Misstropolis

Thursday, January 14, 2010

BostonGives Gives Big

by Megan Leavy and Josh Kennedy

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Giving can and should be fun. 

This was the idea discussed over breakfast between three members of the investment industry in Boston who were seeking a better way for their firms to give back to the community. They knew many people were suffering from charity fatigue: one rubber chicken dinner or long, impersonal speech too many. Advocates for worthy causes were not reaching willing donors because charity functions had become obligations. For these three innovative, proactive guys, giving had ceased to be fun and they wanted to do something about it. This idea was the genesis of BostonGives.

In 2007 BostonGives (BG) was established with the core support of the financial and investment community in Boston, with a goal of raising money and highlighting excellent and innovative charities while incurring virtually no expenses. Since its inception, BG has grown and evolved, benefiting from contributions by members of Boston’s sports, marketing and entertainment industries. BG is inclusive; it belongs to anyone and everyone who wants to get involved and facilitate our mission of striving to promote and support worthy charities in Boston. 

Each year, BostonGives raises money with its annual Big Give Event. In its third year, the BostonGives Big event seems to have hit its stride and has brought the charity’s mission statement to life by making giving fun, easy and most importantly enjoyable again.  This year’s event was held at the Boston Harbor hotel on Thursday, September 24th. The Wharf Room there was made to look like a Miami Beach style lounge. The room was decked out with white cabanas, metallic pools with floating candles, soft sky blue lighting, and equally stylish guests.  The party’s mood was fun and light. There were no auctions, long speeches, sit down dinners, or formal attire required. Instead, guests were able to indulge in mini burgers and mac & cheese, listen to old school Michael Jackson, mingle with a crowd that included hedge fund managers, Revolution soccer players, sports marketing CEOs, and most importantly, people who wanted to give and have fun while doing it.

And this crowd definitely gave! BostonGives raised over 200k to benefit the four Boston based charities that were being highlighted that evening: Match Charter Public High School, Nativity Preparatory School, Boys & Girls Club of Boston, and Roxbury Preparatory Charter School.

This year proved to be another successful evening and a testament to the fact that even in tough economic times, people can still have a good time and Give Big!

To learn more about Boston Gives, and to get involved visit http://www.bostongivesbig.org.