusetts Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, State Street Corporation’s Board Chair and former CEO Ronald Logue, Bank of America’s Northeast President Anne Finucane, Frank Kataluk, President and CEO of Distrigas, Boys &Girls Clubs of Boston President Josh Kraft, Partners HealthCare COO Thomas Glynn, and Bryan Rafanelli gathered in support and celebration of Camp Harbor View’s mission to positively impact the lives of over 900 at-risk youths from Boston’s inner-city neighborhoods. Funds raised through event sponsorships and a special appeal delivered by event co-chairs Jack Connors, Jr. and Dick Connolly totaled over $3,000,000, 80% of which goes directly to Camp Harbor View to fund capital improvements and repairs, summer and year-round programming, meals and apparel for the campers.
“It’s important that our donors get to experience Camp Harbor View in person. It’s a very special place, magic happens here. That’s what tonight is all about,” said Camp Harbor View President, Jack Connors.
After a delightful social hour of cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres in Camp Harbor View’s Great Hall, guests settled in for dinner and the evening program in a glowing dinner tent draped with white linens and a dropped ceiling featuring kaleidoscope effects of images such as joyful Camp Harbor View campers and the glowing Boston city skyline – a radiant oasis on a rainy Boston evening, created by Bryan Rafanelli and the Rafanelli Events team.
Guests enjoyed an elegant, summer picnic inspired dinner menu created by award-winning chef, Jody Adams. Afterwards, Diana Krall captivated and seduced guests with a sultry 30 minute set of classic jazz tunes including “Fly Me to the Moon” and Nat King Cole favorite “Frim Fram Sauce.” In addition to the music, Krall entertained guests by fondly describing her three and a half year twins and her hometown of Vancouver. “I don’t mind the rain at all,” Krall said, “it reminds me of home.”
The evening tapered to end with delectable bite-sized desserts, music and dancing.
Camp Harbor View is incredibly grateful to the donors and sponsors that made the night a shining success and is looking forward its fourth summer camp season beginning on Wednesday, June 29th, 2010.
Camp Harbor View opened in 2007 as a result of Mayor Menino’s concern for the welfare of Boston’s inner-city children. Mayor Menino reached out to Boston businessman and civic leader Jack Connors, Jr. and together they had the idea to create a camp for at-risk Boston children that would expose them to experiences and activities beyond their day- to-day lives. With the help of John Fish and a powerful Suffolk Construction team, the Camp was built in 109 days. Today, Camp Harbor View is operated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and in 2010 will provide over 900 of Boston’s inner-city youth with four weeks of summer day camp for just $5. Each camper experiences a wide variety of activities designed to build confidence, encourage creativity, and help develop the leadership skills they need during school and beyond.
