With December's arrival on Boston College's campus comes small subtleties such as the lit tree in front of Gasson Hall, the inclusion of gingerbread-flavored coffee in the dining halls, and the adornment of twinkle lights gleaming through residence hall windows that constantly remind students of the upcoming holiday season. This year's 20th annual Breaking the Barriers Ball honoring the Carol DiMaiti Stuart Foundation will only heighten more important aspects of the Christmas season with its roots in preventing further race-related animosity in Boston.
In previous years, the ball was held in the O'Connell House on Upper Campus. On Friday however, the event will occur on the first floor of Gasson Hall, as it has for the past four years. Students can be expected to look forward to beautiful decorations garnishing the Rotunda and Irish Hall as well as other festive amenities.
This year's benefit includes a laundry list of performances by BC bOp!, the Sharps, the Heightsmen, the Voices of Imani, the Bostonians, the Acoustics, and the Dynamics. Also, a new and more extensive menu selection will offer gourmet appetizers, a buffet style dinner, various desserts, coffee, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider.
Student attendance in previous years has been sporadic, which has been attributed to the fact that the ball has never been able to be held on the preferred date. Fortunately for many, the ball has been planned to occur on a Friday, which will hopefully draw in more people who do not have class obligations over the weekend.
Another incentive for students to attend is the invite that went to all University professors earlier in the month. This traditional mingling of professors and students has always been a popular feature. The cheery, holiday atmosphere of the ball gives students a great opportunity to meet with professors outside of the classroom under more relaxed, stress-free circumstances.
"The professors are encouraged to bring their families, so students might want to meet them. The food and the entertainment are great - a reason all by itself!" said Vanessa Careiro, A&S '08.
Also, when students purchase their $10 tickets at Robsham Theatre for the event, they receive an extra invitation to be given to a staff member or professor of their choosing.
A raffle is planned to occur throughout the night, and donations will always be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Carol DiMaiti Stuart Foundation, which was established after a series of investigations unrightfully targeted an innocent African American in the murder of a woman and her unborn child. The accusations immediately sparked severe race-related hostility in Boston. Currently, the foundation provides scholarships to students from the Mission Hall District.
"The Ball fits in because one of the goals of the foundation is to make an effort to break the barriers of race relations, at least in this neighborhood," said Careiro.
This year's ball will provide a temporary escape from hustle-and-bustle that hectic Christmas holidays can bring. But also, there is hope that students will not forget the charitable causes they support by attending.
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