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A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts April 2019
Common Threads
Dress for Success staged its annual Common Threads gala on April 25 at the Sheraton in Springfield. The event, described as a ‘celebration of women,’ inspires supporters with stories of success and empowerment as recent program participants speak of their achievements and successes.
Wilhelmina Humphries is ushered to the stage by Werner Maiwald, president of Renaissance Insurance Benefits
Maria Pelletier is ushered to the stage by Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health
Carla Cosenzi, president of Tommy Car Auto, Margaret Tantillo, executive director of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, and Jessica Dupont of Health New England, chair of the board of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts
President’s Gala
Bay Path University staged its third annual President’s Gala on April 27 at the Sheraton in Springfield. The gala, which raises money for scholarships, again featured a Dancing with the Stars format that had a team of judges — and the audience — struggling to determine who should take home the coveted President’s cup. After audience voting, that honor eventually went to Julian Jusko, a community partner and long-time supporter of the gala, who earned three perfect 10s from the judges, as did fellow competitors Erin Hornyak.
Gala chairs Tim and Carrie Burr, Drew and Lauren Davis, Tiffany and Ted Madru, and Carol and Rick Steele Jr.
Jusko finishes off her routine in style
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal addresses the audience
Bay Path President Carol Leary offers a few remarks
the judges for the dance competition, from left, Lindsay Arnold, Wayne Hooker, and Kara Wolters
from left, instructor Gunnar Sverrisson, Hornyak, Jusko, Clemons, and instructor Daryll & Sverrisson gather for a final round of applause
Celebrating Entrepreneurship
The Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative (GEI) staged its annual awards banquet on April 24 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. The well-attended gathering featured an Entrepreneur Showcase featuring students attending 14 area colleges and universities, an elevator-pitch competition, the presentation of awards, and keynote speaker Wombi Rose, CEO and co-founder of Lovepop.
GEI Founder Harold Grinspoon visits with Julia Baker, Springfield Technical Community College student and founder of Media Journeys
Jarrod Coletta, Western New England University student and co-founder of Bimiitech, chats with guests about his venture
the crowded ballroom floor during the Entrepreneur Showcase
Anna Aron (left), a Hampshire College student and founder of Anna Leigh Pottery, shows some of her works to Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation
Hampshire College student Adil Sarwar shows off his venture, the Cupcake Factory
Derby Day
Square One staged its fourth annual Kentucky Derby fundraising gala on race day at Mercedes-Benz of Springfield. More than 210 guests turned out to watch the Running of the Roses, do some networking, and raise nearly $30,000 for early-education provider Square One.
attendees watch as the horses head for the finish line
from left, Carrie and BJ Calvi, Kelli Moriarty Finn, David Finn, and Ryan McCollum
from left, Jeff and Laura Lomma, Andrew and Megan Hersman, and Dawn DiStefano
Square One President and CEO Joan Kagan addresses the crowd of race watchers
from left, Lakisha Coppedge, Margaret Tantoillo, and James Coppedge do some networking
