It’s a mystery and we cannot give away all of the clues, but we can give you the date of The Black Squirrel Ball at Stanley Park.  It is Friday, August 27 at 6 p.m.   Based on the novel of the same name and written by board member Amy Liptak Caruso, the annual gala will take its inspiration from the story line.  Be in the know, read the book and be prepared for an evening of great food, music and friends.   This is the Park’s annual major fund-raising gala..   See below for more information...........................

More than sixty years ago, Frank Stanley Beveridge established the Stanley Park of Westfield.  In fulfillment of his legacy, Stanley Park has graciously welcomed countless visitors to a refuge of physical and spiritual beauty, where families and individuals enjoy gardens, trails, music, educational and cultural activities in secure and peaceful surroundings.  Thousands pass through those magnificent gates each year and participate in myriad activities or simply to peacefully walk the grounds.   The last few years has witnessed the advent of a summer fundraising gala. The proceeds from the 2009 gala helped restore the Carillon Tower and its bronze doors were swung open for the first time in 30 years.  This year we will focus on renovating and upgrading the kitchen in the Beveridge Pavilion, providing a much-needed facility for catered celebrations.

The Acre Lawn and the Beveridge Pavilion will set the scene for this summer’s gala fundraising dinner for The Stanley Park of Westfield.  The Black Squirrel Ball, to be held on Friday, August 27, 2010, is based on the fictitious book of the same name penned by local author and board member Amy Liptak Caruso.  The shocking and sudden death of a woman attending the first Black Squirrel Ball forty years prior, in a park that mirrors Stanley Park, is the starting point for the novel and it follows the events of the ball’s coordinator in modern-day time attempting to solve the decades-old mystery.

The evening’s festivities will feature decorations, food, and cocktails inspired by details in the novel.  Brass Attack, a high-energy, eight-piece band, will provide music and entertainment for dancing the night away.  Live and silent auctions with many unique items will complete the evening’s program.  

Join us as we celebrate the Black Squirrel Ball at Stanley Park by attending the event and becoming an all important sponsor.  This year’s proceeds will be directed to the restoration of the caterer kitchen in the Beveridge Pavilion.  Levels include:

Premier Event Sponsor                           $5,000              Donation, 8 guests        

Platinum Sponsor                                   $2,500              Donation, 6 guests

Gold Sponsor                                         $2,000              Donation, 6 guests

Silver Sponsor                                        $1,250              Donation, 4 guests

Table Sponsor                                        $1,500              Reserved Table for eight

Corporate Sponsor                                  $   750              Donation, 2 guests

Individual Sponsorship                            $   500              Donation, 2 guests

Patron                                                   $   150              Donation, non-attending            

All Sponsorships will be listed as prescribed in the program booklet at the donation level.   All proceeds will be directed to the restoration of the caterer kitchen in the Beveridge Pavilion.  Please consider sponsoring the Black Squirrel Ball.  Better still, joins us for this most memorable event.  We have enclosed a response sheet and envelope.  A Committee member will be in touch to answer any of your questions. 

Sincerely,

Amy Liptak Caruso                                           Robert C. McKean                    Jeffrey W. Glaze

Chair, Black Squirrel Ball                                   Managing Director                    President, Board of Directors