Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Adjacent to Alfond Spray Deck, Gronk Playground and CHARLESBANK – the soon-to-be Welcome Center for the Charles River Esplanade
- Includes all you could ask for during an evening along the River—Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing, and so much more!
- Our 25th year coincides with the tenth year of our own Alexi Conine as our incredible Chair of the Board. We will honor Alexi’s incredible leadership and her commitment to our beloved park with the Serena Hatch Impact Award.
- We will also award Bob Doran & The Wellington Management Community with the Charles Eliot Vision Award.
2026 Moondance Sponsorship Opportunities
| ✦ Silver Maple Sponsor ✦
$250,000 | • Contact Jim Diverio for all benefits associated with this opportunity. |
|---|---|
| ✦ Copper Beech Sponsor ✦
$100,000 | • Premier Gala seating for two (2) tables of 12 guests each
• Six (6) bottles of Champagne to share with your guests • A special 25th Anniversary gift for each of your guests • Premium recognition on invitation • Premium recognition on all event materials |
| ✦ Golden Willow Sponsor ✦
$50,000 | • Premier Gala seating for a table of 16 guests
• Three (3) bottles of Champagne to share with your guests • A special 25th Anniversary gift for each of your guests • Premium recognition on invitation • Premium recognition on all event materials |
| ✦ Scarlet Oak Sponsor ✦
$25,000 | • Premier Gala seating for a table of 12 guests
• A bottle of Champagne at your table • A special 25th Anniversary gift for each of your guests • Premium recognition on invitation • Premium recognition on all event materials |
| ✦ White Elm Sponsor ✦
$17,500 | • Gala seating for a table of 8 guests
• Prominent recognition on invitation • Prominent recognition on all event materials |
| ✦ Black Tupelo Sponsor ✦
$10,000 | • Gala seating for 4 guests
• Recognition on invitation • Recognition on all event materials |
| ✦ Crimson Cherry Sponsor ✦
$5,000 | • Gala Seating for 2 guests
• Recognition on invitation • Recognition on all event materials |
2026 Host Committee
Amy and David Abrams
Jesse Baker and Teri Bishoff
Brenda and Stephane Bancel
Debbie and Randy Barker
Nicole and Jeff Bellows
Jimmy Berylson
Debra and William Bulkeley
Angela and Michael Cirami
Cheryl Clarkson and Dan Townsend
Alexi and Steven Conine
Jessica and Martin Crimmins
Amanda Davis
Allison Downey
Missy and David Druley
Barbara and Michael Eisenson
Kate Enroth and Dana Schmaltz
Rafeala and Ian Eshelman
Fiona and Roger Fang
Jessica and Greg Fisher
Claire and Adam Forkner
Audrey and James Foster
Kristine Glynn
Greg Gordon and Freya Emspak
Creelea Henderson and Tony Pangaro
Beth Johnson
Deb Knez
Christine Kondoleon and Frederic Wittmann
Elizabeth and Will Leatherman
Lisa and Greg LeBlanc
Meryl Leboff, MD
Georgia and Rich Lee
Sharon and Bradford Malt
Dacia and Lanham Napier
Theresa Nguyen and Ian Kilburn
Jeryl and Steve Oristaglio
Joan and Joseph Patton
Lisa Pierpont and Brant Binder
Kathleen and Whit Porter
Jennifer Poveromo
Pixie Robinson and Tom Lewis
Deb Rosenbloom and Michael McNamara
Hope Sidman and Steve Wymer
Jonathan Soroff and Sam Mazzarelli
Midge and Peter Stone
Robert White
Emi and Bill Winterer
Lynne Levine Young
FAQ
Where exactly is Lower Basin Field?
Lower Basin Field is on the eastern edge of the Charles River Esplanade, next to the State Police Barracks and across the canal from the Museum of Science. It is next to the Gronk Playground, Alfond Spray Deck, and the new Charlesbank Campus on the Esplanade, including the soon-to open Smith Family Pavilion.
