Todd Herremans’ Hoops for Help
The Eagle’s foundation hosts VIP-studded charity event.
Philadelphia Eagle Todd Herremans hosted the First Annual Todd Herremans Foundation Hoops for Help at the West Club of Lincoln Financial Field, benefiting six different charities: No Place to Hate, American Cancer Society, Cooper Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Magee Rehab, and Autism Research. Herremans' told the crowd that he didn't want to pick one charity as so many need our help, and that every year he would do it this way. There were many notables in the crowd mixing among guests. I saw Heather Mitts Feeley, former Eagles Mike Mamula and A. J. Feeley, and Fred Lee Barnett. Jennaphr Frederick, Michael Vick, Minnesota Viking Albert Young, and Brian Westbrook sat together at dinner, and even new Eagles coach Chip Kelly stopped by to show his support. Pictured: Jeff Pirrami, Bernard Hopkins, Todd Herremans and Marisa Magnatta during the live auction. Hopkins won a football signed by Herremans signed, which Hopkins said he was going to auction off at his upcoming charity event. For more story and photos about the event, visit PhillyChitChat.
HughE Dillon: ACHIEVEability Food for Thought
With 34 of Philly’s top chefs at the event, I picked up some news for foodies.
Nearly 600 guests, 34 of Philadelphia's top chefs, and 6 ABC's Alicia Vitarelli were at ACHIEVEability's annual Food for Thought event Saturday night at the Navy Yard. ACHIEVEability aims to break the cycle of poverty by stabilizing families and focusing on higher education. Below: Vitarelli and Tim Thornton, of Vanguard, participate in the live auction.
Zarwin Baum March Madness Party
Philly VIPs catch NCAA tournament basketball action at the Crystal Tea Room while raising money for Philabundance.
With the start of March Madness, there were at least a half dozen big parties in Philadelphia, and one of the biggest was hosted by the Zarwin Baum law firm and HUB International Parties at the Crystal Tea Room. This year, more than 2,000 people attended the annual event, an eight-hour extravaganza, where guests dined on burgers, wings and chicken, enjoyed an open bar, had their favorite cigars rolled in the cigar room, and watched the NCAA games on projection screens. Pictured: Firm founder Norman Zarwin, Sheriff Jewell Williams, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, and Mitchell Kaplan, partner at Zarwin Baum.
UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball
2013 marks the first year a United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Ball has been held in Philly.
On Friday night, Philadelphia hosted its inaugural United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Mayor's Masked Ball at the Marriott Downtown. The UNCF has hosted these balls throughout the country, but this was the first time they held one in Philly, and they put the whole thing together in less than two months. It was very impressive. Pictured: Mayor Michael Nutter and First Lady Lisa Nutter.
American Red Cross Red Ball 2013
Nearly 1,000 dined and danced at the Please Touch Museum.
On Saturday night, the American Red Cross held its annual gala, Red Ball, at the Please Touch Museum, and nearly 1,000 people dined on delicious food by Seasons 52, the Water Works, Ristorante Panaroma, and the JNA Institute of Culinary Arts, and danced to the tunes of CTO Artists. The evening’s hostess, Renée Cardwell Hughes, CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross greets the guests, as chairman of the ball Leon LaRosa (left) and chairman of the board Tom Hays look on.
PMA Young Friends Winter Gala
A bash to support the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art hosted their annual Winter Gala at the museum on Saturday, with all proceeds going to the Young Friends' mission of support for art acquisitions, education, conservation, and special projects within the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Below: Rachel Swartz, Shawn Robertson, Megan Fredericks and William Bond Read IV were excited to check out the newly opened exhibition "Great and Mighty Things": Outsider Art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection; it runs until June 9th.
Wedding Wednesday 2013
On Wednesday, March 6, 2013, Philadelphia Wedding magazine and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society welcomed over 300 guests to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the second annual Wedding Wednesday event at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Brides-to-be indulged in hors d’ oeuvres, cake, cocktails and a selection of wines by Simply Naked—while experiencing the latest in bridal fashion, beauty and décor. There were photo ops galore and plenty of Pinterest worthy ideas. Each lucky lady left with a bridal goodie bag filled with helpful hints and must-haves for her big day. Photos by Nell Hoving
Philadelphia Flower Show 2013
Guests at the preview and young friends parties get the first peek at "Brilliant!"
