While sometimes sequels can be a let down from the original, the complete opposite can be said about the 2023 edition of the EDPA Northeast Chapter’s annual fundraiser, “Rally at the Alley.”
On March 23, NE Chapter members far and wide came together at Foxborough’s Splitsville restaurant and bowling center in the heart of Patriot Place, this time to benefit Dana Esposito, EVP Strategy of BlueHive Exhibits.
It was clear from the event turnout and proceeds collected that Dana’s 25+ years in the industry has not gone unnoticed. The room was full of present and former colleagues from pretty much every company she has worked for, as well as other industry colleagues and associates, all of whom are still connected with Dana and counted as friends.
In fact, this year’s event came in at record-breaking attendee numbers for guests and bowlers as well as for donations and sponsorships. We had 115 attendees, 68 bowers, 20 sponsoring companies and an additional 6 companies contributing during the event. In total, the EDPA Northeast members and member companies raised $17,038.18 for Dana and her family to help offset her medical costs.
Dana, who suffered a broken and fractured pelvis, broken and fractured ribs, a fractured sacrum, and broken and fractured transverse process bones in her lower back when she was thrown from a horse while on a charity horse ride on November, 20, 2022, walked (!) into the party to tumultuous applause and cheers.
Since the accident, Dana has had surgery at Mass General and was there for a week and a half before being moved to Spaulding Rehab, where she could not even sit up when she first arrived. After two and a half weeks of rigorous physical therapy, she was able to go home a week ahead of schedule and had been wheelchair-bound since Spaulding. In early March, Dana began walking again, and has since continued her recovery to be able to walk with only the assistance of a cane.
Dana has been in our industry for over 25 years. She is an exhibit designer, and a creative and corporate leader, championing the success of the companies she works for, their clients, and future industry talent. She is on the EDPA Board of Directors, is the Co-chair of the EDPA University Affiliation Committee where she manages the mentorship program and was one of the founding members who restarted the EDPA Northeast chapter.
We are so proud of our members for coming together in support of a dear friend and colleague who clearly has dedicated her life to this industry. It was a fantastic night full of fun, networking, bowling entertainment and, of course, celebrating Dana.
