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by Janet Tice, GMP Piping, with photos by Joyce Chiu, Perceptive Informatics

Outgoing President Sylvia Beaulieu thanked volunteers for their contributions to the Chapter.

In another "first" for the Boston Area Chapter, members and guests gathered at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Boston on June 16th for an evening of food, drink, networking and a live performance by the ImprovBoston comedy team. The Chapter used the event to honor our many hardworking volunteers, all of whom were invited to attend at no charge. In addition, they received a special thank you from outgoing President Sylvia Beaulieu for their invaluable contributions to the Chapter during the past year and a voucher for free attendance at an educational program of their choice during the upcoming 2010-11 program season. (Those volunteers who missed the event will receive their voucher in the mail.)

Incoming President Jim Grunwald fornd himself in the hot seat during ImprovBoston.

As if that weren't enough, the event also acted as a benefit for Backpacks for Kids, a local nonprofit that donates backpacks complete with school supplies to Boston area children in need. Attendees who brought back packs and/or school supplies received free tickets for raffle items generously donated by RW Sullivan (Red Sox tickets), Integrated Builders (video camera), Hard Rock Café/ImprovBoston ($150 gift certificate), American Plant Maintenance (autographed Celtics photo) and GMP Piping (Red Tail Golf Club, Devens - $200 gift certificate plus private golf lesson).

Boston's Hard Rock Cafe provided an exciting backdrop for this year's Spring Social & Volunteer Appreciation.

All in all, attendees donated 10 backpacks, two Red Sox gym bags and tons of school supplies. Plus, the event raised over $300 for the purchase of additional supplies by Backpacks for Kids which is now well on its way toward reaching its goal of 500 backpacks this year, thanks to generous ISPE members!

Another brave Chapter Member takes the stage...

After an hour or so of socializing and snacking on a dazzling array of appetizers, members were coaxed into their chairs for ImprovBoston whose members provided entertainment custom-crafted especially for the Chapter. Comedy routines were created on the spot - that's why they call it improv! - with the life sciences industry and those who work there as the central theme. Chapter Officers Sylvia Beaulieu and Jim Grunwald took more than their share of ribbing - proving they each have a sense of humor equal to their leadership skills. Jim even took the stage at one point for a prolonged (and hilarious) interrogation by the Improv team. To his credit, he kept his cool throughout - good practice for the role of Chapter President!

Many thanks to Chris Opolski and his hardworking Social Committee who did a great job creating another fun and relaxing get together for Chapter members. And special thanks to all the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to making the Chapter shine!