Over Two Decades of Impact
Over the past 20 years, Room to Grow Boston has partnered with more than 2,500 families, providing over 36,000 hours of parent guidance and distributing 1.5 million baby and toddler items.
Now, we are preparing for our next chapter: a new Boston Family Center opening in Fall 2026. This meaningful investment in Boston honors the strong foundation we have built and strengthens our ability to remain a steady, welcoming presence in this community for decades to come. Tonight, you have the rare opportunity to help shape a defining chapter in Room to Grow’s nearly 30-year story.
Make a Difference Tonight
Support Room to Grow with a Donation
Event Chairs
Elizabeth Brookhiser & Timothy Porter
Annie & Ted Cavan
Sarah & Austin Krissoff
Beatrice & Michael Mazur
Event Committee
Kailey Baird • Jenna Bates • Rachel Grape • Clare Harker • Laurie Katz • Carrie Leggett • Tara Merck • Dorsey Miller • Sophie Rosen • Gianna Nappi Somers • Lena Theis
Boston Leadership Council
Elizabeth Brookhiser, Chair • Manfred Caranci • Annie Cavan • Annie Knickman • Beatrice Egan Mazur • Tara Merck • Begum Okutgen • Okan Okutgen • Thomas Reith • Lena Theis • Bryce Youngren
Board of Directors
Julie Burns, Chair • Cleo Cavolo • Ashley Graham • Lionel Harris • Amanda Hindlian • Frank Mason • Rashaan Reid • Shadman Riaz • Eric Sutherland • Uma Thurman • Maggie Rokous Towles • Nancy Twine
Tonight’s Speakers
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Akilah joined the Room to Grow team in 2015 and has held several roles in the areas of program operations, external relations, and evaluation, before being appointed Executive Director of Room to Grow New York in June 2018 and Chief Executive Officer in 2020. With a deep desire to achieve health equity for all families and local communities, Akilah began her career in research at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and its affiliated nonprofit, the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS). While at FOCOS, she gained extensive fundraising and development experience and was a member of the team that opened the first modern orthopedic hospital in West Africa. Akilah holds a master’s degree in public health from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. She is an alum of the Princeton AlumniCorps Emerging Leaders program and currently serves on the executive board of veteran mental health nonprofit Operation: Heal Our Heroes.
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Lauren joined Room to Grow in 2016 and held several roles across the organization before stepping in as the Boston Director in 2024. Throughout her tenure, Lauren has been a driver of our fundraising success in Boston, led key organization-wide projects to support the team and enhance Room to Grow's operational infrastructure, and served as a strategic advisor to the CEO. Most importantly, she remains passionate and dedicated to her role in increasing equity and opportunity for all families. Lauren received her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and is a graduate of LeadBoston, an inclusive leadership program through YW Boston that provides professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network to propel their leadership forward. She currently resides in Charlestown with her husband Zach and their dog, Bobbie.
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Caroline Ervin is a jewelry specialist, gemologist, auctioneer, and media personality. She has over 10 years of experience in auctioneering and auction management across multiple disciplines. Caroline received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Colorado College in 2007 and a graduate degree in Gemology from the Gemological Institute of America in Manhattan in 2017. Caroline is currently the Director of Online Platforms at Bonhams auction house, as well as an on-air guest expert for QVC.
