Big Sister Boston Draws Big Names and Even Bigger Bucks

By Noelle Barbosa • March 9, 2015 • PHILANTHROPY, STYLE

Jessica Burday and Little Sister, Syleena

Boston tastemakers took to the catwalk last week to help raise some serious coin for the Big Sister Association of GreaterBoston. The mentoring organization partnered with Boston Common magazine, Bloomingdale’sand a host of notables for their 5th annual Make a Statement Fashion Show at the Revere Hotel.

Delectable canapés and flutes of Whispering Angel rosé circled a sold-out crowd of more than 350 that included State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli, clothing designer Michael De Paulo; social butterfly Abby Cushman; and style bloggers Kimberly Gioioso and Jessica Hennessy of The Haute Mamas.

Boston Ballet dancers opened the evening and were followed by a welcome from Deborah Re, CEO of Big Sister Boston. Models sported designer pieces curated locally by Bloomingdale’s in Chestnut Hill and Crane & Lion, a fitness apparel brand. In addition to members of the Big Sister community strutting under the spotlight, the star-studded stage welcomed former U.S. Senator Scott Brown and his wife, Gail Huff; posh pair Tonya and Ben Mezrich; baseball babes Jason and Catherine Varitek; Boston Common’s Lisa Pierpont; and Bianca de la Garza.

Dining Playbook’s Jenny Johnson commanded emcee duties alongside Gary Tanguay of Comcast SportsNet. The duo kept the crowd under control as a slew of sought-after prizes went up for bid. On the auction block: an African safari, two tickets to see piano man, Billy Joel at Fenway Park this summer and (my personal favorite) a chichi dinner party for a dozen friends courtesy of the Catered Affair – I’d like a seat at that table. If you scored this mouthwatering swag, call me.

The fashion fête raked in more than $140,000 and proceeds will help “Little Sisters” achieve their full potential by fostering positive mentor relationships with “Big Sisters.” If you missed the event, it’s never too late to lend your support here.