Over $300,000 was raised at the Sixth Annual Boston Change-Maker’s Ball on May 12th, providing a vital boost for Self Help Africa’s programs across Africa.

“This was truly a night to celebrate change in Africa,” said Self Help Africa’s James Kelly. “The community of support in Boston for our work is just so remarkable, and their generosity is outstanding.”

A highlight on the night was the Spirit of Africa awardee James Weru, an agricultural trader who had flown in from Kenya for the event. He told the event about his experience selling organic avocados – purchased with SHA trading initiative TruTrade – into the European market, and helping poor Kenyan farmers to access better prices as a result. “These farmers could not have received the help that they did without Self Help Africa,” he said.

Expertly MC’ed by Butch Stearns, and with a live auction featuring Billy Costa, the night was one to remember!

Many thanks to our patrons and event sponsors, including:

Platinum Sponsor Roche Bros, Gold Sponsor: Bozzuto’s Inc and Delta Air Lines, and Silver Sponsor Eastern Bank – Richard Donald.

Silver Sponsors Jay and Laurie Roche, and Rick Roche; Event Sponsor James Kilduff, Gold Medal Bakery, Imperial Distributors; and photography Sponsor Redwood & Rye Studio, Jamie Ivins.

Gold Table Sponsors: Barbara Roche, Hans Kissle–Ken Venti, MIT – Dr. Peter Hirst, Roche Bros – Eddie Roche, Taurus Investment Holdings – Peter Merrigan

Silver Table Sponsors: Boston Partners Financial Group, LLC – Noel Dulac, Brodigan & Gardiner LLP – Michael Brodigan, EY – Bradley Routhier, Phil Hartmann, Google – Veronica Criniti, Just Happy Tears – Lisa McKelvey, Law Firm of Torres, Scammon, Hincks & Day – Ben Hincks, Liam & Jacqui McClennon, Myriad Group – Kate Criniti, RSM US LLP – Terrence Kennedy

Personal Table Heads: Laura Cuddihy, Dr. Joe & Susan D’Alton, Phil Hartmann, John & Ann Hincks, Kevin Malloy, Trevor & Angela McGill, Tom Olivier, Michael Prendergast, Bradley Routhier, and Michelle Serpa

Thanks too to our prize sponsors – Ben Hincks, Bespoke Cycling, Billy Costa, Bon Appetit, Bostonia, Boston Organics, Blonde Beauchamp, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston Red Sox, Callahan Construction, Cara Travel, Castle Durrow, Cathal Conlan, Christina Tamer, Cruit Island Golf Club, Crystal Travel, David Doyle, David O’Shaughnessy, Deep Eddy, Delta Air Lines, Dessie Farrell, Dina Abu-jawdeh, Druids Glenn Resort Eddie Roche, Fairmount Hotel (San Francisco), Franz Loeber Gaelic Players Association, Gillian McColgan, Harry Johansen, Jamie Ivins, Janet O’Connor, Jillian’s & Lucky Strike, Joan and Martin McEntee, Kate Criniti, Kevin Malloy, Lisa McKelvey Megan Long, Meghan Clifford, Michelle Serpa, MIT, New England Patriots, New England Revolutions, Paul O’Connor, Peter Hirst, Peter Merrigan, Redwood & Rye Studio, Rick Mckenna, Roche Bros., Romantic Castles Group, Ronan Downs, Rory McIlroy, Sam Adams Brewery, Sara Stanton, Sofitel (Chicago), Stephen Johnson, Tara Maguire, Taproom307, Tavern29, Temazcal, The Cronin Group, The Ginger Man, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Paul Hotel Group, The Seaport Hotel, The Waterfront Hotel Dungloe, Trailblazer Tours Boston, TRYP Hotel (NYC), Veronica Criniti.

And thank you to all who participated in this amazing night! Find a selection of pictures from this amazing evening below. All photos from the evening are available on our Facebook page.