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Bad Economy, Weather Drive Layoffs At First Night
The New Year's Eve snowstorm put a big financial dent in Boston's First Night organization.
WBUR'S Steve Brown has details.
First Night counts on last-minute button sales to help push the event into the black. But when the forecast called for snow — and lots of it — many folks decided to stay home. Instead of a million people taking part, the event drew only 300,000, and left the First Night organization with a $195,000 deficit.
First Night Executive Director Geri Guardino had to lay off three of First Night's five full-time employees.
GUARDINO: It was very difficult for me to lay off all those people, and to reduce salaries, including my own for this 10-week period, but, it's really a small price to pay, in light of ensuring the future of the organization.
Guardino is optimistic there will be a First Night 2010.
This program aired on January 16, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.