By Phil Orlandella
Nearly $50,000 was raised at the North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center’s fundraiser Buona Sera: An Evening with Friends.
The event is held to aid low-income and elderly North End and West End residents who turn to the Center for assistance.
This is the fifth year in a row that Ron Della Chiesa of WGBH and the Boston Symphony Orchestra performed.
The three North End/Waterfront elected officials, Senator Joe Boncore, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and City Councilor Sal LaMattina (honored guests) helped sponsor the benefit event.
The Buona Sera evening commenced with a wine reception at WilmerHale on the 26th floor of 60 State Street, followed by dinner at a table for 10 at one of several premier North End restaurants. Each table was paired with a local celebrity, an elected or public official, sports figure, media celebrity or other well-known local personalities. All who participated enjoyed a perfect evening.
NSC Director Maria Stella Gulla, who grew up in the North End, noted that, “Since 2011 this innovative event has raised nearly $250,000 for educational and recreational programs and human services that the Center offers.â€
North End eateries that participated in the event were: Antico Forno, Artu Rosticceria and Trattoria, Asaggio, Boston Sail Loft, Cantina Italiana, La Famiglia Giorgio’s, Massimino’s Cucina Italiana, Prezza, Ristorante Euno, Ristorante Fiore, Ristorante Saraceno, and Terramia Ristorante.
           Special thanks to Wine Reception sponsors WilmerHale for hosting the reception and Whole Foods Market for supporting expenses with a generous gift card and local North End merchants Cirace Liquors for generously donating the wine.