HughE Dillon One-Shot: Radnor Hunt
The good and uninspired among the picnic award winners.
On Saturday, the Radnor Hunt Races celebrated its 82nd anniversary with the spring tradition of steeplechase, picnics, competition and stylish outfits—many topped with a hats. The theme for this year was "Islands Big and Small," a concept that brought out tropical flowers, the Caribbean sounds of steel drums and platters of seafood. Prizes were handed out in the various categories for best hat, funniest tie, best tailgaters and best picnic, as determined by a panel of judges. In first place for group picnic: Eric Seestedt, whose group calls themselves the Ex-Pirates Society, did a fantastic job at recreating "Fantasy Island," with cardboard wings and engines added to a sports car for the plane; Mr. Roarke and Tattoo were on hand to greet the guests. The best individual picnic was won by Melissa Hancock and Jonathan Schao, whose theme was "Nantucket." Below: Bob and Sandy Seltzer of Chester Springs won the "undistinguished award" for the most uninspired picnic display. It wasn't lost on the judges that the Seltzer's served pizza and beer for their main meal. They received a black ribbon and black balloon. Their theme was the "Tacky Tourist Inn." Check out PhillyChitChat for all my pics of the well-dressed crowd.
HughE Dillon: Barnes Opening Gala
VIP guest list included Governor Corbett, Mayor Nutter, Brian Williams, Ed Rendell, Hamiltons, Kimmels and more.
The Barnes Foundation opened with a grand gala on Friday night. (I title this photo: WOW, wow, wow.) The new jewel of Philadelphia's museum collection made its official debut at 6:30 p.m., after many years of anticipation and heated debate on its move from Merion to Philadelphia's Champs Elysees. Attended by nearly 900 at an eye-popping ticket price of $5,000, the philanthropic guests enjoyed the first look at the new home for Albert Barnes's art collection. Under a large tent, in the shadow of the building, they dined on a three-course meal by Aramark's catering arm (1st and Fresh) and enjoyed a program with emcee Brian Williams. The funds raised at the opening galas (there was another one Saturday night after Friday sold out in record time; Saturday's ticket price $1,500/guest) go directly to the endowment for the preservation of artwork and education programs. Gala co-chairs were Aileen K. Roberts, Barnes Foundation trustee, Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, James E. Rohr, chairman and CEO of PNC Financial Services Group, and Sharon C. Rohr.
HughE Dillon: A Night of Broadway Stars
Big voices perform for Covenant House’s fund-raising gala at the Kimmel Center.
On Monday night, the Covenant House presented "A Night of Broadway Stars" at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater. Covenant House provides crucial services to homeless kids. Event committee chair Mary O'Neill Griesser is with friends Pat Riley, Kathy Tomson, and Marty Macartney.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Teresa Giudice at Parx
The reality TV star celebrated Mother’s Day Italian-style.
Last Friday, Real Housewives of New Jersey and Celebrity Apprentice star Teresa Giudice attended a Mother’s Day event at Parx Casino in Bensalem (with her mother, Antonia Gorda, and mother-in-law, Filomena Giudice) to promote her new cookbook Fabulicious: Fast and Fit, which comes out today. I had a chance to catch up with the table-tossing, sister-in-law-hating reality star's mother, and Antonia tells me that Teresa is "misunderstood. She has a big heart and would never hurt anyone." Teresa's mother-in-law, Filomena, told me she expected to host 30 family members for Mother's Day (including Teresa, her brood and her mom), and they would dine on traditional Italian dishes like pork and brick-oven pizza. I told her she wasn't supposed to do any work on Mother's Day, but she said it's not work when it's family. (I wish I could do both Filomena's and Antonia's accents; they are very Italian.)
Party Pics: Race to Make a Difference
Hundreds of Kentucky Derby enthusiasts joined the People’s Emergency Center for an evening of Southern traditions with a Philadelphia flare at PEC’s inaugural “Race to Make a Difference” benefiting PEC’s commitment to serving Philadelphia’s homeless women and their children. Oversized hats adorned with flowers and bows were judged in a hat contest by a panel of celebrity judges, including Project Runway contestant Kristin Haskins Sims; couture boutique owner Joan Shepp; and Missy Dietz, General Manager of Neiman Marcus in King of Prussia. Guests experienced the thrilling two-minute race on a Jumbotron screen while enjoying signature mint juleps, live entertainment and southern-style hors d’oeuvres.