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For the past seven years, this passionate group of Magic: The Gathering players has shown up for families in a real and tangible way — raising more than $97,000 and donating over 1,000 essential baby and toddler items to support families in Boston and beyond. Year after year, they’ve chosen to partner with Room to Grow to turn connection and shared interests into meaningful impact. LOBSTERCON is what community looks like in action.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Champion
Elizabeth Brookhiser & Timothy Porter
Advocate
Lionel & Irene Harris • Austin & Sarah Krissoff • Carrie Leggett & David Pangburn • Sophie Rosen
Partner
Jenna & Aaron Bates • Annie & Ted Cavan • Rachel & Peter Grape • Clare & Drew Harker • Okan & Begum Okutgen • Annie & Brian Plancher • Maggie & Amor Towles
Supporter
Wilhelm & Tara Merck • Dorsey & Doug Miller • Shadman & Faiza Riaz • Kiernan & Gianna Nappi Somers
Friend
Kailey Theriault Baird & Nicholas Baird • Manfred & Kristen Caranci • The Gilmartin Family • Amanda Hindlian • Laurie Katz • Bryce & Chrissy Youngren • Mazur Real Estate
Thank you to our Supporters
In addition to our generous sponsors, thank you to our vendors and partners who helped make this evening possible:
Alec Cohen • Benefit Chairs & Committee • Caroline Ervin Robinson • CustomAwards • Encore Global • Four Seasons Hotel Boston • Imprint Items • Kiehl’s • Lucci Lambrusco • Lydia Fenet Agency • Maybelline • Quality Print Solutions • Rococo Florals • Room to Grow Team • Sam Sly Photography • Vitasana
Thank you Room to Grow program graduates who shared their memories and stories:
Crystal Corchado • Kate Deeran • Destiny Hopkins • Vivian Nassali • Ariela Reynoso
Thank you to our auction donors:
The Abaco Club • American Repertory Theater • Auburndale Wine and Spirits • Black Mountain • Cactus Club Cafe • Celtics Foundation • CRU Nantucket Oyster Bar • Doug & Dorsey Miller • Douzo Modern Japanese Restaurant • Eagle Mountain House • Elizabeth Brookhiser & Tim Porter • Eric Sutherland • Fanatics Foundation TM • Formaggio Kitchen • G2O Spa & Salon • Gina Hernandez • Harborview Nantucket • Helene Gelber • Himmel Hospitality Group • Inn at Thorn Hill • Jim O’Sullivan • Laurie Katz • Lionel and Irene Harris • The Lodge at Spruce Peak • Lucozzi Portraits • Major Food Group • Matthew Engel • Miller PCS • Nautilus • Patriots Foundation • POETRY • Sarah & Austin Krissoff • SlumberBash Boston • Stapleton Floral Assoc., Inc. • Stephen Nasiatka • Story Land • Table & Tulip • Tara Ryan • Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience • Wolf Cove Inn • Woodstock Inn & Resort • XV Beacon Hotel
Silent Auction
Featured Lots
LOT 102
A two-night stay in a cottage in Nantucket and with dinner at one of the most beloved restaurants
LOT 111
Bring together 10-12 friends for an unforgettable, guided wine tasting at your home,
LOT 112
Four nights in the heart of France’s wine and cognac country with boutique hotel stays, tastings, and full concierge service
LOT 304
Round of golf for 3 on the award-winning course at Silo Ridge Field Club in New York
The Silent Auction will close at 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, May 16.
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Room to Grow, including anyone who assists in the conduction of the auction, assumes no liability for any loss or damage caused by any person traveling or vacationing on any of the offered trips, nor any occurrence resulting from the use of the auctioned items and/or services sold. Estimates of retail values and descriptions of items have been made based on information provided by donors and deemed reliable. All items are sold “as is” subject to the conditions and restrictions stipulated by the donors. All auction items and services must be used within the time limits specified in the descriptions and are subject to the terms and conditions stipulated by the donors. All items are subject to scheduling and other restrictions and expire on May 15, 2027, unless otherwise indicated; dates and times are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the donor and buyer.
Please note buyers may not request refunds or exchanges from any donor or Room to Grow. Room to Grow reserves the right to withdraw any item at any time before the actual sale. Before items are picked up from our South End Family Center (400 Shawmut Avenue, Boston), items must be fully paid. Items may be picked up after 9:00 AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by appointment to jessie.beck@roomtogrow.org. Arrangements for any item(s) not picked up by Friday, July 31, 2026, will be made with the successful bidder at their expense. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, which is over and above the item's market value.SILENT AUCTION
The Silent Auction will close at 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, May 16. You will be notified via phone/email from GiveSmart if you have successfully won your item. Once you have paid for your items, Room to Grow staff will contact you to coordinate pick up. Please plan to pick your item(s) up or have them shipped by Friday, August 28, 2026, or items will be forfeited to Room to Grow. Please note that items cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Live Auction
Private Pasta Making Class with Chef Brian Miller
A private pasta making class and tasting menu dinner for 6–8 people led by Chef Brian Miller. Chef Brian has worked alongside Top Chef Season 13 winner Jeremy Ford and culinary legend Barbara Lynch, and previously ran the kitchen at Fat Hen — named to Boston Magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants.
