Bill Brett and Will Moses Highlight Blackstone's United Way Christmas Campaign

Blackstone's of Beacon Hills' (46 Charles St.) third annual 12-Days of Christmas Celebration and their mission to give back to the local community takes on a new and novel approach this year. Beginning Monday, December 1st, Blackstone's will launch a creative fundraising campaign designed to provide holiday gifts for those in need while at the same time providing needed funds for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. A united effort of many including Globe photographer Bill Brett, children’s book illustrator Will Moses, together with Blackstone's customers, vendors, neighbors and friends, will be part of Blackstone's charity drive. "We're calling our campaign Build a Basket of Cheer at Blackstone’s and Watch the Giving Grow," says co-owner Jennifer Hill.

How does it work? Over 20 valued vendors (see list of participating vendors at end of press release) have donated many of their fine products to Blackstone’s. Each item donated will have a small suggested price that when purchased by a customer will become a gift to be place in the front window under a Christmas tree and later donated to area churches such as the Park Street Church and community organizations such as Beacon House. The money raised by the purchase of the donated items will be given to support United Way of Massachusetts Bay activities in our local area. "It cannot be said often enough how much we appreciate our valued customers and generous vendors who believe along with us that the season of giving does not begin or end with Christmas, but is a continuum throughout the year and that if the common good can become a common goal then working together much can be done for our community, "says co-owner Mark Duffield.

“We are excited about our new partnership with Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill,” said Wally DeGuglielmo, Senior Development Director at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “In these tough times, we have seen first-hand how the current economic climate is affecting everyone in our region – including the thousands of small businesses in our communities. So when I received the call from Mark and Jennifer about how they could help out, I was thrilled. We are so appreciative of their generosity – and that of their customers. Their efforts will truly make a difference in the lives of children and families in Greater Boston.”

Other activities included in Blackstone's 12-Days of Christmas are as follows:

Monday, December 1st
Blackstone’s 12-days will begin December 1st with an appearance by Emerson College's famous A Cappella group, NoteWorthy. NoteWorthy, founded in 2002, is an 11-piece co-ed A Cappella ensemble. They will graciously perform at Blackstone’s from 4 to 7pm singing many holiday favorites in a wonderfully rich melodic style that is truly amazing!

Wednesday, December 3rd
From 4 – 7pm, long-time Boston Globe photographer Bill Brett will be signing his new book, Boston: A year in the life. His first two books, Boston, All in the Family and Boston, An Extended Family have been extremely popular. Bill has been taking pictures for the Boston Globe for over 40 years and his new book is yet another wonderful example of his immense skill with an extraordinary intimate and affectionate portrait of the city. He has dedicated a full year to capturing the life of Boston from neighborhood to neighborhood, and from face to face, taking one picture every day of the year. Of his effort, David G. Mugar has written, “What Monet did for Paris with his brush, what Tennessee Williams did for New Orleans with words, and what Duke Ellington did for Harlem with music, Bill Brett has done for Boston with his photographs.”

Saturday, December 6th
Famous illustrator and children's book author Will Moses returns to Blackstone’s for a second appearance on Saturday December 6th first at the Hill House (3:30 to 4:30pm) and than Blackstone’s (5 to 7pm), to sign copies of his newest book, Raining Cats and Dogs. Will's complete collection of illustrated books and whimsical jigsaw puzzles will be available for signing including last year's big favorite, The Night Before Christmas.

About Will Moses
Will is a fourth generation member of the renowned Moses family which includes his great-grandmother, Grandma Moses. Basically self-taught, Will began painting when he was only four years old. Today, although his style is reminiscent of that of his celebrated great-grandmother, it is more complex and sophisticated.

His work illustrating and writing children's books has been prolific. Philomel Books/Penguin Books for Young Readers, have now published seven books to date: Silent Night, The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle, Johnny Appleseed, Mother Goose, Hansel and Gretel and The Night Before Christmas and in his newest book released this fall Raining Cats and Dogs, a delightful book of illustrated idioms such as "in a pickle," "short fuse," "let the cat out of the bag" as well as many others. Will's work remains in constant demand by both private and corporate collectors alike. A few of the notable collections where his paintings may be found are those of the White House, The Smithsonian Institution, the New York State Museum, the Bob Hope collection, the Herrick collection, the Bennington Museum and the J.M. Smucker Collection.

Thursday-December 11
Blackstone’s will once again be a part of the wildly popular Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll, one of the most anticipated holiday celebrations of them all. For one glorious evening, Charles Street on Beacon Hill is closed down allowing friends, families and neighbors to roam from store to store enjoying holiday cheer while completing their last minute Christmas lists. Stores stay open until 9:00pm serving refreshments while all around there are activities aplenty including horse and carriage rides, roving Christmas carolers and even an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

All-in-all, a great way to spend the holiday season at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill and amongst the many fine shops in historic Beacon Hill.