Garden Party Raises $24,000 for Shrewsbury Schools

Rainy nights and the Garden Party must go together because it was another soaker on last Saturday evening, June 11, when nearly 250 community leaders, neighbors and friends gathered for the 3rd Annual Celebration in the Garden Party  at the home of Jason and Heather Logrippo, The Fallon House.

Heather and Jason hosted the inaugural Garden Party two years ago and were thrilled to have everyone back. This historical and beautiful antique colonial served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the public schools by raising funds to augment school budgets which have been impacted due to several years of budget shortfalls.

Rain did not dampen the spirits of the party goers. Money is still coming in and expenses are still being accounted for, but it is safe to say that this was a very successful event that brought in approximately $24,000 for the schools. 

The mood at the party was “Midnight in the Garden” and the décor of deep blue and fuchsia came alive with the gorgeous table centerpieces (provided by Danielson Flowers), twinkling lights and flickering candles.

Guests were greeted with a glass of Cava (Spanish Sparkling Wine) upon arrival and were treated to a fine wine and artisanal beer tasting sponsored by Austin Liquors. A hosted wine and beer bar was sponsored by Expose Yourself PR, Banfi Vineyards and Wormtown Beer. Struck, The Bean Counter and SugarRush Cupcakes struck gold with their tasty treats and desserts; and attendees enjoyed the sounds of  a local popular band (Run ‘n’ Gun) featuring Tim Pitney.

Notables in attendance included Shrewsbury School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sawyer and his wife Dr. Laurence Sawyer, State Sen. Mike Moore and his wife Ellyn Lazar-Moore, recently elected State Rep. Matt Beaton and his wife Laura, current School Committee members including Chairman John Samia, Sandy Fryc, Erin Canzano, B. Dale Magee and Steve Levine (GardenParty Committee member) along with several members of the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee.

This signature event would not have been possible without the many local business, individuals and families who participated in theGarden Party. They are (but not limited to) J. Briggs at the Diamond Level, Austin Liquors and Dunkin Donuts at the Celebration Level, Danielson Flowers, Lamoureux Pagano, Robert Terkanian and Wheelabrator/Waste Management at the Fallon House Level, A Perfect Setting, Banfi (Mike Andrews), Jim and Paula Buonomo, Joseph J. Cariglia, Ready Med, Ski Ward, Smook Architecture & Urban Design and Wormtown Beer (Tom Olivieri) at the Garden Level, Arukor Communications, Avidia Bank, Central One Federal Credit Union, Richard and Allison Ricker, Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union, Victory Cigar Bar and Weston & Sampson Engineers at the Vintage Level. Beaton Construction sponsored Run ‘n’ Gun and Expose Yourself PR sponsored the spirits.

Board of Selectmen Chair Jim Kane really got the party started with the live auction by introducing his company’s live auction item which was two tickets to the A.D. Makepeace Cranberry Festival (lunch, helicopter tour of the bogs, and a  cranberry gift basket)—Winner: Brian and Jen Beaton. Peter Blute took the reigns with the next item which was Def Leppard and Heart in Concert Tickets(These are the guitarist's seats compliments of Vivian Campbell)—Winner: David and Andrea Lowy.

Next, we took the Live Auction of Manual Labor to a whole new level—a state elected level (and in keeping with tradition of our public servants being auctioned off to provide a public service), State Rep. Matt Beaton and State Sen. Michael Moore agreed to “work together” for the highest bidder—Winner: Heald and Chiampa Funeral Home in Shrewsbury.

For a second year, the Worcester Restaurant Group (owners of One Eleven Chop House, Via and Sole Proprietor) gave a Deluxe Summer Cookout Package, think steaks, lobsters and wine—winners: Bretta and Sean Karp and Beth and Scott Casavant. The auction took a sporty turn with Wheelabrator  who generously donated 4 tickets to see the Red Sox Take on Kansas City, Row 2 seats in the  Pavilion Club  with access to Pavilion Club dining—Winner:  Paula and Jim Buonomo. Flashback to the 80’s with Foreigner, Journey & Night Ranger LIVE! Two tickets and backstage passes, these are the drummer's personal tickets (compliments of Mark Shulman, Foreigner Drummer)—winners: David and Andrea Lowy again.

Last but not least, Tim Pitney and Run ‘n’ Gun to play at your event—Winners were Jim and Hannah Kane. 

The show stopper of the evening was the Diamond Extraordinaire drawing featuring the gorgeous diamond pendant from J. Briggs & Co. and was custom designed and hand crafted by local designer J. Briggs. A special thank you goes to Jennifer who designed the eternity diamond necklace in celebration of Life, Love and Family. Jennifer and her husband have two sons in the Shrewsbury Public Schools. One very lucky attendee wore this necklace home.

Host Committee members Brenda Buckley, Beth Casavant, Christa Duprey, Alicia Garbarino, Maureen Harrington, Hannah Kane, Kathleen Keohane, Steve Levine, Heather Logrippo, Elizabeth McCollum, Debra Page Mooney and Melanie Petrucci wish to thank everyone who took part in this fabulous event. Sadly, not everyone could be listed here, but for a complete listing of sponsors and auction donors and if you were unable to attend event but would like to make a donation, please visit the Garden Party website.

You may also send a check made payable to Shrewsbury Public Schools Betterment Fund c/o Hannah Kane, 32 Main Circle, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.  Please contact Hannah Kane at hkane@townisp.com for further information and thank you for your support.