Photography by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography
HughE Dillon PHOTOS: Jay-Z Festival Announcement
Fans headed to the Art Museum to hear about Made in America music festival.
Jay-Z on his way to greet the fans after a morning press conference in Philadelphia. People were lined up at the top of the Art Museum stairs to get a glimpse of the fanfare surrounding the big announcement about Jay-Z's Budweiser Made in America music festival to be held in Philadelphia Labor Day weekend.
After the press conference, Jay-Z did press interviews at the top of the Art Museum stairs.
More festival details here.
HughE Dillon: A Date With a Plate
Designers, florists and more get creative with tablescapes.
The third "A Date With a Plate" took place last week at Pêche Sherman Mills in East Falls. The two-day event, which consists of a patron party and a "second helpings day," embraces the art of the tablescape. More than two dozen table displays created by professional decorators and interior designers, florists and retailers, as well as those set by private collectors and table décor enthusiasts, were featured. Co-chairs Judi Goodman and Sharyn Berman toasted the successful completion of the event on the last day.
HughE Dillon: Philly Sports VIPs Party With Jeremy Maclin
The Eagle celebrates his birthday with teammates and guys from Sixers, Flyers.
Last night, I hit a late-night party at Sumo Lounge, where Philadelphia Eagle Jeremy Maclin was celebrating his birthday. Maclin's here with Drew Carballo, asst. manager at Del Frisco's, socialite Hacina Saadi, and Maclin's manager, Isaiah DeLeon-Mares. The place was packed, with friends as well as many of his teammates, including DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Todd Herremans, Lesean "Shady" McCoy, Brandon Graham, Riley Cooper, Chad Hall, former teammate A.J. Feeley, Sacramento Kings player Jason Thompson, CBS 3's Matthew Nadu, Ryan Dorsey of The 3 Nerds, Courtney Grant (who just got back from Italy), Teresa Nino, Christie Honigman, ESPN's Tim Legler, former Miss Pennsylvania Amber Joell, Kate Beaver, and Sam Tarlo, all grooving to the sounds of DJ Aktive. Later, the party moved over to Recess Lounge for late, late-night partying, where Maclin was joined by Flyers Scott Hartnell, Claude Giroux, and James van Riemsdyk, as well as Sixers Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday.
HughE Dillon: An Evening in Franklin Square
Charlie Manuel, Mayor Nutter, carousel rides and more at the annual fund-raiser.
Last night, I headed over to An Evening in Franklin Square, the park's annual fund-raising gala. One of the original squares laid out by William Penn, the Franklin Square had fallen on hard times until the city spruced it up six years ago (it's managed by Historic Philadelphia). Now it's a must-see destination, with a mini-amusement park and a beautiful carousel, miniature golf, a beautiful fountain, a kid-friendly playground, and Stephen Starr's Square Burger. There's now also a brand-new pavilion you can rent for special events. The honorary event chairs were Governor Tom Corbett and Mayor Michael Nutter, and the chair was Randy Chapman, of Chapman Auto Group. Below: Alex Levin, Amy Malissa, marketing director at Historic Philadelphia, Lisa Deats, VP of operations at Historic Philadelphia, and Amy Needle, president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia.
Party Pics: 5th Anniversary Utley All-Star Animals Casino Night
Philadelphia Phillies’ second baseman, Chase Utley, and his wife, Jennifer Utley, hosted the 5th Anniversary Utley All-Star Animals Casino Night at the Electric Factory on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Animal lovers, sponsors, and supporters joined the Utley’s for a night full of cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and casino fun, as guests played table games alongside local celebrities and players from the 2012 Philadelphia Phillies. The event raised approximately $400,000 for the Pennsylvania’s PSCA’s Etana Fund to Stop Cruelty Against Animals, which helps prevent and protect against abuse and neglect through their Humane Law Enforcement department.
Photography by Paul Loftland
HughE Dillon: CSCP’s Evening in the Yard
Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia hosts annual event at the Navy Yard.
The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia celebrated 19 years of free cancer support with its annual Evening in the Yard at Urban Outfitters' headquarters at the Navy Yard on Friday night. Guests enjoyed fabulous food and cocktails, a DJ, a live auction led by former Philadelphia Eagle John Spagnola, and a silent auction, all to benefit CSCP. Event co-chairs Wendy Rosen and Lydie Brown greeted the guests and spoke about their friend, board member Patty Isen, who received the Ridgeland Award that evening.
