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Date: 9/28/2021
SPRINGFIELD – The Spirit of Springfield (SOS) announced not only the theme of the 2021 City of Bright Nights Ball but also the lead sponsor of the event.
The Eastman plant in Indian Orchard is going to be the sponsor for the fundraiser that supports the SOS activities such as Bright Nights and the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast.
The event was canceled last year due to the pandemic, but will return on Nov. 13 at MGM Springfield with the theme of “Cherry Blossoms Under the Moonlight.”
Shawn Pace, site manager for Eastman’s Springfield plant, said the company was “honored and excited” to be the lead sponsor of the event.
Mayor Domenic Sarno cited the many community activities of which Eastman has been a part including the construction and donation of lap desks for Springfield students and contributions to city organizations.
Chris Kelley, president and chief operating officer of MGM Springfield, noted the return of the ball to the casino and said he sees a “tremendous sense of optimism” in the city.
MGM Springfield Executive Chef Chris Smigel has planned a menu including braised short ribs, pan seared diver scallops, seared trumpet mushroom “scallops,” and a dessert complete with a touch of cherry cotton candy.
The décor has been planned by JX2 Productions, and Dan Stezko with his team at Flowers, Flowers
For information about being a sponsor of the City of Bright Nights Ball or purchasing tickets, contact the Spirit of Springfield at 733-3800 or staff@spiritofspringfield.org.