In what may be the first program of its kind, hundreds of people representing every facet of the region's real estate industry will join together on September 11 to show support and gratitude to the first responders for the work they did following the Boston Marathon bombing, and for the role they play in keeping all citizens and their property safe every day.
The gala "Evening of Laughter" will feature three local comedians and will run from 4 - 8 p.m. at Jillian's, 145 Ipswich St., opposite Fenway Park. 100% of the proceeds from sponsorships, raffles and ticket sales will go to the Boston Police Foundation which supports programs, equipment and latest technologies for officers.
Featured speaker will be Roseann Sdoia, marathon bombing survivor and vice president, property management at National Development. Sdoia was cheering a friend running the marathon when she was severely injured by the explosion. She has been undergoing rehab following a leg amputation.
The keynote speaker, accepting an award on behalf of all first responders will be police commissioner Ed Davis and representatives of several other departments and agencies. Also speaking will be Cambridge businessman and real estate investor, 96 year-old Carl Barron, a staunch lifelong supporter of first responders.
A highlight of the evening will be routines by comedians Lamont Price, David McDonough and Tony V.
Planning committee member Nancy Reno, vice president, marketing and training for Housing Management Resources, Inc., of Quincy, event MC, said, "The event will spotlight 'real life heroes' while raising funds for the Boston Police Foundation. We want to give back so we're coming together to honor police, fire and other first responders from Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Belmont and other communities who joined forces to capture the bombers - and who are always there for us."
"Our Planning Committee was impressed with the speed with which the real estate community responded when we announced the event," said Julie Kelliher, executive director of the N. E. Affordable Housing Management Association (NEAHMA). The level of collaboration and support has been incredible at all levels, all sizes and types of companies and organizations.
Kelliher said, "Following the bombings, the resiliency, dedication and quiet heroism of our first responders has continued to shine. These men and women put themselves in harm's way so our collective community can be safer. On September 11, we invite everyone in real estate-related businesses to come together as one - in a serious and fun venue - to tell these real life heroes Thank You."
Kelliher notes there are several ways to contribute and/or participate. Besides buying tickets, sponsorships range from $100 to $2,500. People can attend, bring friends and colleagues, and/or donate directly to the Boston Police Foundation.
Those interested can join the Red Cross blood drive at Fenway Park on September 11 from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event organizers/sponsors include NEAHMA; the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston; IREM Boston Chapter; IFMA Boston Chapter; Citizens' Housing And Planning Assoc.; Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston; USGBC/MA; and the New England Real Estate Journal. Cambridge Savings Bank is a major event sponsor and is collecting donations and ticket proceeds.
To purchase tickets, make donations and for more info, go to http://honoringourheroes.eventbrite.com/.
Donations can be mailed or dropped off at Cambridge Savings' Central Square Cambridge office, 630 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139 - Attn: Elaina Romano
For Sponsorships, contact Nancy Reno:[email protected]. For other details, contact Julie Kelliher: [email protected].