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Niziolek is new chair of City of Bright Nights Ball

(left to right) President and Chief Executive Officer of Baystate Health Mark R. Tolosky introduces this year's Chair of the City of Bright Nights Ball Michael D. Niziolek, who is vice president of Human Resources for Hasbro Games. They are joined by mayor Charles Ryan. Reminder Publications photo by Courtney Llewellyn
By Courtney Llewellyn

and Katelyn Gendron-List

Reminder Assistant Editors



SPRINGFIELD A little Monopoly money can go a long way. Ask Michael D. Niziolek, vice president of Human Resources for Hasbro Games and this year's chairman of the City of Bright Nights Ball on Nov. 17.

Last week, Mark R. Tolosky, president and chief executive officer of Baystate Health and former chairman of what has been called the "social event of the year," announced Niziolek as the ball's new chairman at Hasbro headquarters in East Longmeadow.

Monopoly, a game produced by Hasbro, will be the theme of this year's ball, as guests will be greeted by Mr. Monopoly and will also be able to purchase deeds from anywhere around the board from Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk.

The ball is put on by the Spirit of Springfield, a private, non-profit corporation which produces high-quality, large-scale events in the city of Springfield. Its mission is to promote community events and encourage civic pride.

"It is an honor to serve as chairman of this year's City of Bright Nights Ball," Niziolek said. "Hasbro has been a long-time supporter of the Spirit of Springfield and this is another opportunity to show our support for the institution which has such a positive influence on the lives of those living, working and visiting our community."

Niziolek has been working for Hasbro Games for almost four decades and has been the vice president of Human Resources since 1980.

"I grew up in this community and it means a lot representing not only Hasbro but the employees here as well as the whole community," Niziolek said. "I really believe in social interaction."

Social interaction is the keystone of the City of Bright Nights Ball, as coordinators of this year's event will be hosting a night of fine dining, dancing and opportunities to win extravagant prizes.

As always Charles Ryan, mayor of Springfield will attend the ball. He stated that he looks forward to this event every year.

"We work hard all year and it's nice to have a party every year," Ryan said. "This is 'the party' of the year and we do it in great fun. It's going to be a great night."

The night will be one of elegance and childhood fun as not only will the guests become a part of the Monopoly board but they will also be surrounded by suspended illuminated scale skyscrapers creating the effect that they are amid the clouds.

The City of Bright Nights Ball is a fund-raising event to support the Spirit of Springfield and the holiday lighting displays in downtown Springfield.

Five online showcase items will open for bidding at the beginning of November.

Tickets for the City of Bright Nights Ball are $500 per couple and tables of 10 people at $2,500. For more information contact the Spirit of Springfield at 733-3800.