Joe and Kathy O’Donnell’s annual Joey O’Donnell Film Premiere returns this weekend for an evening of food, fun and a special movie screening.
Now in its 33rd year, the event raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of the couple’s son Joey, who passed away after a battle with the disease. Following their son’s death, Joe and Kathy created the Joey Fund in 1986 and have raised more than $100 million for cystic fibrosis research.
The couple hosts a film premiere each year at the Natick Mall’s Neiman Marcus Court, where attendees get a first look at a Hollywood flick before anyone else has the chance to see it. This year’s event, which takes place Nov. 5, features a screening of director Aaron Sorkin’s “Molly’s Game,” starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner. The film officially opens in Boston on Christmas Day.
“The Boston community has supported the Joey Fund and so many other charitable efforts for nearly 40 years,” says Joe. “Without this collective effort over a very long time, the impending CF cure doesn’t exist.”
The festivities will also include tasty bites courtesy of Porcini’s, Kowloon, Piantedosi Baking Company, Trade, Italcrust, Grill 23 & Bar and other local restaurants. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend this year’s film premiere.
If you go:
Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., Neiman Marcus Court, Natick Mall 310 Speen St., Natick, filmpremiere2017.eventscff.org
