Save the Date
WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5:30 – 9:30 pm
WHERE: Grace by Nia – 60 Seaport Blvd. | Boston, MA
WHY: Our most important annual fundraiser. Support Project STEP students, music education, and equity in the arts.
HONORING: Lecolion Washington, Executive Director of Community Music Center of Boston, to receive the William Moyer Champion of Change Award
EMCEE: Amaka Ubaka, 7 NEWS, WHDH-TV
You’re Invited: Please join Project STEP on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Grace by Nia to celebrate and raise funds for Project STEP; the nation’s first college and career pathway program for students of color in classical music. Sip handcrafted cocktails and savor bold, modern soul-food flavors at Grace by Nia in Boston’s vibrant Seaport District. Hear live performances from Project STEP’s brilliant young artists, and connect with Boston’s most inspiring leaders and changemakers.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which celebrates the legacy of Project STEP’s founder, Bill Moyer. Music has always been an important part of my personal and professional life, but as a young black bassoonist in Texas, I didn’t always have accessible opportunities for music education. This recognition strengthens my commitment to ensuring that all young people can find their place in the arts.” – Lecolion Washington
The William Moyer Champion of Change Award honors the legacy of Project STEP’s founder William (Bill) Moyer. Bill’s visionary leadership and commitment to equity in classical music were instrumental in the founding of Project STEP. The award recognizes individuals who champion diversity, create opportunities, and make a lasting impact in the arts and beyond, embodying Bill’s principles and the core values of Project STEP: community, collaboration, and excellence. Photo by Rue Sakayama
PARKING: We encourage you to make a plan for parking prior to to the event:
• Consider using a ride-share service such as Uber or LYFT.
• Take the MBTA Red Line to South Station. Hop on any Silver Line bus and go one stop to Courthouse.
• Parking Garages: One Seaport Garage (75 Sleeper Street), Fan Pier Garage/Pilgrim Parking (1Bond Drive). Please note parking can be up to $45 for a 4-hour event.
• Try the smart phone application Spot Hero to find the best available price/spot near the venue.
as of 2/17/26
Presto Sponsors
Barbara and Amos Hostetter
Dianne Luby
Vivace Sponsors
Anonymous
Allegro Sponsors
Diane M. Austin & Aaron J. Nurick
Melinda K. Cheston
J.R. Dreyer
Meghan Jasani & Adam Margolin
Kyra Montagu
Betsy Moyer
Andante Sponsors
Anonymous, Board of Directors
Goetz Eaton & Ted Davis
Johnson String Instrument
Pat Krol & Steve Chiumenti
Christopher & Sara Mackey
Jodie & Paul McMenamin
Wilhelm & Tara Merck
Taneshia Nash Laird
Elisa Pepe
Vivo Performing Arts
Generous In-Kind Support:
Anonymous
J. Baehre
Boston Harbor City Cruises
Melinda K. Cheston
Grace by Nia
Guitar Center
Liz’s Cafe
The Williams Family
as of 2/17/26
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell
Sheila Green, American Revolution 250th Anniversary Coordinator, Massachusetts
Andrés Holder, Executive Director, Boston Children’s Chorus
Betsy Moyer, wife of founder William Moyer
Taneshia Nash Laird, Civic Innovator and Cultural Strategist
Lee Pelton, President & CEO, The Boston Foundation
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
Chad Smith, Julian and Eunice Cohen President and CEO, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Audley H. Fuller, Event Committee Chair & Board of Directors, Project STEP
Jessica Chen, Senior Director of Development and External Relations, Community Music Center of Boston
Melinda K. Cheston, Board of Directors, Project STEP
Carla Haith, Ph.D., Board of Directors, Project STEP
Sara E. Kitaeff, Esq., Clerk, Board of Directors, Project STEP
Alex McCray, Board of Directors, Project STEP
Tara Merck, Board of Directors, Project STEP
Elisa Pepe, President, Board of Directors, Project STEP
Kenneth Wilson, Executive Assistant, Community Music Center of Boston