HughE Dillon: Colin Farrell Film Wraps on Walnut
Plus: Look out for Harrison Ford in Philly this summer as filming for Paranoia starts in July.
It's a wrap on Walnut Street. After four days there, Dead Man Down finished filming the gangster movie in Center City for a bit. On the set I caught the once notorious Hollywood bad boy Colin Farrell in a moment of prayer. I thought long and hard about releasing this photo, but decided it was a powerful message. Farrell put several years of hard partying, run-ins with the law, wild women and a sex tape all behind him, and now he’s celebrating seven years of sobriety and fatherhood. Recently, the 35-year-old Irish actor told TV chat show host Ellen DeGeneres about his sobriety, and the misconstrued idea he had that an actor had to suffer drama (i.e., bad-boy stuff) to be creative on the screen. He now knows that’s not the case and sobriety has brought new meaning and joy to his life. Perhaps that’s why he took time in the middle of his hectic day between takes, as hundreds of people looked on, to say a little prayer. Look for Farrell's career to explode with the release of the remake of Total Recall coming out this summer. Speaking of summer, look for another movie set (for Paranoia) to roll into Philly with Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman and Liam Hemsworth. It's slated to begin filming in July. Also, check out PhillyChitChat.com for more photos from the set of Dead Man Down.
HughE Dillon: Kentucky Derby Party at Paramour
Guests (in hats, of course) celebrated the race at the Wayne Hotel restaurant.
The 138th Kentucky Derby was held on Saturday, and Paramour at the Wayne Hotel held its first Kentucky Derby Party. Guests wearing great hats and their Kentucky Derby finest sipped on mint juleps and ate delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Michael Giampa. Prizes were given for the best hat in the male and female categories. Here, Paramour proprietors Steve and Kathy Bajus (left) with guests Susan and Rob Gretz.
Party Pics: The 2012 Philadelphia Wine Festival
On Saturday, May 5, 2012, Philadelphia magazine and PA Wines & Spirits Stores partnered to present the Eleventh Annual Philadelphia Wine Festival, at an all new venue—Lincoln Financial Field, in the SCA Club. Guests sampled a wide selection of wines from around the world and culinary creations from some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants. Throughout the evening guests were able to explore a fleet of Lexus vehicles and relax in luxury lounges hosted by Lexus and RBC Wealth Management. The Festival also featured an on-site PA Wine & Spirits Store where guests purchased their favorite wines, as well as a fantastic silent auction. All proceeds benefited The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Photography by Jeff Fusco and Josh Pelta-Heller.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Terrence Howard Films in Philly
Details from the movie set of Dead Man Down.
Terrence Howard found himself in a sea of fans as he tried to take a photo with each of them in between shooting scenes on the set of the mob thriller Dead Man Down co-starring Colin Farrell. The movie is set in NYC so street signs had all been changed to reflect Irving Place in Manhattan. SPOILER ALERT! The movie is about a father (played by Colin Farrell) who's a mobster grieving after losing his wife and child. He takes revenge on the people he holds responsible for their deaths, including a mob boss played by Terrence Howard. Yesterday's scene had Farrell on a rooftop with his high-powered rifle aimed at Howard as he exited the Latham Hotel’s new restaurant Urban Enoteca (at 17th and Walnut). As gunfire blazed, Howard ducked behind his Rolls-Royce before jumping in the vehicle and driving away. At one point in the shooting, some of the particles from the exploding lamp post landed in Howard's eyes. Howard and the producer ran over to nearby Four Eyes, and the eye doctor there gave Howard a clean bill of health and released him to the mean streets of NYC. The filming continues today, Friday and Monday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing Walnut Street from 16th Street to 18th Street. Try and avoid the area, as it's a parking lot.
HughE Dillon: Philadelphia Theatre Company Gala
Suzanne Roberts, Sam Katz, Pat Ciarrocchi, Gary Steuer and more celebrated the annual event.
Last night, Brian Stokes Mitchell headlined Philadelphia Theatre Company’s annual gala at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Singing "Some Enchanted Evening," Stokes wasn't far off, if he was describing the gala, which kicked off with a silent auction and cocktail party for the first part of the evening. After an hour, the party moved into the grand ballroom for dinner, where they honored Bala Cynwyd residents Marilyn and J. Robert Birnhak for their many years of support to both Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) and its home, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: The Phillies Go Bowling
Carlos Ruiz, Cliff Lee, Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence and more hit the lanes for Philadelphia Futures.