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Private hands-on pasta making class for 6–8 guests
Full tasting menu dinner led by Chef Brian
Wine pairing from Auburndale Wine and Spirits
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Date based on Chef Brian’s availability; minimum two weeks’ notice required
Celtics Ball Kid Experience
Give the young one in your life the chance of a lifetime: to become a Boston Celtics Ball Kid at a 2026–27 home game. Spend warmups on the court alongside Jayson Tatum and the 18-time NBA champions before cheering them on from the stands.
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Ball kid experience at one Celtics home game during the 2026–27 regular season
Assist players during warmups on the court
Autographed basketball and Celtics swag
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Experience for the ball kid and two guests (three people total)
Center Court at the Boston Celtics
Sit center court at TD Garden, home of the 18-time NBA champions, Boston Celtics. Loge 1, Row 4 — there is no better seat in the house. Plus get a full kit of Celtics swag to wear proudly while you cheer them on.
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Four tickets — Loge 1, Row 4, Seats 17–20 at TD Garden, during 2026–27 regular season
Celtics hat, short sleeve shirt (L), tumbler, and quarter zip (L)
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Tickets available during 2026-2027 regular season, date mutually agreed upon, expires end of season
Golf at Fishers Island Club
A round of golf for three at one of the most exclusive courses in America: Fishers Island Club, ranked #9 in the country by Golf Digest. The donor joins as the 4th player. Includes boat transportation from Noank, CT, and lunch on the island.
This is not a course you can book. Fishers Island is private, small membership club, and has attracted New York and New England’s elite since 1928. Many golfers will never have the opportunity to play it in their lifetime, but tonight’s winner gets on because of a personal member connection in this room.
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Round of golf for three guests (donor joins as the fourth)
Boat transportation from Noank, CT
Lunch at the club
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Date subject to mutual agreement; spring and fall preferred, July and August are busiest
Spruce Peak Penthouse in Stowe, Vermont
Two nights in the three-bedroom penthouse at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, New England’s premier luxury mountain resort in Stowe, Vermont. Perfect for two couples, a family, or four friends. Includes golf for four on the private Mountain Course and daily spa access. Returning experience from last year!
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Two-night stay in the three-bedroom Penthouse at The Lodge at Spruce Peak
2,500 sq ft with private outdoor terrace and sweeping mountain views
Private check-in, dedicated concierge, and daily continental breakfast in the Penthouse Lounge
Round of golf for four on the private Mountain Course
Daily access to the 21,000 sq ft spa, including a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, rain shower, outdoor pool, and yoga and fitness center
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Non-holiday, midweek only (Mon–Thu after 10am) — no Saturday overnights, no blackout dates
Based on availability (very limited)
Does not include parking, tax, or resort fees
Expires end of golf season 2027
THE CROWN JEWEL: The Abaco Club
Three nights at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, one of the Bahamas’ most exclusive private clubs. Includes $1,500 toward airfare, a round of golf on the #1 course in the Bahamas, and access to world-class amenities — from the new beachfront Bay Club and spa to pickleball, padel, snorkeling, bonefishing, and sunset cruises on turquoise waters. Set across 500 acres with two miles of pristine private beach. This is not a trip you plan every year — it is a rare opportunity not available to the public that is made possible through a personal connection in this room.
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Three-night stay at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Great Abaco Island, Bahamas
$1,500 toward airfare
Round of golf on the #1 course in the Bahamas
Access to the club’s private beach, spa, infinity pool, and new Bay Club
Tennis, pickleball, padel, kayaking, hobie cats, snorkeling, bonefishing, and more
Personal concierge to coordinate your stay
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Reservations and tee times must be made in advance and are based on availability.
Non-transferable, may not be exchanged, sold, or reproduced
Black-out dates may apply.