The Best Wizard Party Around
On October 10th, 2010, the HPA celebrated its 5th anniversary at the Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA. Andrew Slack opened the event by remarking on how exactly five years ago, a few blocks away in minuscule venue he said to a slightly different group “I truly believe that tonight, as we officially launch the Harry Potter Alliance, could be a historic night.” And indeed, it was. The Fifth Anniversary marked a new beginning, a re-dedication to the goals and mission of the Harry Potter Alliance, and a promise to our members, our chapters, and our supporters that the best and most powerful work of this organization is yet to come.
For our members and friends who couldn’t make it to Boston for the event, the show was broadcast live from our Livestream channel. Viewers tuned in throughout the night to hear amazing live performances by Justin Finch-Fletchley, Lauren Fairweather, The Whomping Willows, and Harry and the Potter who each regaled the audience with stories of their interactions with the HPA and why they have grown to love being apart of this organization and this community.
Other special guests included Andi Wheeler from Mass Equality and Sam Ender from Partners in Health. Andi spoke of the HPA’s extraordinary Wrock 4 Equality campaign, which reached more than 3597 residents of Main in just one day — a 1200% increase over Mass Equality’s previous record. Sam recalled the inspirational and unprecedented work of the HPA during our Helping Haiti Heal campaign which raised more than $123,000 for the Haitian earthquake victims in early 2010.
The evening also featured a tribute to our friend Esther Earl. Esther’s father, Wayne Earl, spoke about his daughter’s love of her friends and family and her overwhelming ability to accept those no matter how different they are. Wayne’s speech touched on many of the memories we all share of Esther, especially voting with Esther during the HPAFTW campaign, and reminded us all that her star will never go out.
