Smallbean's second annual fundraiser, "Celebrating the Smallbean Citizen Archivist Project" was a smashing success. The event, which took place last Thursday at the Ivy Restaurant's Cava Lounge in Downtown Crossing, had over 60 attendees.

For the first hour or so, guests had the chance to examine a working MobileCAP unit (including the Photo Tagging software created at New England GiveCamp) and view various videos and photographs of the Citizen Archivist Project in action. We also made a point to display our many auction packages, including Anna's homemade Smallbean brownies, to entice our guests for the auction later in the evening.

Smallbean Brownies

Sean Hewens

Midway through the evening’s festivities, Sean gave a speech both thanking the guests and briefly explaining Smallbean's initiatives and future goals. Sean also explained that all proceeds from the evening’s event would be directly supporting the MobileCAP project in Kenya launching in just over a week. Following the speech we announced the raffle winners, and the live auction was off and running!

Tristan Snell

The auction was definitely the highlight of the night. Our auctioneer extraordinaire, Tristan Snell, had the guests hanging on his every word from the moment he opened his mouth. With his artful description of each auction package, Snell skillfully kept us laughing while urging prospective donors to give just a little bit more in support of Smallbean. The auction was a success, thanks both to Tristan’s skill as an auctioneer and the fabulous auction items that Smallbean volunteers were able to acquire from generous and supportive local merchants around the Boston area. The funds we raised will go a long way toward covering the costs of the MobileCAP initiative in Kenya.

Smallbean would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all who came out to support us at the event. The event's success would not have been possible without you! And now, please stay tuned for updates from Kenya!

Some more pictures from the event:

Jim Hamski at the registration table

Some of the tasty tapas

The attendees were of all ages

Chatting up the Citizen Archivist Project

Guests listening in on Hewens' speech included Smallbean team members Kristly Thomley and Tatiana Bogina

Tristan Snell shows off the Tanzanian Safari and Hotel Stay Package

Smallbean's own Anna Norcross

Smallbean interns Kamilah Welch, Alice Tang, Amy Hufnagle, and Sadye Sagov (not pictured)