This year’s event drew over 500 attendees and is the largest annual fundraiser in support of the Spirit of Springfield, a nonprofit organization, and the many community events they hold throughout the year including Bright Nights at Forest Park, World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Springfield’s September 11th Memorial Ceremony, and Star-Spangled Springfield. This year’s theme was ‘Timeless Love’.
Mayor Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton; Mayor John Vieau of Chicopee; Mayor William Reichelt of West Springfield; Mayor Michael McCabe of Westfield; State Senator Eric Lesser; State Representatives Bud Williams, Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos and Jacob Oliveira; City Council President Jesse Lederman and Councilor Michael Fenton; Mayor Sarno’s Chief of Staff Tom Ashe and Communications Director William Baker; and many local businesses and nonprofits, military and public safety officials, media personalities, and sponsors were among those in attendance.
Mayor Sarno stated, “Congratulations to this year’s chair and sponsor Patrick Pickering and AMR. As we continue to move our City of Springfield forward and defeat this COVID-19 pandemic, I cannot think of a better honoree then Patrick Pickering and his dedicated team at AMR. Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I have called upon AMR to help with testing for our residents and they delivered – over 425,000 tests provided to keep our residents and business community safe and healthy. I want to thank and acknowledge Shawn Pace and his team at Eastman for their continued belief and support of our city. Special shout out to Judy Matt and her Spirit of Springfield team, board members, benefactors and sponsors for putting together yet another successful event! Thank you to Chris Kelley and his team at MGM Springfield for hosting us as we celebrate this special occasion, the ballroom was absolutely beautiful.”
The City of Bright Nights Ball was first held in 1996 thanks to Peter Picknelly, Sr., at the Sheraton Springfield.
Photos By: Chris Marion Photography & Don Silverman
