The City of Bright Nights Ball is the Spirit of Springfield’s largest annual fundraiser. The elegantly themed black-tie only gala includes a gourmet dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and a 50/50 raffle. Its guests include business, community, military, public safety and political leaders.
History
The City of Bright Nights Ball was first held in 1996 at the suggestion of Peter L. Picknelly, Sr. at the Sheraton Springfield. The goal was to raise funds to illuminate public properties for the holiday season that would enhance the displays at Bright Nights at Forest Park.
The event was held annualy at the Sheraton Springfield except in 2005 when it was held at the MassMutual Center during its inaugural season. In 2018, the event was moved to MGM Springfield when it opened.
Honorary Chairs
2025 – Matthew Garrity, President and CEO, Florence Bank
2024 – The Arment Family, Charlie Arment Trucking
2023 – Dr. Robert E. Johnson, President, Western New England University
2022 – Patrick Pickering, Northeast Regional Vice President of Operations, American Medical Response
2021 – Shawn N. Pace, Site Manager, Eastman Indian Orchard
2019 – U. S. Congressman Richard E. Neal and Roger W. Crandall, Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual
2018 – Michael Mathis, President, MGM Springfield
2017 – Anthony Gleason, II and David Johndrow, Gleason Johndrow Landscaping
2016 – Thomas W. Senecal, President & Chief Executive Officer, PeoplesBank
2015 – Daniel P. Moen, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Medical Center
2014 – Dr. Mark A. Keroack, President & Chief Executive Officer, Baystate Health
2013 – Kelley Tuckey, Vice President of Community & Public Affairs (Eastern Region), MGM Resorts
2012 – Daniel P. Moen, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Medical Center
2011 – Peter Straley, President, Health New England
2010 – Steve Bryant, President, Columbia Gas of Masschusetts
2009 – Roger Crandall, President & Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual Financial Group
2008 – Mary Ellen Scott, Owner, United Personnel
2007 – Michael Nikiolek, Vice President, Hasbro Games
2006 – Mark Tolosky, President & Chief Executive Officer, Baystate Health
2005 – Stuart Reese, President & Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual Financial Group
2004 – Kerry J. Kuhlman, President & Chief Operating Officer, Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
2003 – Doug Guthrie, General Manager, Comcast
2002 – Danielle M. Glanville, AT&T Broadband and Vince McCorkle, Sisters of Providence
