calendar & events : 2001 21st cf gala

The 21st Century Fund launched what has become our signature event - the 21st CF Gala - in October, 2001. To be successful for the long run, this first-of-its-kind event needed to achieve dramatic success right at the outset. In order to ensure that fast start, the 21st Century Fund asked Mike Dukakis to be its first honoree.

The three-term governor of Massachusetts and the 1988 Democratic nominee for President of the United States, Governor Dukakis has great loyalty to BHS - his wife, Kitty, and his sons and daughter are also alumni. His strong attachment to the school helped that first 21st CF Gala raise more than $100,000.

Thanks to the growth of the 21st Century Fund and the growing expertise of its volunteer leadership, each subsequent gala has enjoyed a sharp increase in funds raised. That success would not have been achieved without Mike Dukakis' trailblazing generosity of spirit and his great affection for his school.

Mistress of Ceremonies: Olympia Dukakis