Rock the Boat is Mattapan Community Health Center's signature Fundraising Gala, which began in 1997. The goals of this Gala are to raise funds to support the health center's work, to recruit new friends for the Community Health Center Movement, and to increase the visibility of the Health Center.

The 1997 Gala, the Gala that set in motion the framework for the Health Center's Annual Galas, which was held every April for the first nine years on Boston's premier cruise tour ship Spirit of Boston. Since 2007 Mattapan Community Health Center has had to relocate to a larger land venue. For 2010 the new Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, located at 606 Congress Street, in Boston has been selected to host the event. The evening is filled with excitement and enthusiasm beginning with a Reception, and followed by Dinner, Awards Ceremony -- the Community Health Pinnacle Award, silent and live auctions, and finally then dancing to live music.

The Health Center has raised more than $2 million since 1997. Participation has increased more than 50% and sponsorships have also increased significantly since the beginning. We are proud that "Rock the Boat" has become synonymous with a "Night to Remember" as well as a "Good Time Event."