"Brilliant!" is the appropriate name for this year’s edition of the world-renowned annual Philadelphia Flower Show from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year's displays take inspiration from the beauty and splendor of Great Britain’s magnificent gardens, as well as its wonderful history of pop culture and royalty. The annual black-tie preview party (this year, scheduled a night earlier to give the show two full weekends for the public to enjoy Brilliant!) was held Friday. Pictured: Peter Auerbach, Out Hotel, Kristin Auerbach, Drew Becher, PHS president, and Eric Lochner, president of global talent management at Kenexa.
G Philly's God Save the Queens
On Sunday, March 3, 2013, G Philly and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society hosted the third annual LGBT Night at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. This year’s event theme, “God Save The Queens†paid homage to the 2013 Flower Show’s “Brilliant!†interpretation of British gardening. Guests were treated to the royal antics of the queen of Philly’s drag scene, Martha Graham Cracker, and enjoyed signature cocktails from Pinnacle Vodka and Palm Bay. Synergetic Sounds kept things lively throughout the night and guests left with a bag of goodies all their own. G Philly gratefully acknowledges PECO for its generous contributions to this festive occasion. Photos by HughE Dillon
Reading Terminal’s Valentine to the Market Gala
A crowd of 600 tasted the Market’s fantastic food and danced the night away.
Reading Terminal Market's Valentine to the Market Gala was held Saturday night. The benefit brought out a crowd of almost 600. There were interactive love-themed activities, including a love potion station, a sketch artist, tarot card readings, and a make-your-own love pillow station. There were also live performances on two different stages, and the dance floor was packed till nearly midnight. Proceeds benefited the Reading Terminal Market Preservation Trust. Pictured: Paul Steinke, general manager of the Reading Terminal Market (left) and Paul Levy, CEO of Center City District.
Party Pics: Reserve's VIP Grand Opening
On Thursday, February 23, 2012, Reserve’s VIP Grand Opening presented guests with a dining and entertaining experience not to be missed. The invite-only event offered attendees an exclusive preview of Reserve’s specialty cocktails, classic steak and seafood dishes, as well as live jazz throughout the evening. Philadelphia’s most respected tastemakers were among the evening’s special guests, sharing the sophisticated atmosphere with equally delectable dishes. Photography by Al B. For.
Philadelphia DoGooder Awards
Plus: My first Scene column featuring a photo by Mayor Nutter!
The Philly DoGooder Awards were held last night at the University of the Arts' Hamilton Hall. The DoGooder campaign was designed to promote skills-based volunteering and bring Philadelphians together to benefit local nonprofits. Hosted by Here’s My Chance and presented by Wells Fargo, the event announced the winning nonprofits of the video contest, and honored three Philadelphians (including me!) with innovation awards that were presented by Mayor Michael Nutter. Pictured: Kevin Colahan, Here’s My Chance; HughE Dillon, Philly Chit Chat, honored for Innovation in Community Building; Leah Kauffman, executive producer of Philly.com, honored for Innovation in Storytelling; Desiree Peterkin-Bell, from the city's communications office, honored for Innovation in Urban Mechanics; and David Gloss, Here’s My Chance. [Photo Credit: Ian Michael Crumm]
InLiquid Benefit Party at Crane Arts
Annual silent auction benefits promotion of Philadelphia visual artists.
On Friday night, InLiquid held Benefit v. Thirteen, a VIP party and reception, at the Crane Arts building in Northern Liberties. There was a silent auction of work from more than 150 artists, designers and crafters, and drinks and food from Philadelphia Distilling Company, Ristorante Panorama and others. Proceeds from the party went toward InLiquid’s mission to promote local visual artists. Michael Braunstein, KYW Newsradio, Brad Richards, Matthew Ray, Chatterblast, and Brad Hemler, Comcast.
Project Runway Winner Mondo Guerra
The All-Star champ partied at Hotel Palomar for 8th Annual Fashion in Action, benefiting ActionAIDS.
Project Runway All-Stars winner Mondo Guerra was at the Hotel Palomar for the 8th Annual Fashion in Action, benefiting ActionAIDS, last night. The Project Runway alum designed a limited-edition t-shirt for 2013, which he unveiled at the party held in his honor. The shirt is available at the ActionAIDS website. During his appearance on Project Runway's season 10, Armando Thomas “Mondo” Guerra courageously told the Project Runway judges that a t-shirt he created that included a pattern that was bright with bold plus signs had been inspired by his HIV+ status, and that he had been keeping that a secret for nearly a decade. Even his closest friends and family were surprised. It was a pivotal moment for the young fashion designer, who went on to win Project Runway All-Stars two years later and has been designing t-shirts and merchandise to benefit HIV/AIDS organizations around the world as his company has grown. Last night's event drew nearly 250 of his fans, who told me he was an inspiration as well as a genuinely nice guy and they were very excited to meet him. Josh Middleton has more coverage of Mondo's party over on G Philly.