Is my sponsorship tax-deductible?
If you attend the event, the non-tax-deductible portion of your ticket bought or included in your sponsorship will be approximately $250 per seat. If you do not attend the event, your sponsorship is 100% tax deductible to the extent the law allows.
Can I use my Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to sponsor the Moondance Gala?
Though continually reviewed by the IRS, currently DAFs cannot be used when personal benefits are provided to the donor. Individual tickets should be bought through another funding source, in addition to the full sponsorship amount. If you do not attend the event, your sponsorship may be funded through your DAF. The Esplanade Association recommends Moondance Gala sponsors consult their DAF manager, tax advisor, and/or legal counsel for definitive guidance on this matter.
Can I substitute my sponsorship benefits?
Generally, we do not allow the substitution of benefits for the Moondance Gala. If there are benefits (any or partial) you wish to decline, please let us know. The priority of our co-chairs and staff is to ensure our guests have an unparalleled experience–before, during, and after our wonderful evening in the park.
What if it rains on the day of the event?
The Moondance Gala takes place in rain or shine. Though we hope to enjoy the beauty of the Esplanade outdoors during cocktail hour, there is a plan in place to provide a safe, dry, comfortable place for our guests to enjoy the entire evening whatever the weather may be.
Those who wish to mail in their sponsorship may do so here: MAIL-IN FORM
2025 Gala Highlights!
MORE DETAILS BELOW
Thank you to our Co-Chairs—Teri Bishoff & Jesse Baker, and Alexis & Chris Egan—, the Host Committee, sponsors, and every guest who made this unforgettable night possible. On Saturday, September 20, supporters gathered on Fiedler Field for our final Moondance Gala in this iconic location. Together, we raised $2.3 million to support the care and programming of the landmarked riverfront park, as well as increase park access and welcome visitors with the forthcoming Smith Family Pavilion at the historic Charlesbank end of the Charles River Esplanade.
The night’s highlights include a special paddle raise honoring architect Maryann Thompson, whose vision has shaped the new Charlesbank campus. Thanks to a $500,000 match from Happy and Bob Doran, guests helped fund the future Maryann Thompson Breezeway in the Smith Family Pavilion.
The Esplanade Association is an entirely community-supported nonprofit with all funds raised and earned for annual operating through grants, sponsorships and donations. For decades, the Moondance Gala has not only been our key source of funding, but among Boston’s premier gatherings for all eager to build community and connection in public greenspace. All of the event’s proceeds support the ongoing maintenance, free programming and capital improvements of our beloved riverfront state park.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jim Diverio at jdiverio@esplanade.org or Emma Rose Rainville at erainville@esplanade.org.
2025 Co-Chairs
Teri Bishoff & Jesse Baker
Alexis & Chris Egan
2025 Honorees
Jeff Bellows
Neal Balkowitch and Donald Nelson
Brenda and Stéphane Bancel
Alexi and Steve Conine
Cynthia Croatti and Alan Patrick
Elizabeth and Gonzague de Montrichard
Missy and David Druley
Jean and Christopher Egan
Barbara and Michael Eisenson
Claire and Adam Forkner
Audrey and Jim Foster
Cynthia George
Christie and Bob Hedges
Allison and Andrew Hirsch
Dan Mathieu
Jennifer Nassour
Shelly Nemirovsky
Margo and Fred Newman
Jeryl Oristaglio
Joan Patton
Carolina Säve
Mary Lou Seidner
Jill and Niraj Shah
Lori and Matthew Sidman
Hope Sidman and Steve Wymer
Shannon and Michael Sperlinga
Sandy Steele and Paul Greenfield
Cesarina Templeton and Bruce Wheeler
Emi Winterer
Previous Gala Photos
Photos by Michael Blanchard
Video by Ian Squared
Photos by Michael Blanchard, Elevin Studios
Video by Ian Squared
