Help Me Dance My Way to A Lot of Fun, I love to dance but I have to say learning professional dancing is not an easy feat. Fun though.
I’m super excited to participate in the Dance for Character presented by CITRs charity event on March 19. I’ve worked with the folks at CITRs over the years, learned about their program, which is very unique. They have programs to re invigorate teachers suffering burnout. The workshops tap into the reasons they chose this field. It also helps them with the tools they need to convey to the students to help them build character to grow into productive adults. You can learn about their programs here
You could attend the event and cheer moi and my fellow dancers on to victory, or just fun.
Earlier this month I attended the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF) TOY 2021, it’s an annual holiday fundraising event to benefit DVLF. Guestsbuy tickets to attend, and bring an unwrapped toy for the children who will spend the holidays in the hospital. This years event was hosted by merriest of couples Miguel Martinez-Valle and Raymond Smeriglio with the very entertaining Varla Jean Merman who kept us in stitches for her entire set, including the very brave Ric Harris, President & General Manager, NBC10/Telemundo who didn’t cover his eyes or ears once,
even though I may have with Varla’s real take on LGBTQ life, hook ups and relationships especially in Covid times…. She is a must see in any season.
The event also featured a hearty brunch buffet, open bar and a silent auction to raise additional funds.
TOY is DVLF’s annual fundraising event that edifies the organization’s ability to provide for the emerging needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley metropolitan area.At TOY, DVLF will deliver annual grant recipients with grant checks. Additionally, because DVLF was not able to provide an in-person event at the time, they will also honor annual HEROES award recipients who have contributed to activism and growth within the Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community.
More than 130 Philadelphia-area asset management industry professionals gathered to support the Philadelphia Fund Alliance’s Sixth Annual Gala on Nov. 4 at The Logan Philadelphia. The event raised $100,000 for Friends of the Wissahickon, a 2700-member nonprofit formed to conserve and improve the 1800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park. The Philadelphia Fund Alliance is a group of Philadelphia-based asset management industry professionals formed to hold an annual fundraiser to benefit one or more charities in the Greater Philadelphia area. The annual fundraiser not only supports a great cause, but it also highlights Philadelphia’s deep roots and influence in national financial markets and services, including traditional mutual funds and alternative asset vehicles.
Melody Wolske of PwC and Kim Osborne of Glenmede Investment Management.
Lori Wayne and Melinda Battista of SEI Investments Company.
Kevin Boyle, Bruce Leto, Cory Hippler and Gary Bagin of Stradley Ronon
Henry Orvin, Lauren Connor and Ryan Schrader of Mondrian Investment Partners.
Nate Bomberger, Justin Dutka and Reese Blair of Deloitte.
Mike Mabry of Stradley Ronon; and David Connor, Jill Lubold and Brian Murray of Macquarie Asset Management.
Kseniya Suslava, Mary Ellen Mahoney, Jim Mahoney and Len DiPietro of Tait Weller.
Tim Rampe, JP Marquess and Alex Lovell of Lovell Minnick.
T.J. Keefe and Gloria Liu of Faegre Drinker; and Ted Edwards and Raffaele Cicala of Troutman Pepper.
John Braun of BBD; Steve Connors of Embassy Capital; and Jim Kaiser and Ralph Petagna of BBD.
Anna Palutis, Brook Schneck, Ted Sloyer, John Pedorenko and Thomas Melone of PwC.
Michael Amugo, Jeff Lutsky, Mena Larmour and Grace Wydeven of Stradley Ronon.
Mac Humble, Stephanie Little, John Canning, Tom De Cain of Chenery Compliance Group; and Steve Kneeley of Glenmede Investment Management.
I’ve continued to bird watch, but not as enthusiastically as I wish I could as my business has been booming as well. I shot this cutie last week at John Heinz Nature Preserve. We’re so lucky to have this treasure so close to Philly. I can’t be everywhere so on occasion I will post photos and copy from others who have invited me, or attempted to hire me to shoot their event.
On Wednesday, the Thomas Jefferson University fashion merchandising and management (FMM) students filled the Kanbar Performance Space with a celebration of fashion streetwear in remembrance of one of their own. The students sold their original clothing designs and accessories to benefit this year’s charity, Children’s Miracle Network, which was selected in memory of Karigen Emig, who tragically died just months after graduating from the program earlier this year. “Karigen loved working in the fashion industry and was motivated by the way it brings together people from different backgrounds, inspires confidence and creates change in the world. She deeply inspired everyone around her, not only through her great sense of style, but also through her positive energy, contagious work ethic, and her infectious smile,” says Julia Wazeter, Karigen’s best friend and 2021 FMM graduate who, along with Karigen’s parents, will attend the Pop Up Shop event.
Circle of Trees – November 20: A favorite of local families and children, Circle of Trees returns to kick off the holiday season on November 20 at 5 p.m. This year, the event takes on a new COVID-friendly format, with Santa’s firetruck making stops at several neighborhood locations, the first at Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Avenue. Stay tuned for more details about where he’s touching down.
