The New England Center for Children announced today that its 2018 Children of Promise Gala broke records for fundraising. Held on Nov. 30 at Boston’s InterContinental Hotel, nearly 450 business leaders, philanthropists, and NECC supporters enjoyed an evening of music, awards, auctions, and stories of inspiration.
With the tremendous support of presenting sponsors, The Kim Family Foundation and Ed & Mimi Fiorentino, benefactor sponsors Christopher & Melissa Beck, Curtis & Diane Arledge, and Erland Construction, and the amazing generosity of many corporate donors, long-time supporters and friends, $775,000 was raised to support NECC’s comprehensive autism education and research services.
The evening’s program was hosted by KISS 108’s Billy Costa and featured live music from Backlight and Groove Authority. Among the guests were former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and his wife, Kitty; Health and Human Services Secretary, Marylou Sudders; comedian and actor Robert Smigel and screenwriter Michelle Saks Smigel; and Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka.
Allen & Major Associates, Inc., was honored with the 2018 Community Autism Champion Award for their 20-year commitment to fundraising for autism education and research. Awards were also presented to Regis College ABA Program Director Jacquelyn MacDonald, PhD, for Educator of the Year, and to William Green for Outstanding NECC Alumnus. Will is a former NECC student who now works full time at Whole Foods Market.
“We are delighted and humbled by the success of this year’s Children of Promise Gala,” said Elizabeth Wetherbee Klein, Gala Chair. “Through the generous support of families, friends and the community during this exciting and elegant event, The New England Center for Children has the needed resources to enhance their world-class education services for children with autism.”
“The Children of Promise Gala remains the most significant fundraising event for NECC,” said Jared Bouzan, NECC Chief Development Officer. “Proceeds from the event will directly benefit students with autism and continue to support our teachers to be the best educators in the field.”
