June 2, 2008
A big surprise at Surprise Party
Benefit raises $1 million for cancer care and research
Surprise Party featured an evening that was full of surprises for those attending the benefit for the Friends of Dana-Farber at the Wang Theatre on Friday, May 30. The biggest surprise of all may have come from the guests themselves as their generosity allowed the inaugural event to raise $1 million.
The night opened with a cocktail party in the beautiful lobby of the Wang Theatre where guests were treated to a performance by singer N’Kenge that culminated in a confetti shower as the doors to the theater opened. Inside, event Vice-Chair Bill Karol shared his personal experience with cancer and Dr. Bob Arnot spoke of helping children with cancer while he was in Iraq with NBC News.
Then it was time for The Big Game, hosted by actor John O’Hurley. In return for generous contributions, people had an opportunity to compete in a game show for prizes such as a Los Angeles experience package which included audience tickets to the television show, America’s Got Talent; the use of a Jaguar Convertible; an amazing culinary experience with Chef Lydia Shire at the Liberty Hotel’s Scampo; and unique packages to Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots games.
Following The Big Game, the stage curtain was raised to reveal the dining room with seating for more than 400. N’Kenge returned for another performance and between courses, the flamenco troupe of dancer La Meira with guitarist Juanito Pascual and cajon player Gonzalo Grau performed as well. Everyone was presented with a gift box that informed them that there was a present waiting for them on their way out. Dinner was followed by another surprise as a screen rose to unveil a disco. While many were taking advantage of the dance floor, N’Kenge sang the disco classic "One Night Only" in her final appearance of the evening.
Event Chairs Nina and David Fialkow, Vice Chairs Sinesia and Bill Karol, and Audrey and Mark Schuster, along with premiere planner, Rafanelli Events, produced the extraordinary affair with the extraordinary fundraising total. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Dana-Farber, an all-volunteer organization of more than 1500 members which serves Dana-Farber through patient services, educational activities and fundraising. The funds raised will be allocated for research fellows and treatment programs through all divisions and departments of Dana-Farber, including nursing, social services and pastoral care. Friends provides seed money and follow-up funding for innovative basic research and clinical trials led by researchers at critical junctures in their careers and fosters programs that reach out to the community at large.