Wednesday night Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Friends of the Avenue of the Arts hosted a Fundraiser at the Dina Wind Art Foundation. It was a lovely evening of shopping with 25% of the proceeds going directly to AAI.
Great news! John has offered to extend the 25% contribution to Avenue of the Arts, Inc. through this Sunday for orders placed through www.johnwind.com
When you add an item to your cart, you will see a box to write an ‘Order Note’. Just put ‘Avenue of the Arts’ there and your order will be included! If you have never seen John’s jewelry, take a look. The holidays are coming (Thanksgiving is next week!). Want to learn more about the Dina Wind Art Foundation? Visit www.dinawindfoundation.art
Moving from the Wells Fargo Parking lot, Spectacor Events & Entertainment has jollied the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson to Oaks, Pa. The massive, immersive, one-of-a-kind experience offering a winter wonderland of lights, shopping, and dining will take place from November 26 (Black Friday) through January 2 at the Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.
Tinseltown is also announcing a Flex Ticket, which will allow guests to purchase a ticket without pre-selecting the date and time for a visit. Perfect for a holiday gift or those on a fluid schedule, the Flex Ticket is $38.99 and can be purchased here.
General admission tickets for Tinseltown are limited and start at $19.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under 13 – admission is FREE for children under five. All ticket buyers will be required to select a designated arrival window when purchasing - patrons are encouraged to book their timed tickets early as sell-outs are anticipated. Purchase your tickets NOW at TinseltownHoliday.com. This year I am tooo busy to make it to the new site, but it’s spectacular, family fun with food and lots of holiday photos to be had.
The 163rd Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ballco-chairmen’s reception was held on Thursday, November 14, 2019.
UPDATE: Here are the photos from the Academy Ball 2020 and links to where others may be found.
Dennis and Deborah Glass hosted the reception at their home in Bryn Mawr.
The Glasses greeted the guests as they arrived.
Lydia and Scott Hamburg
Carolyn Slota and Mario Mestichelli
Jane Allsopp, and Nicole Allen
The Glasses opened their home as well as tented their patio for the guests.Cackie Rogers, vice chairman of the Academy of Music (AOM) Board of Trustees, Mario Mestichelli, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Philadelphia Orchestra Association, Dennis and Deborah Glass, co-chairman Jim Brandau, a senior vice president at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. , and Academy Ball 2020 co-chair Lisa Buckingham The 163rd Anniversary Concert and Ball Join us for Philadelphia’s most fabulous party of the year—the annual Anniversary Concert and Ball, a spectacular white-tie event with star-studded performances, dining, and dancing, all supporting an iconic historic landmark. Saturday January 25,2020 The Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Conductor
Alyson Jack, Director of Event Planning and Services at The Bellevue Hotel, Brian Lang, Claire Allamby, Senior Director of the Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office, Kelsey Bartle, Senior Event Sales Manager at Hyatt Hotels Corporation and William RossiMorris Williams, Elaine Camarda, Alexandra Edsall, and Robert Victor
Jack Earle, Managing partner at Earle enterprises lp. and Kate Allison, founder and CEO of Karma Agency, a strategic communications firm headquartered in Philadelphia and a member of the Board of Trustees
Young Friends membership. For those 21–40 years young, get access to discounted concert tickets, free drinks, and exclusive after parties! Join now: www.philorch.org/young-friends
More than 200 Philadelphia-area asset management industry professionals gathered on Nov. 7 at The Logan Philadelphia to raise money for Achieve Now, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the educational system in Philadelphia to one that produces students who can read.
Keynote Speaker Professor Myron Scholes, Mark Sheehan (Stradley Ronon) and Thomas Huber (Wick Capital Partners).
The Philadelphia Fund Alliance is a group of Philadelphia-based asset management industry professionals formed to hold an annual fundraiser to benefit one or more charities in the greater Philadelphia area. The annual fundraiser not only supports a great cause, but it also highlights Philadelphia’s deep roots and influence in national financial markets and services, including traditional mutual funds and alternative asset vehicles.
Athen Anthopoulos (Weiswood Strategies) and John Grady (Practus, LLP).
Kristin Vrabel and Amber Wilczynski from PwC.
John Braun (BBD) and Terry Reilly (Pepper Hamilton).
Ira Schnell (Apex Group), Bob Dunne, Michael Cairns and Alena Bolba from Grant Thornton.
Michael Collins (Broadridge Financial Solutions), Mary Ellen Mahoney, James Mahoney (Tait Weller) and Marie Lostocco (Blackrock).
Brian Sullivan, Kelly Fisherkeller and Brian Cassidy from Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Philadelphia Fund Alliance Gala Attendees.
Jerry Maginnis (Cohen & Steers) and Reese Blair (Deloitte & Touche LLP).
Nicole Snyder, Maria Palmer, Nancy Cloran and Lori White (SEI Investments Company).
Bruce Leto (Stradley Ronon) , Shawn Kairschner (Achieve Now), Sean Graber (Morgan Lewis) and John Alshefski (SEI Investments Company) present Achieve Now with a $100,000 donation.
