The Boston Arts Academy’s Foundation is one of the first organizations to figure out a way to hold an in-person celebration and they did it with the help of Boston philanthropist and noted performing arts supporter Ernie Boch, President and CEO, Subaru of New England. The event organizers offered an in-person experience while others viewed the festivities online.
The Boston Arts Academy Foundation originally scheduled the BAA Honors celebration for Saturday, May 2, 2020 and it was (finally) held on May 1, 2021. The signature fundraising event that Boston Arts Academy (BAA), Boston’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts, featured a cocktail reception and student performances.
Boch, who opened his home for the fete, was honored for his support of the music community. Others who were honored included: Civic Responsibility Honoree: Steve Samuels, chairman and principal, Samuels & Associates; Dance Honoree: Eve Rounds, nonprofit dance advocate; Fashion Design and Technology Honoree: Ruth E. Carter, Oscar-winning costume designer for film and television; Film and Television Honoree: David Ortiz, FOX Sports, MLB Studio analyst; Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Sandra Gordon, founding president, BAA Foundation, trustee emerita, BAA trustees; and, Visual Arts Honorees: Scott Wilson and Scott Butler, founding directors, Wilson Butler Architects.
The co-chairs for the event were Sue Brady Hartigan, radio personality, and Lee Michael Kennedy, President and CEO, Lee Kennedy Co. Inc. Former Mayor Marty Walsh had served as the honorary chairman, but Boston Mayor Kim Janey not only showed her support, she showed up sporting a beautiful hat, in a nod to the Kentucky Derby, which also took place on Saturday. NBC 10 Boston and NECN anchor Latoyia Edwards served as the night’s emcee.
Among the highlights of the evening was Big Papi joining the band on stage and trying his hand at the bongos.
All photos are by Bill Brett
