SOUTH END — 450 guests attended the United South End Settlements annual Neighborhood Gala that raised more than $380,000 to fund the 127-year-old nonprofit’s programs that support children and their families.

Guests included actress and producer Eliza Dushku and her husband, the developer Peter Palandjian. The organization, which has as its core mission to unite the South End community to end the cycle of poverty, held the gala in the open space underneath the Southeast Expressway that the neighborhood calls “the Heart of SoWa.” The gala featured food from area restaurants.

All photos by Bill Brett

Rebecca Forkner and Jessica Scherer. Photo by Bill Brett.

Chairman of Board Julia Johannsen with her husband, Peter. Photo by Bill Brett.

Vinita Shah, Gretchen Cook-Anderson, President and CEO United South End Settlements Maicharia Weir Lytle and her mother, Sylvia Weir. Photo by Bill Brett.

Amy Zydanowicz, Tricia Celata, Susan MacIsaac, and Carole Calderon. Photo by Bill Brett.

Leigh Ann Haydon and Lindsey Nally. Photo by Bill Brett.