HughE Dillon: Gilda’s Club Benefit
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and as you may know, last December my sister Judy Wilkens, who was an RN and graduated from Gwynedd Mercy College, died of the disease at age 49. After she was diagnosed, she went to Gilda’s Club in Somers Point, where she joined the knitting club, participated in group discussions, and learned to apply makeup after the chemo caused her eyebrows to fall off. It was these little things that made her quality of life a little more bearable. This year I wanted to help Gilda’s Club by raising money for the free services they provide to their clients. So on Monday night, I hosted a benefit at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Marlton. Pictured left is my mom with Miss Philadelphia Andrea Helfrich at the event. See today’s slideshow for lots of pics from the fantastic party.
OUT AND ABOUT
On Monday night, while I was hosting the Gilda’s Club benefit for my sister at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Marlton, Flyers goalie Jérémy Duchêsne was enjoying a steak in the next room.
Last night, Positano Coast hosted Sam Rockwell and Tony Goldwyn at 6 p.m. Then the gang crossed the street to watch a sneak preview of their new movie Conviction starring Hilary Swank. After the movie, Rockwell and Goldwyn entertained a few questions from the audience.
Spotted in town yesterday: Actor, comedian, and writer Anthony Anderson, first at Sigma Sound. Then in the evening he was “killing it on the mike at Yakitori Boy.”
Minnesota Vikings Hank Baskett was spotted at Le Méridien yesterday afternoon, sans his blonde Playmate wife Kendra Wilkinson. Hmm. I hear that the reality show has not wrapped, and you might still see them filming around Philadelphia into October.
Last week I received a tweet from Brittany Binger (co-star on Kendra’s reality show), who wanted to know if I had taken any photos of her while she was here. I hadn’t but said I hope I had the chance. She was nice enough to tell me when she was leaving her hotel last Saturday (Le Méridien) to catch a plane outta town. I overslept. Darn! I still don’t have a picture of her.
Fashion Alert: Today, Nigel Barker, renowned fashion photographer, television personality, and humanitarian, will host the Fall Fashion Show at Macy’s Center City in celebration of Philadelphia Collection 2010. (5:30 p.m., 2nd floor of Women’s Collection). Folks buying his new book Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equation: Revealing a Better and More Beautiful You will get a meet-and-greet as well as an autograph of the book.
Cocktail Alert: On Thursday, the effervescent Jenny Cross of the Food Network’s America’s Worst Cooks will be guest bartending at Le Meridien’s Amuse bar on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local artist organization, InLiquid.org.
Rumors: I heard a whisper that a newly renovated Denim Lounge will be opening in a few weeks at 1712 Walnut Street. The new name will be Whisper, and it’s going to be an ultra-modern dance club with two dance floors, seating, bottle service, and, of course, a VIP area.