Over $60k Raised for This Star Won't Go Out Gala

It was an evening under the stars for Quincy-based "This Star Won't Go Out." TSWGO provides funds to help pay for travel, a mortgage or rent check, and other cost of living expenses for the families of children with cancer. The purpose of the gift is to relieve some normal everyday life burdens, so the parents can focus on what really matters - their child.

The gala also honored the memory of 16-year old Esther Earl, an "avid Nerdfighter and passionate Harry Potter fan," who died four years after her diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Esther was the inspiration behind the bestselling novel and this past summer's blockbuster movie "The Fault in Our Stars."

Since its founding in 2011 by Esther’s parents, Lori and Wayne Earl, TSWGO has given out more than 75 gifts totaling $125,000 to help families suffering from financial hardship related to childhood cancer.

"I'm blown away by the city of Quincy and beyond for showing up in full force!" Banerjee said on Twitter.

Local celebrities and business people attended the event that was hosted by Banerjee including Ernie Boch Jr., who donated $25,000 to the cause. There was also a raffle and silent auction with donated items to raise money for the event. Among the many things up for auction were a behind the scenes tour of FOX 25; lunch with Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch; an autographed hockey stick from Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg; and a private dinner for 10 cooked by celebrity chef (and brother of Mark & Donnie) Paul Wahlberg.

Ramiro Torres from JAM'n 94.5 helped Banerjee with the raffle and silent auction duties, and Rich DiMare of KISS 108 was the deejay for the night.

If you would like to find out more about This Star Won't Go Out, you can visit their website at www.tswgo.org.

To make a donation to the cause, you can donate directly through PayPal:

Or send a check to:

This Star Won't Go Out
118 Billings Street
Quincy MA 02171