Dear members and friends:
We have certainly enjoyed a very busy first couple of months of 2016. We ended last month's newsletter highlighting the exciting GBCA 26th Anniversary Gala at the newest restaurant in the Seaport District, Ocean Prime. Thank you again to General Manager Nick Foley and his remarkable team for such a memorable event.
The following week, on January 28, 2016 concierges were treated to a reception and performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra lead by Musical Director, Andris Nelsons. The evening was astounding presenting the beautiful music from A Mid-Summer Night's Dream. A special thank you to our host Tammy Lynch and her team for making the night possible, one that we will all remember and share for many years to come.
On January 30, 2016, several of our concierge members were at Loretta's Last Call located at 1 Lansdowne St, Boston. Concierge members enjoyed Loretta's Famous Bluegrass Brunch complete with chicken & waffles, grits and more! There was toe-tapping music provided by the Blue Grass Band and plenty of mouthwatering teats. Members sipped on Bloody Mary cocktails from Loretta's well known "make your own Bloody Mary Bar." Thank you to Meghan Harrell for a great day. Note: Concierge members-- don't forget Concierge Line Dancing night at Loretta's on March 15, 2016. If you have not already signed up, be sure to RSVP and wear your western gear for an evening of boot kickin' fun!!
The month of February began when all GBCA members were invited to a performance of Love Letters, staring the talented Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neil. What a heart-felt show it was! It was especially nice to see these two actors together again - last time, for those who are old enough to remember, they were together in the filming of "Love Story". A great big thank you to Joe Donlavey and our friends at the Citi Performing Arts Center for their generous invite.
Ann Sheehan and the people at Broadway In Boston offered us the opportunity to enjoy the award-winning play Pippin at the Boston Opera House. What a spectacular theatrical performance it was with extraordinary scenery, magnificent acting and stunning costumes. What really amazed a packed house were the acrobatic highlights. This was a show that no one will ever forget! Thank you again Ann, for making the evening possible for all our GBCA members.
Even without our beloved New England Patriots, our concierge members still had a reason to celebrate the February 7, 2016 Super Bowl Sunday Game. The infamous Frank De Pasquale of De Pasquale Ventures, the man with the midis touch, hosted a star-studded Super Bowl Party for Boston's concierges at Bricco. Members were treated to mouth-watering food and beverages while watching the electrifying game on the big screen TVs Frank set-up just for the event. Always eager to do just about anything for the concierge community, Frank was honored and presented a plaque from Boston's concierge community in gratitude of appreciation for Frank's generous spirit and loyalty. Members shared heart-felt stories of some of the selfless contributions Frank has made to the hospitality community over the years. Events including exquisite dinners and receptions, anniversary galas and providing just the most welcoming service to our guests. It is no wonder Frank De Pasquale is known as one of Boston's Best Hosts! Thank you again Frank and your hard-working team for a wonderful Super Bowl 2016!
Thank you, Meg Blanchard of Feld Entertainment for inviting our concierge members to see Disney on Ice at the TD Garden on Friday, February 12, 2016. Members truly enjoyed the spectacular ice show with lots of fun, animation and vibrantly clad characters. It was great to experience the show first hand and then be able to share that experience with all of our visitors and guests.
The GBCA board of directors met for the first meeting of 2016 in the historical North End. The meeting took place on the bottom floor of the multi-level Benevento's Restaurant where our server Matt Cannata worked miracles, delivering incredible Italian cuisine while our officers worked diligently through the meeting agenda. After dinner, owner Joe Bono escorted our board to his sister restaurant, El Dante for delicious desserts. Benevento's bottom floor is spacious and can accommodate large groups for meeting and events. The food at both restaurants was delicious and staff members were friendly and attentive. Thank you to Ann Heimlicher of Boston Spotlite for making the introduction to two wonderful North End locations. A special shout out goes to Joe Bono for his generosity and support.
On Monday, February 8, 2016, some of "Santa's elves" presented a check from our efforts at the annual GBCA & Barnes and Noble Holiday Gift Wrapping event. Joseph Carvello, who wrapped gifts for their residences, accompanied us. They also donated a check from the concierges at the Four Seasons Condominium. Both groups collected an amazing $2,800.00 in total to go to our continued support of the Ellis Memorial Adult Day Care Center. Our friend John Welby of Old Town Trolley donated transportation to the South End location. What a wonderful feeling it was to visit the center and sit with so many of our old friends. Tracy Slater. Beverly and their team welcomed us with open arms and shared stories of our devoted relationship over the years. Thank you Debra Hegger for leading the gift wrapping charge and to those members for their generous donation of time, money and spirit in helping to support the Ellis Memorial Adult Day Care Center.
Our February all-member meeting at the Harpoon Beer Hall was a huge success with over 70 members in attendance. The reception featured a delicious array of fabulous food donated by Sal's, KO Pies, Bakers Best Catering, Barracuda Tavern and Tezmecal. One special treat that certainly stands out were the delicious homemade pretzels fresh from the oven, and the freshly brewed beer on tap. There was plenty of time to meet, mingle and sample the many refreshing beers Harpoon is so well known for. Thank you to Jessica Ridlen Assistant General Manager of Events and Marketing at Harpoon, who made the evening a big win. Read all about our February all-member meeting in Secretary Jennifer Stanish's meeting notes attached.
Lastly, I have to say how proud I am of our Outreach Committee headed by Secretary Jennifer Stanish and CFO Gina Guange. The first GBCA outreach project of 2016 was spearheaded by GBCA Advisor Elizabeth Carey who jumped into action with the call to our members for donations of gloves, hats, sox, scarves and more. The Friends of Boston's Homeless "Warm Hands Warm Hearts" campaign collects and distributes new and slightly worn clothing to the city's homeless. Elizabeth put the call out to our members and friends, and at our meeting at Harpoon the donations came pouring in! It felt so good to see our members contribute and give back in such a big way. It's so heartwarming for us to know that we can make a difference in someone's life. Thank you Elizabeth, the outreach committee and all our GBCA members who contributed to this worthwhile cause. We look forward to developing more programs in the months and years to come, permitting us to give back to a community, which we call 'home'.
Thank you again for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful organization as the GBCA.
With Pride in service
Betty Salemme
GBCA President