Puppy Love Valentine’s Party
Some of Philadelphia’s cutest dogs (and their owners) turned out to raise money for PSPCA.
Last night, Smokin’ Betty’s and Devil’s Alley hosted the Puppy Love Valentine’s Party to raise money for the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA). Nearly 100 four-legged friends walked their two-legged friends to the event at the 23rd Street Armory to munch on doggie treats, drink water and sniff each other … I mean make friends. Below: Angela Perfetto with Livy (Pomeranian-Bichon), Julie Dorenbos, Susie Celek, with Bruiser her Bernese Mountain Dog, and Maria Papadakis, who was event hostess.
Mardi Gras Gala
A new king was crowned at the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania’s annual event.
The Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania hosted its 6th Annual Mardi Gras Gala at the Crystal Tea Room on Friday, February 8th. This year, the Mardi Gras King was Jim Connolly, president and CEO of Aeras. Here he is being feted by past Mardi Gras kings, Thomas M. McCormick Jr. (2008), Stephen W. Wouch (2009), and Gregory S. Osberg (2012).
Cupid’s Undie Run in Philadelphia
Do-gooders brave the cold—in their underwear!—to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
There’s the Naked Bike Race, the Santa Run, and now comes the First Annual Philadelphia Cupid’s Undie Run—sorta like Philly’s Polar Bear Plunge without getting wet. The participants run in their undies in the frigid February temperatures, and on Saturday, with a dusting of snow, nearly 500 runners stripped down to their undies to brave the cold and raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation ($60,318 was raised). Runners warmed up inside the Urban Saloon on Fairmount Avenue before hitting the street at 2 p.m. The course was a "one mile-ish" loop around Eastern State Penitentiary. Sixteen other cities also held Undie runs, and the fund-raisers brought in more than one million.
Trailblazer 2013
On February 8, 2013, Philadelphia magazine honored its 9th Annual Trailblazer Award recipient, Dr. Audrey E. Evans, co-founder of the Ronald McDonald House and St. James School. A private luncheon was hosted by XIX at Hyatt at the Bellevue. Among the invited guests were noteworthy women of influence from the Philadelphia area, and friends and supporters of The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. In honor of her many accomplishments and contributions, Lagos presented Dr. Evans with a breathtakingly beautiful Derby, buckle bracelet. Philadelphia magazine gratefully acknowledges Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Lagos, Robertson’s Flowers, 14 Hands, and Casa Papel for their contributions to this memorable occasion.
Opera Philadelphia’s 2013 Gala
Actor David Hyde Pierce and more celebrated a new company name and the promise of new operatic work.
Saturday night was Opera Philadelphia's 2013 Gala (dubbed N.O.W: A Gala Celebration of New Operatic Work) held at the Loews Hotel in Center City. The evening started with a cocktail party on the 33rd floor with a spectacular view of the skyline. The dress was black-tie, and the mood very festive, as the guests I spoke to were very excited about the name change from the Opera Company of Philadelphia to the very snappy Opera Philadelphia, earlier in the week. Below: Anderson and Daria Pew, co-chairs of the gala, with General Director and President David B. Devan, and Daniel K. Meyer, chairman of the board of directors.
Party Pics: The Black & White Ball
On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Opera Company of Philadelphia held the Black & White Ball at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The evening celebrated the Opera Company’s February production of Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio and honored retiring Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. The gala’s 290 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, an elegant seated dinner, a tribute to Robert Driver, and a musical performance by Abduction cast members. The Opera Company of Philadelphia also held a film competition with local universities; the films of the four finalists were shown during cocktail hour, and University of the Arts student Nikkita Patterson was announced as the Grand Prize Winner and awarded a $2,500 cash prize courtesy of PNC. The event raised nearly $150,000 for the Opera Company. Photography by Sofia Negron.
Tryouts for Philadelphia Soulmates Dance Team
Celebrity judges and Philly-area ladies head to Parx for auditions.
