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Date: 4/11/2023
SPRINGFIELD — The opulent decor and festive camaraderie of Spirit of Springfield’s annual Bright Nights Ball will be showcased on Nov. 11 at MGM Springfield. This year’s ball is themed as Gilded Glamour and will feature Western New England University President Robert Johnson as its chair.
The Bright Nights Ball was created in 1996 a year after Bright Nights at Forest Park debuted. The event continues to grow into a marquee social gathering in Springfield, as well as serving as a critical fundraiser for Spirit of Springfield to finance their variety of free community events, such as the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, the Star-Spangled Springfield Fourth of July celebration and their 9/11 Remembrance ceremony.
Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt continues to oversee the nonprofit organization’s growth since becoming its president in 1989. She shared that last year’s Bright Nights Ball marked their most attended yet. Matt expects tickets for this year’s ball to be sold out by the summer.
Matt and city leaders announced details for this year’s Bright Nights Ball during an April 6 press conference at Western New England University. She considers the ball “significant to all of us” at Spirit of Springfield for providing resources for their yearly calendar of events.
Matt also recognized MGM Springfield as an important partner in the gala. The casino has hosted the Bright Nights Ball since opening in 2018. Matt expressed gratitude for the work they do to make each gathering a success.
“They want everything to be the best it can be just like we want everything to be,” said Matt.
The Gilded Age theme for this year will decorate the ballroom with lavish candelabras and luxurious golden roses shipped from Ecuador. The ball will also feature delectable food tied to a Victorian Bay style menu with a modernized twist and various entertainment options throughout the celebratory evening.
Mayor Domenic Sarno considered Spirit of Springfield and their signature events an invaluable asset to the city.
“You cannot pay a price tag on the morale boost they give not only to Springfield, but Western Massachusetts,” said Sarno.
Sarno thanked the business and community sponsors who continue to support Spirit of Springfield’s work. He expects this year’s gala to be another year of decadent celebration.
“It’s really a wonderful evening … everyone will be dressed to the nines,” said Sarno.
MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley considers the annual Bright Nights Ball the “crown jewel” of the casino’s calendar. He said the gathering helps define a deepened sense of human connection throughout the community.
“Human connection is what this is all about … We’re honored to be part of an event like this,” said Kelley.
Johnson will serve as chair with Western New England University being the gala’s signature sponsor. The university has been an integral part of the Bright Nights Ball since its inception, with several students volunteering annually as greeters.
Johnson highlighted his vision to take this year’s ball “to places it’s never been before.”
“This is an occasion where we are really excited about the possibilities,” said Johnson.
The university president also took time to highlight the educational entity’s continued growth. Last year, WNE was recognized as one of the top 100 law schools in the country by Princeton Review, as well as placing in the top 6% of universities with the best return on investment for students.
Johnson, who took over as WNE’s sixth president in August 2020, said he hopes for the university’s participation in the Bright Nights Ball to further its ties to the community.
“We must have a presence in our community,” said Johnson.
Readers can learn more information about the Bright Nights Ball at https://www.spiritofspringfield.org/.