Dorchester Reporter

November 22, 2006

A unique fundraiser at Dorchester's Freeport Hall (IBEW) raised $11,000 for bipolar children last weekend. The event was the brainchild of Mary Ann McDonnell, co-founder of STEP Up 4 Kids, the bene. ting nonpro . t. The donations were raised via ticket sales to a top notch blues festival and both silent and live auctions. T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n draws its names from its four-fold mission from which stems its name: support, treatment, education and prevention. It achieves these goals through the creation of models for support groups which have formed nationwide, the formation of collaborations and seminars between researchers and clinicians, and an informational website, STEPUp4Kids.org. The funds raised last night will support these endeavors and donations to the organization are always excepted. Despite the evening's sobering reality that 1.5 million children are af. icted with this disabling genetic disease, its atmosphere was anything but grim. Mike "Monster" Welch and his band wowed guests and blues great James Montgomery and his band (who recently played at the Red Sox Hall of Fame Induction as well as at the Room to Grow bene. t) riveted guests to the dance . oor with rock and blues originals and long time classics. Rare is the fundraiser that requires that guests be asked to leave, but this was one. Other distinguished guests included The Biopolar Child's authors Janice Papolos and Dimitri Papolos, and Janet Wozniack, director of the pediatric bipolar program at Mass General Hosptial. The event was coordinated by Dorchester event design firm, Consortium Events. Most people wouldn't think to bring together researchers giants and blues giants, but this was an obvious and effective fusion across McDonnell's extremely eclectic social circles. As if this unique marriage were not enough of a juxtaposition, auction items re. ected her solicitations to, and generosity on the part of, the Bruins, the Celtics and the Patriots. Among other valuable winnings, McDonnell's own son successfully outbid guests for a basketball signed by the Celtics team members.