EVERETT, MA (November 28, 2018) — Encore Boston Harbor today announced it has exceeded its fundraising goal, raising more than $300,000 for the New England Center for Arts and Technology (NECAT) – an organization that provides at-risk and resource-limited adults with a pathway to stable, long-term careers in the food services industry. Final funds were collected at Encore Boston Harbor’s first benefit event last night, totaling more than $370,000. In addition to the fundraising initiative, Encore will help NECAT’s graduates secure jobs and begin their careers within its 13 dining and lounge venues, scheduled to open in June 2019.

 

“We believe in investing in our employees, and the communities where we live and work,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Encore Boston Harbor. “Through our partnership with NECAT, we’re proud to make a significant impact by providing our community’s most vulnerable populations with the tools they need to rehabilitate their careers – and, we look forward to welcoming many of these trained graduates to our Encore Boston Harbor culinary team.”

 

Encore Boston Harbor’s first benefit event kicked off the charitable holiday season. NECAT student cooks teamed up with top chefs from Encore Boston Harbor, creating exquisite tasting menus and specialty cocktail pairings for guests. The evening featured live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and an auction with exclusive items for bid, including a pre-opening opportunity at Encore Boston Harbor and a “Sommelier for a Day” experience with the Director of Wine.

 

Martignetti, New England's leading distributor of fine wine and spirits, was the Presenting Sponsor of the evening, with a $50,000 donation to NECAT. Encore Boston Harbor also recognizes J.Derenzo Companies, Suffolk Cares, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Russelectric as lead contributors to NECAT.