Last night, the Philadelphia Soul held final auditions for the 2013 Soulmates Dance Team at Parx Casino (the team and Parx also announced a multi-year partnership that begins this season). Below: Celebrity judges included Angela Perfetto, hair stylist and middle linebacker for the Legend Football League, Hollis Thomas Jr., former Philadelphia Eagle, and Marisa Magnatta, WMMR's Preston & Steve Show. And Julie Dorenbos and Susie Celek stopped by to film a segment of Cruisin' for a Bruisin' for the Comcast Sports Channel's Great Sports Debate. Earlier this week, Julie broke her left wrist filming a soccer segment with Olympic soccer player Carli Lloyd. Julie was goalie and tried to stop the ball with her hand, and well, needless to say, it stopped but she also broke her wrist.
Academy Ball 2013
Actor/singer Hugh Jackman entertained the crowd. PLUS: Lots of pics from the Young Friends reception.
The celebration of the 156th Anniversary of the Academy of Music was one of the most memorable in years, I was told by many of the guests Saturday night. From the new President's Open House Reception at the Academy, to the return of the parading of guests dressed in white tail and glamorous gowns to the Bellevue for dinner, to the multi-talented entertainment including actor/singer Hugh Jackman, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and especially its new conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who for the first time in public, played the piano on stage while leading the Orchestra in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467. Proceeds from the evening benefited the Academy of Music Restoration Fund and the Philadelphia Orchestra Association.
Party Pics: Black Tie Tailgate
On Friday, January 27, 2012, the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show held the Black Tie Tailgate at the Convention Center. With more than 700 vehicles from a variety of manufacturers displayed, the Philly Auto Show is recognized as one of the top shows in the country. Proceeds from the Black Tie Tailgate benefited the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Photography by Jessica Vermeer Hawkes.
Party Pics: Pre-Party Reception at Tiffany & Co. for the Academy of Music's 155th Anniversary Concert
On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the Central Committee for the Philadelphia Orchestra honored the Academy of Music’s 155th Anniversary Concert and Ball at their third annual pre-party cocktail reception at Tiffany & Co. Proceeds benefited the Philadelphia Orchestra and its legacy. This year, more than 100 guests attended the pre-party reception and raised more than $5,900. Guests enjoyed cocktails, food by Brûlée Catering by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix and music by Tres Compadres. Photography by Nell Hoving.
Black-Tie Tailgate for 2013 Philadelphia Auto Show
Cecily Tynan, Miss Pennsylvania USA, the Rendells and more get a sneak peek at new Lamborghinis, Jeeps.
The Black-Tie Tailgate Preview Gala of the 2013 Philadelphia Auto Show was held Friday; benefitted the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Celebrating another successful event, which benefitted the division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at CHOP, through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, were Kevin Mazzucola, exec director of the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, David A. Piccoli, division chief at CHOP, Steven Altschuler, CEO of CHOP, and Michael Chapman, chairman of the 2013 Philadelphia Auto Show.
Hair O’ the Dog Party
The swanky event at the Loews Hotel drew everyone from Sheena Parveen and Chase Lenfest to Damon Feldman and Julie Dorenbos.
Philadelphia’s swanky Hair O' the Dog celebrated its 19th year on Saturday, January 19th at the Loews Hotel. The festivities kicked off with a VIP preview party with gourmet hors d’oeuvres (ask Sheena Parveen about the egg rolls). Nearly 1,800 people packed three rooms after primping all day for what some people call Philadelphia's adult prom; each lovely lady dresses to the nines, often outdoing the competition successfully, though sometimes not so much. It's always a head-turning experience. Below: Stefania Veneziale, Megan Nailon, and Joanne Malandra.
PHOTOS: Alex Lemonade Stand’s Lemon Ball
This year’s benefit set a record by raising more than $825,000.
On Saturday, January 12, 2013,Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosted the Seventh Annual Lemon Ball at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. The event was presented by Volvo and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund with support from CIGNA. This year's benefit set a record by raising more than $825,000. The Lemon Ball, an evening of cocktails, dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions and entertainment, also set an attendance record, bringing together more than 900 supporters of the Foundation’s mission–a cure for all kids with cancer.
Jay Scott (left) and Liz Scott (center), the parents of the late Alex Scott, co-chaired the gala with Peter Austen and Mary Stengel Austen, who is a longtime friend and supporter of Alex, serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation and is President/CEO of Tierney. The evening featured the presentation of the Alex Scott Crystal Cup to Jeff Benjamin; (second from left) Jeff Michaud (second from right); and Marc Vetri (r), the men behind the Foundation’s first and largest culinary fundraiser, The Great Chefs Event. (Vetri said it was an honor to be recognized by Alex's Lemonade and a little shoulder surgery two days before the event was not going to stop him from attending the event.)
