City of Bright Nights Ball

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

Saturday, November 8, 2025

6:30pm to 12am

MGM Springfield

Tickets (Reservations Required)

Contact Spirit of Springfield - 413-733-3800/staff@spiritofspringfield.org

• Pair of Tickets - $800
• Table of 10 - $4,000
• Golden Circle Sponsor - $8,000

Activities

• Reception - 6:30pm to 7:45pm
• Silent Auction - 6:30pm to 9pm
• Dinner/Dancing - 8pm to Midnight
• Live Auction - 9:30pm

Dinner Choices

Grilled Flat Iron Steak

Brown Butter Silk Potatoes, Italian Broccolini, Red Wine Cremini Sauce

Salmon

Salsa Verde, Sweet Potato Puree, Calabacitas, Pimentón Oil, White Wine Dill Cream Sauce

Eggplant Quinoa ''Meatballs''

Pomodoro Sauce, Lemon Garlic Haricot Verts, Gremolada

Entertainment

Groove Authority

2025 

Sponsor

• Florence Bank

Chairman's Reception Sponsor

• Charlie Arment Trucking

Golden Circle Sponsors

• American Medical Response (AMR)
• Baystate Health/Health New England
• Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP
• The Colvest Group
• Comcast
• MassMutual
• Mercy Medical Center
• Monarch Enterprises
• MGM Springfield
• Monson Savings
• MP CPA's
• New England Business Machine
• PeoplesBank
• Springfield Business Improvement District
• Westfield Bank
• Westfield State University
• Yellowstone Landscape

Committee

• Anthony Cignoli, A. L. Cignoli Company
• Rebecca Coderre, RC Creative
• Matthew Flatow, Flowers, Flowers!
• Andres Gomez, MGM Springfield
• Andrew Jensen, Jx2 Productions
• Payton North, Hampden District Attorney Office
• Andrea St. James, Western New England University
• Josephine Sarnelli, CPA
• Dan Stezko, Flowers, Flowers!

Volunteers

• Western New England University Students

The City of Bright Nights Ball will host live and silent auctions.

Silent Auction

Register Today!

https://spiritofspringfield.home.qtego.us/

Closes Saturday, November 8th at 9pm

2026 Boston Red Sox Tickets - 4 Premier Seats with Convenient Parking 1 Block from Fenway Park (Donated by Steve Roberts)

Elite Island Resorts - Antigua, Panama, and Barbados

Smith & Wesson Firearm - Body Guard 2.0

Viking Bags Tactical XL Motorcycle Backpack

Sturbridge Village - Family Admission Pass

Jewelry, Purses, and More!

Live Auction Items

Andrea Bocelli Concert

Four premier tickets for the Saturday, December 13th  at 8pm at the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut

Seats:  Sec 115, Row E, Seat 7 - 10

MGM Springfield Boston Red Sox Box for 22 Plus motorcoach transportation by King Gray Coachlines

More great items to be annouced!

If you have something you would like to donate, email amy@spiritofspringfield.org.