2026 STEP into Grace

You're Invited: Please join Project STEP on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Grace by Nia in Boston's Seaport. This incredible evening will feature music, student performances, libations, food, and friends. All proceeds support Project STEP students and programs. A full list of Sponsorship Benefits can be found on the event website page

WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5:30-9:00pm
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.
EMCEE: Amaka Ubaka, 7 NEWS, WHDH-TV
DRESS: Party attire - whatever makes you feel GREAT!
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.

The William Moyer Champion of Change Awardee: Lecolion Washington, CMCB

“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, Executive Director, Community Music Center of Boston

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

Read the Press Release

Event Sponsors
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
Delight & Paul Dodyk
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
Betsy Moyer
Morisset Real Estate, LLC
Taneshia Nash Laird
Elisa Pepe
Vivo Performing Arts

Generous In-Kind Support:
Anonymous
J. Baehre
Boston Harbor City Cruises
Boston POPs | Boston Symphony Orchestra
Melinda K. Cheston
Gibson
Grace by Nia
Guitar Center
Liz’s Cafe
Dianne Luby
Marriott | Sheraton Boston Hotel
Matthew Muise Photography
Alex McCray & Richard MacMillan
Alisa Rodny
The Williams Family

Honorary Committee
as of 2/17/26
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbella
Sheila Green, American Revolution 250th Anniversary Coordinator, Massachusetts
Andrés Holder, Executive Director, Boston Children's Chorus
Taneshia Nash-Laird, Civic Innovator and Cultural Strategist
Betsy Moyer, wife of founder William Moyer
Lee Pelton, President & CEO, The Boston Foundation
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
Chad Smith, Julian and Eunice Cohen President and CEO, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Event Committee
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