Scott Palmer interviews Phils catcher Carlos Ruiz, who hosted last night's Get in the Game Bowling & Billiards Tournament at North Bowl. Many Phillies turned out to support the event—even after their disappointing game against Chicago—including Cliff Lee, Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino, Jose Contreras and Laynce Nix. The event was chaired by Daniel Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Citizens Bank, David Montgomery, president and CEO of the Phillies, and Arn Tellem, principal of Wasserman Media Group. The truly collaborative effort raised more than $100,000 to support Philadelphia Futures' Sponsor-A-Scholar Program. Philadelphia Futures prepares low-income, first-generation-to-college students for higher education opportunities. Also bowling for the good cause: CBS 3's Jim Donovan and Matthew Nadu, and 6 ABC's Ali Gormon, Amy Buckman, Kenneth Moton and Rick Williams.
Party Pics: 25th Annual "Acres Of Diamonds" Gala
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, the Temple University Hospital Auxiliary hosted the 2012 “Acres of Diamonds” Gala at the Westin Philadelphia. This year’s event—chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Giagnacova—honored The Temple Burn Center, the region’s only adult Burn Center at a Level I Trauma Center. The 2012 Diamond Award was presented to Dr. William Hughes, Medical Director of The Temple Burn Center. CBS 3 Medical Specialist Stephanie Stahl served as the emcee.
Photography by Daniel Burke Photography
HughE Dillon: Fairmount Park Conservancy Celebration
Ryan Howard and Joseph Manko Sr. were honored at event.
Thursday night, the Fairmount Park Conservancy held its 2012 Centennial Celebration, bringing guests together at the Horticulture Center. The event featured a cocktail reception, silent auction and awards program, and co-chairs were Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Citizens Bank, and Constance H. Williams, Philadelphia Museum of Art chair. (Honorary co-chairs were Mayor Nutter and Lisa Nutter.) The evening honored the Vanguard Crew for corporate stewardship (they put in more than 80,000 hours sprucing up the park); Joseph Manko Sr., for civic leadership, and park champion Ryan Howard. Scott Palmer, the Phillies' director of public affairs (left), emceed the event. Also pictured: Kathryn Ott Lovell (second from left), executive director of the Conservancy, Ruben Amaro Jr. (center), Jami Schnell (second from right), and John Nickolas (right).
Party Pics: Donors Are Heroes And Gift of Life Host 10th Annual THE Party
On Friday, April 27, 2012, guests partied for a cause with Donors are Heroes as the Gift of Life Donor Program hosted THE Party at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. THE Party, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, supports National Donate Life Month and seeks to raise funds to help maintain public awareness programs, school summits and teaching initiatives designed to educate and dispel the myths surrounding becoming an organ donor and the need for life-saving, life-enhancing transplants. Guests mingled while enjoying cocktails as well as heavy hors d'oeuvres from Philadelphia's premier restaurants including Table 31, Stephen STARR Events, Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, Bistro La Minette and more.
Photography by Faith West Photography
Party Pics: 2012 Philadelphia Antiques Show Preview Party
Sponsored by Drexel Morgan & Co., the 2012 Philadelphia Antiques Show invited patrons to the preview party celebration of the 2012 Show at its new home, the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the show floor as they had the opportunity to explore and purchase exquisite treasures offered by the 58 antiques dealers and art galleries featured. Guests also previewed the 2012 Loan Exhibition, "Where History Meets Medicine," and the newest addition to the show, designer rooms.
Photography by Daniel Burke Photography
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Prince Edward Plants a Tree in Philly
His Royal Highness was at Girard College marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
His Royal Highness Prince Edward, youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, is visiting Philadelphia today and tomorrow to honor Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year and to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s award program in the city. The Prince is chairman of the International Council of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association, a youth development program that operates in 132 countries. The program was launched in Philadelphia in 2009 at Girard College, and then in several other schools in the area, including the Science Leadership Academy and Valley Forge Military Academy. Students joined the Prince at a luncheon at Girard along with the members of Boulé (an African-American men's organization), the Consulate Board, City Trust and Girard College Board Members.
