WESTON -- Regis College hosted its first annual Let It Shine Gala that raised nearly $1 million in scholarship funds for students.

The gala, held Oct. 20 at the State Room in Boston, was a "who's who" of Boston with special guests including Governor Charlie Baker who made a surprise appearance to congratulate philanthropist Virginia Kaneb, a member of the class of 1957 and recipient of the college's Shining Example Award.

Red Sox legend Jim Rice energized the crowd by donating a signed David Ortiz jersey which Jack Connors auctioned for $10,000. Renowned "Make Way for Ducklings" sculptor Nancy Schon attended and created an original piece of art that was presented to Mrs. Kaneb by Regis President Antoinette Hays and Chair of the Regis Board John Tegan. Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley delivered a blessing.

The event was co-chaired by Anne Finucane, vice chairman of Bank of America, and John Fish, CEO and chairman of Suffolk Construction Company. John Kaneb, CEO of HP Hood, and his six sons and extended family attended, as well as Thomas O'Neill, Regis trustee and CEO of O'Neill and Associates; Dr. Mary Jane England, former Regis President; Barry Sloane and Linda Sloane Kay of Century Bank; John Mahoney, former CFO of Staples; George and Tish Carney, Raynham Park owners; Pat Purcell of the Boston Herald; Dr. John Libertino, former CEO of Lahey Clinic; Paul Dacier, former EMC Corp. general counsel; Barry Hynes of Cushman and Wakefield; Deb Goldberg, Massachusetts State Treasurer; and Ophelia Dahl of Partners In Health.

Regis senior Blessing Ajaero performed "Let It Shine" and "You Raise Me Up." Sister Rosemary Brennan, CSJ, president of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, delivered the opening prayer, and Kelley Tuthill, VP of Marketing and Communications, served as emcee.