Building upon a decade of philanthropic impact, the Latino Equity Fund took its annual event, ¡Pa’lante!: A Celebration of Cultura, to Garage B last year. An initiative of The Boston Foundation, the fund hosts this special occasion to kick off its yearly grant cycle as the premier event commemorating the Latinx community in Massachusetts and its supporters. Our venue was honored to welcome this meaningful and lively cultural exhibition of music, performance, art, and cuisine with an event that excited and inspired.
¡Pa’lante! was designed around the concept of el mercado, a vibrant and bustling marketplace comprised of 15 vendors and activations throughout Garage B’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Lining the landscaped patio and the stone walls within the space were tables of apparel and accessories, hand-made arts and crafts, and a wide variety of food offerings that included arepas, empanadas, tacos, ceviche, horchata, fresh fruit, pastries, and desserts. One such vendor was Dos Manos Kitchen, which has now established a brick-and-mortar location serving pupusas and other authentic Salvadoran eats within the Charles River Speedway. Also present at the patio was a mobile bar and a classic car on display to the delight of the event’s 240 guests.
As opposed to a formal sit-down dinner that is typical of a nonprofit gala, this event’s guest experience followed an organic cocktail party flow. Lounge areas and high-top tables were organized to allow for engaging guest interactions, efficient exploration, and — of course — lots of dancing. Two bars were set against Garage B’s bank of glass overhead doors, adorned with towering floral arrangements and vinyl appliqués that filtered evening sunlight into the space with an array of bright colors that complemented the festive vibe.
Under a sparkling disco ball and banners of papel picado hung from the steel rafters of Garage B, a house band on a central stage brought the spirited sounds of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and other Latin genres. Throughout the night, attendees were entertained by a series of dazzling and vivacious performances, such as a Brazilian samba parade and traditional Bolivian dances that both made captivating entrances from the adjacent patio through the open garage doors. Garage B’s 330 SF of storage areas served as dressing and rehearsal spaces for the talent, who also enjoyed fresh slices from the Speedway’s Pizza Project during set breaks. The event’s timeline also incorporated a speaking program that honored outstanding community leaders and partners, featuring tribute videos that were filmed at the venue in the months prior.
After an electrifying hora loca, this celebration of community and culture came to a close, but its influence contributed to the Latino Equity Fund’s largest grant-making cycle to date. When your organization seeks to increase visibility, highlight growth, and cultivate donations, a unique and memorable fundraiser or annual gala at Garage B can assist in meeting those goals. Reach out to our sales team today to benefit from the 20% discount on venue rental rates that are available for nonprofit groups!
Photographer: EmVision Productions
Caterer: Merengue
Table Vendors: Amantolli, Carolicious, Che! Empanada, Con Sabor a México, Dos Manos Kitchen, Elena’s Bakeshop, Papi’s Stuffed Sopapillas, Potosina Snacks, & Tambo 22
Bar Service: Roundhead & Saguaro Garden Bar
Rentals: Dez Collective & PEAK Event Services
Lighting & A/V: Boston Event Lighting
Florist: Boston Flower Co.
Balloons & Ceiling Decor: BalloonPOP LLC
Flooring: Fantasy Dancefloor Wraps & Prints
DJ: Renaissance
Entertainment: AMBRA (Barrio Latino), Fraternidad Folklórica Boliviana, Guachinangos, SambaViva, & Valentina’s Entertainment
Classic Car: The Boston Cup
Photobooth: The Exodus Experience