The Prince requested cobb salad as the main course for the luncheon with iced tea and fresh-baked petit fours for dessert. Afterward, Prince Edward planted a tree in honor of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. His great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII, had planted a tree at Girard during his 1860 visit to Philadelphia.
Party Pics: Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party
On Thursday, April 26, 2012, approximately 500 guests gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia for the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party honoring Center City District’s Paul Levy. Guests enjoyed delectable cuisine from Rittenhouse Row’s top restaurants, specialty cocktails featuring Captain Morgan® Black Spiced Rum, Chairman’s Selection™ wines and Peroni beer. The evening also featured music by DJ Inga D'Angelo and a silent auction benefiting Rittenhouse Row. Photography by Ryan Lavine Photography.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Dionne Warwick at Annenberg Center
The Grammy winner performed a charity concert.
International music legend and five-time Grammy-winning vocalist Dionne Warwick performed in a charity concert last night for St. Ignatius Nursing Home (which cares for the underserved and poor) in Philadelphia, at Annenberg Center. Singing some of her biggest hits, including "Walk On By," "Anyone Who Had A Heart," "Alfi," and "What the World Needs Now," Dionne captured the audience from the moment she stepped on stage. A lover of Brazil, Dionne sang the title song from one of her CDs, "Aquarela do Brasil," and said if you're not toe-tapping or moving during this song, then you must be dead. At one point, she had to coax the audience to applaud when she introduced her band, telling them that her friend Sammy Davis, Jr. told her that once in a while, she would have to educate the audience by telling them that applause feeds the performers' souls. Interestingly, I noticed there was a deck of cards and a rock placed on the piano on stage. Perhaps good luck charms? As you may recall, Dionne spent a few years as the spokeswoman for the Psychic Network. Seeing Dionne Warwick in concert was on my bucket list; I can now check that off, although I would have loved it even more if she sang one of my favorite songs, "Theme for the Valley of the Dolls." It didn't matter; the night was one big thrill for me, and supporting St. Ignatius Nursing Home feeds my soul as it would yours.
Party Pics: G Philly Singles Happy Hour
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, G Philly and Smirnoff® hosted a Singles Happy Hour at Stir Lounge. Guests mingled with the city’s hottest LGBT singles, including those featured in the spring 2012 issue of G Philly, while enjoying cocktails featuring Smirnoff. Photography by Ryan Lavine
HughE Dillon: Please Touch Museum’s Storybook Ball
Princesses, pirates, fairies and more played all night.
Saturday night at the Please Touch Museum, everyone got to live out their childhood fantasies, and guests turned into pirates, princesses, fairies and even pigs at the annual Storybook Ball. Children and their grown-ups were encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook characters for an evening that included turns on the carousel, horse-drawn carriage rides, and family-friendly cuisine like chicken fingers. Can we bottle up adorableness? These three princesses, cousins and BFFs Elayna Fanelli, Skylar Ross and Mia Jackson, had a lot of fun organizing the Snow White clothesline in the sandbox play area. Love the heart tattoos!
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Hilton Breaks Ground in Center City
The new Home2 Suites will be at 12th and Arch streets.
Last week, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new hotel that will be across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 12th and Arch streets. Home2 Suites by Hilton will have 246 guest rooms, more than 2,000 square feet of meeting space, and 9,750 square feet for ground-floor retail and restaurants. The property is being developed jointly by the Parkway Corporation and Wurzak Hotel Group. Pictured: Parkway Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Zuritsky, Renee Zuritsky, Joanne Wurzak and Howard J. Wurzak, founder of the Wurzak Hotel Group. Look for a summer 2013 opening.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Marian Tasco Wins Dance Event
City councilwoman takes first place at Dancing With the Philadelphia Stars.
Last night was the fourth annual Dancing With the Philadelphia Stars. The event was held at the glamorous Crystal Tea Room, and benefited the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter. Nine Philadelphia notables participated in the dance competition, which was conceived by Megan Smith (center), of Brownstone PR. Smith gave the first-place trophy to Marian Tasco, whose dance partner was Nodari Tetruashvily. Nina Tinari, T2 Consultants, came in second, and CW Philly/CBS 3 reporter Kharisma McIlwaine took third. G Philly cover boy Kevin Gatto, owner of Verde Salon and lifestyle correspondent for CBS 3’s “Talk Philly," garnered an honorable mention. For more photos and videos of some of the dances check out PhillyChitChat.com today.
