Christopher Columbus Park Gala

Anyone who has ever traversed the green space triangle between the Long Wharf Marriott, the North End’s Atlantic Ave border and the waterfront knows what a peaceful piece of land it has become thanks to the restoration and help of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP). If you have had a picnic lunch in the space, strolled along the walkway along the water, taken the kids here to frolic and play or even romanced a certain someone under the twinkling lights of the garden trellis – now is your chance to give back.

On Friday, November 19, 2010 a Gala Fundraising Celebration is set to take to place at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf Hotel to benefit the work of FOCCP. Tickets are $125 for this evening of dinner and dancing or $1250 for a table of 10. Festive dress is encouraged.

The FOCCP is made up of community members from both the North End and the Waterfront area dedicated, in their words, to, “the restoration, protection, preservation, care, enhancement, improvement, and maintenance of the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.”  The group works with the City of Boston to help provide funding for the annual holiday trellis lighting, tend to the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, purchase new trees and plants for the park, and organize events such as the gala throughout the year.

Features of this wonderfully restored modern park include free Wi-Fi, a year round playground and summertime sprinklers for the kids, free seasonal Tuesday evening concerts, free seasonal art classes on Sunday, the splendor of the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, spectacular views of the waterfront activity, and one of the most romantic spots in the city to get engaged or even host your wedding ceremony.

Also join FOCCP and Mayor Menino on Monday, November 22 at sundown for the annual trellis lighting. The mayor will have the honor of flipping the switch to light up the beautiful spectacle that will last through the end of the year.  Singers will be on hand as well as hot cocoa to keep every feeling warm and festive.

To find out more information or pick up tickets to the gala, call 617.727.9429 or 781.639.6002 foccp.org