Esplanade Association to Hold Moon Dance Gala in September

Below is an edited press release from The Esplanade Association:

The social event of the season is quickly approaching, and is on course to be the most elegant to date. The Esplanade Association’s (TEA) biennial Moon Dance Gala will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, to celebrate the historic Charles River Esplanade and the organization’s vision for its complete and thoughtful restoration, "Esplanade 2020: A Vision for the Future."

 is TEA’s collaborative effort with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and other major Boston stakeholders with the main goal “to forge a shared vision for the park’s future—one rooted in its 19th century origins but looking forward to address the needs of the broad contemporary public.” A lack of resources, deferred maintenance, and extraordinary popularity has degraded the park’s paths, landscape, and beautiful original structures.

With the Eliot Memorial Revitalization scheduled to break ground this fall, an accessible bridge at Charles Circle slated for construction in the coming years, and committees being formed to review the Lee Pool and Hatch Shell areas, this vision is being realized. With the community’s participation and support, the Esplanade can become the best park in the world.

The Esplanade Moon Dance Gala is TEA’s largest fundraiser to support its work at the park through priority projects highlighted in Esplanade 2020, free public programs for all ages, and advocacy efforts that protect our beloved Esplanade. Co-Chaired by Shannon & Michael Sperlinga and Cesarina Templeton & Bruce Wheeler, produced by Altieri Events and catered by MAX Ultimate Food, this magical evening will host more than 400 of Boston leaders in business, politics and philanthropy.

TEA is excited to welcome event Honorary Chairs Gov. Deval Patrick, First Lady Diane Patrick, Mayor Thomas Menino and First Lady of Boston Angela Menino. This year, TEA has chosen to honor The Friends of the Esplanade Playspace for building the incredibly popular and state-of-the-art play area by the Hatch Shell to specifically support the upper body strength of the older children who visit the park. Jean and Chris Egan will accept the award on behalf of the organization.

For event details and to purchase tickets, visit www.esplanadeassociation.org. For more information about the event contact Tani Marinovich at 617-227-0365 x106 or tmarinovich@esplanadeassociation.org.

Founded in 2001, The Esplanade Association is a dynamic park friends group dedicated to caring for the Charles River Esplanade, a three-mile park along the Charles River between the Museum of Science and the Boston University Bridge and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).  TEA partners with the DCR as well as with other non-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals to complete important capital projects and to establish enriching programs at the park.  Each year, TEA brings more than 2,000 volunteers to the Esplanade to help maintain and care for the park. To learn more about TEA, please visit our website atwww.esplanadeassociation.org or call us at 617-227-0365. The Esplanade Association office is located at 10 Derne Street Boston, MA 02114.