Thanks to everyone who joined us for "Bright Night's Breakfast and a Movie" where we highlighted some of the videographers who captured Bright Nights during its 20th season, the Park Department crew and five outstanding supporters. These are just some of the people that the Spirit of Springfield counts on to make us "dazzle."

Judy Matt
President

Bright Nights' Breakfast and a Movie

The lights went down and the stars came out for "Bright Nights' Breakfast and a Movie" at the Sheraton Springfield. Four videographers received the Bright Nights' Dazzle Award. These included Springfield Police Officer Sean Sullivan for his dash-cam video, Pat Brough from Easthampton who brought his drone to Forest Park, Charlie Breguet, Senior Videographer/Editor for Baystate Health who has been producing the Bright Nights advertisements with Patricia Gagnon for years, and Chris Thibault of Chris Teebo Films who produced one of the 2014 videos and is already preparing for 2015.

The stars of the breakfast were the five-members of the Springfield Park Division crew that install, remove and maintain the magnificent lighting displays. They are David Cuoco, Joe Tobin, "Wild" Bill Vezina, Darryl Rogers, and Idris Abdul. Additional support is provided by Peter Krupczak, John Bilodeau, Tom Dougal, Early Crenshaw, Alina Lupa.

Spirit of Springfield Jackets Presented

At the Bright Nights event, the Spirit of Springfield took the time to present the signature Spirit of Springfield jackets to six of the organization's greatest supporters.

They were (left to right) Cindy Adams, Community Responsibility Consultant at MassMutual, Susan Wilson, Vice President of Marketing for PeoplesBank, Leslie Bercume who designed many City of Bright Nights Ball invitations with the support of Health New England, Keith O'Connor, Media Relations Manager for Baystate Health and writer of the Spirit of Springfield's 25th anniversary book, Suzanne Hendery, Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs at Baystate Health, and Michael Linton, Michael's Party Rentals owner (not shown).

For years, they have worked behind the scenes, respond at a moments notice and help the organization produce great results.

City of Bright Nights Ball Planning Begins

Many members of the City of Bright Nights Ball Committee met to discuss the highlights of the 2014 gala and begin the planning process for this year's ball that marks the event's 20th anniversary.

The City of Bright Nights Ball was Peter Picknelly, Sr.'s idea. He thought it would be a great fundraiser much like one that was held in Hartford. It was to capitalize on the success of the first season of Bright Nights at Forest Park.

The ball has become the Spirit of Springfield's largest fundraiser of the year supporting administrative costs associated with free, family-friendly events like the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield and the Tower Square Parade of the Big Balloons.

This year, the black-tie event will be held on Saturday, November 14 at the Sheraton Springfield.

Congratulations Judy Matt!

Business West has recognized Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt as a Difference Maker. As a member of the Class of 2015, she joins Katelynn's Ride, MassMutual, the new ownership team for the Student Prince and The Fort, and Valley Mentors.

"For more than three decades, Matt has been at the forefront of coordinating family-focused events for the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities. That list includes Fourth of July fireworks, the annual pancake breakfast (once touted as the world's largest), the Big Balloon Parade, and Bright Nights, the holiday lighting display that is on many national lists of must-see attractions," as noted in the publication.

To purchase tickets for the March 19 dinner at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, contact Business West at 413-786-8600 or marketing@businesswest.com. Tickets are $60 per person.

The Spirit of Springfield is a private, non-profit corporation

which produces high-quality,

large-scale events in the city of Springfield.

Our mission is to promote community events and
encourage civic pride.

Celebrating 25 Years of Springfield's
Biggest, Best and Brightest

In This Issue

Bright Nights' Breakfast and a Movie

Spirit of Springfield Jackets Presented

City of Bright Nights Ball Planning Begins

Congratulations Judy Matt!

Guest Corner

Suzanne B. Hendery

Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs

Baystate Health

When it comes to lifting our spirits, no one does it better than the Spirit of Springfield and its longtime chief of goodwill - Judy Matt. And, are we ever ready for some spirit raising after this long, hard winter.

While waiting for the Spirit of Springfield's first feel-good event of the year - the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast on May 16 - you can relive all of the SOS's past events in the new photo-filled coffee table book entitled "Spirit of Springfield." A true testament to all that SOS has accomplished in fostering civic pride, I am proud to say the book is authored by our own Keith O'Connor in Public Affairs, who donated his personal time to the project.

As a community-driven, not-for-profit organization, Baystate Health is proud to have served as a sponsor of the Spirit of Springfield over the past 25 years and shares in its mission of bringing the community together in celebration.

Here's to the next 25 years and beyond!