BACC Holds 5th Black Tie Gala Benefit
For images from the event: Deena Corany Photography, AFC Urgent Care Photo Booth
The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held their Black Tie Gala benefit, presented by The Herb Chambers Companies, on February 4th at the Boston Marriott Burlington. This annual fundraiser supports a sector of the BACC’s Charitable Foundation called the Charitable Partnership Program, which consists of eight local charitable organizations that serve the Burlington Area. Nicolas Gennetti, CEO of The Herb Chambers Companies, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the business community and these charities, stating, “We're extremely proud to be partnered with them, and partnered with the chamber, because it's such a good group, and such a great group of people to work with”.
To begin the evening, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour complete with hors d’oeuvres, photo opportunities, and signature cocktails, before BACC representatives and sponsors made remarks to those in attendance. Bob Buckley, Senior Partner at Riemer & Braunstein and Immediate Past Chair of the BACC Board of Directors, expressed to BCAT TV, “It's a way of bringing people together to raise money for designated charities, to bring the community together, and as you can see and hear, it's been a tremendous success.”
Saturday, February 4th marked the first time that the Black Tie Gala benefit was held following its hiatus since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As Buckley mentioned, it returned with great success, as over 300 people from the business community were in attendance. "It's great to have everybody back for a number of reasons." said Sonia Rollins, Realtor at Sonia Rollins & Associates and Immediate Past Chair of the BACC Board of Directors, "First of all, the Charitable Foundation has been so great in joining forces with the business community, the residential community, and raising money for very worthy causes. To see us back after a number of years being out because of Covid, you can hear the buzz in the room, not only are people happy to be raising money for charities, but they're happy to be back together collectively".
BACC President Rick Parker is extremely proud of the development of the BACC Charitable Foundation and the partnerships that have been built between the charities and the Burlington community. He stated, “This town, my town, our town is extremely fortunate to have a business community that not only sees Burlington as a mailing address, but they also have the people and the culture that are woven into the fabric of our community.”
The Skate for the 22 Foundation, one of the eight charities highlighted at the Black Tie Gala whose mission is to use hockey as a catalyst to fight against veterans suicide, also expressed their gratitude for the BACC as a business organization. President Jonathan Demers, who was unable to be in attendance, addressed the crowd with a statement read aloud by Rick Parker, saying, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for what the [BACC] has helped us accomplish over the years... From our humble beginnings of a single game with a roster of about 15 veterans, to amassing around 500 current members we couldn't be here today without the people like you who believed in our mission from the start”. Demers then ended his statement with a gesture that sent the entire grand ballroom at the Boston Marriott Burlington into cheers, as he generously vowed to direct their share of the proceeds raised from the Black Tie Gala to the other seven charitable partners in attendance.
As the speeches finished off on a good note, the night continued on with dinner and dancing in the beautiful grand ballroom. After a great night of eating, drinking, and dancing, it's safe to say that the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Black Tie Gala benefit was a success. How will they be able to top it next year?
The BACC would like to thank our generous sponsors and partners for their support of this event:
Charitable Partners:
Burlington Youth & Family Services, Burlington Womenade, HELPIS, Nashoba Learning Group, People Helping People, Skate for the 22 Foundation, The Mama Bear Effect, and Wee Care Burlington.
Sponsors:
The Herb Chambers Companies, Riemer & Braunstein, Boston Marriott Burlington, AFC Urgent Care Burlington, Azzur Group: Clean Rooms On Demand, The District Burlington, Oracle, Wegmans, Fitness Together Burlington, Burlington Mall, Cambridge Savings Bank 3rd Ave, Webster Bank, Sonia Rollins & Associates, Lamacchia Realty - Paul J. Cervone, The Gutierrez Company, Nordblom Company, RE/MAX Realty Experts, Salem Five Bank, V/O Med Spa, Webster Bank, DaMore Law, Office Evolution Burlington, Erland Construction, and Genesis HR Solutions.