Nobel Laureate financial economist and keynote speaker Professor Myron Scholes.
Claire Olivar, Lauren Zychowicz and Becca Rodrigues from Stradley Ronon.
Nicole Snyder, Kyle Cummings and Lori Wayne from SEI Investments Company.
Thanks Mike Hirata for shooting this for PhillyChitChat.com
Approximately 100 surfers and 400 volunteers, many of the volunteers from Moss Rehab in Philadelphia, participated in the 12th annual They Will Surf Again event at Baker Beach in Wildwood, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. T
For the past eight years, MossRehab has sent a volunteer corps of rehab therapists, doctors, nurses and supporters to They Will Surf Again is the flagship program of Life Rolls On, a nonprofit that serves as a resource and advocate for young people who have been affected by spinal cord injury. Life Rolls On utilizes action sports to push the boundaries of possibility for those with spinal cord injuries.
“We’re thrilled to have MossRehab involved with us,” says Chad DeSatnick, who organizes They Will Surf Again events in New Jersey. “To have actual therapists and rehab specialists who are trained to properly handle persons with disabilities means proper techniques are used, assuring safety, comfort and dignity for the surfers.” Founder of Life Rolls On Jesse Billauer (r) Wants to Help You Catch a Wave.
The Blue Wave Theory, play surf rock and entertained the crowd during the event. Kerry O’Connor, Senior Manager of Communications at Moss Rehab, has been a long time supporter of They Will Surf Again, connecting them with Moss Rehab, and sponsoring The Blue Wave Theory band for everyone’s enjoyment. The music was terrific, and kept the seagulls away from everyone’s pizza.
In 2016, Prince Albert of Monacopurchased his late mother’s Philadelphia home. “It feels good,” he told People magazine of buying the Pennsylvania property. “I’m very happy to have saved this old family home from a near certain death or development.”
The ESU was formally organized in the United States in 1920 and arose from the conviction of its founder, Sir Evelyn Wrench and a group of like-minded American and British friends, that maintenance of the close personal and national ties forged during World War I was necessary for the preservation of peace.
The ESU celebrates English as a shared language to foster global
understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural
opportunities for students, educators, and members.
The Kelly Family was kind enough to host this years event, which was held under a tent in the expansive backyard. Princess Grace of Monaco’s childhood home was also opened for tours on a few of the floors for all to see. It is not a museum as many thought, but a residence where family members live. Although there is access on special occasions.
Andy and Debbie Webster,Mary Darlington co-chairs, with hosts Alexandra Golaszewska and J.B. Kelly and Steve Darlington, co-chair
Princess Grace’s mother John B. Kelly, built the six-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot home, which would later become the place where Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to then-actress Grace Kelly, in this very room.
Thank you to Alexandra Golaszewska, who along with J.B. Kelly I have known socially for several years, who gave me a tour of the house, even the nooks and crannies explaining all the beautiful artifacts on display.
Princess Graces’ mom would sew these labels in the children’s clothes
Princess Grace’s writing desk has a photo of Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Princess Grace and her two oldest children Caroline, Princess of Hanover and Albert II, Prince of Monaco . Along with a magazine with The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on the cover. Inside is also a story on the Kelly Home) Natanya DiBona, co-host of Le Dîner en Blanc touring the house. There’s a preview party June 11, and the public is invited to attend. It’s there they will announce the date of the annual August event for Philadelphia. The event is free but you must register.The Living Room
Prince Albert II of Monaco is very concerned about the environment and has created The Prince Albert II Foundation (Official name: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco is a Monaco -based charity which has donated millions in various environmental projects. The Foundation was initially created in 2006 by Prince Albert II of Monaco and it concentrates on environmental protection
Some of the guests at the Garden Party
The highlight of the garden party was the singing of the National Athem, the toast to Queen Elizabeth for her 93rd birthday and a lively auction to raise additional funds for the ESU education mission.
Max Yillah discusses the National Shakespeare competition, and how he came in 2nd Place. Congrats that’s huge. Second Prize: Scholarship and airfare to attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp
Max Yillah, a Philadelphia area high school student won the annual Shakespeare contest, which allowed him to compete in the National Shakespeare Competition in NYC. High school students nationwide read, analyze, perform and recite Shakespearean monologues and sonnets in three qualifying stages: school, ESU Branch and national.
Claire Boasi Brian Morris and Marjorie Morris, Board Member
Look for additional photos on CBSPhilly, as well as Philly Style Magazine later this week.
On March 29, 2019, Wigs.com and Breastcancer.org came together to
empower and educate women with a three year partnership, at Lankenau
Medical Center. To mark this occasion they hosted a wig wearing
demonstration, as well as a panel discussion on Breast Cancer
treatments. Wigs.com presented a a $100,000 donation check to
Breastcancer.org in honor of their mission which is dedicated to
providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about
breast cancer and breast health as well as an active and supportive
online community.
Haley Newbanks, Wigs.com and Hope Wohl, CEO Breastcancer.org
Carol Thomas, Adam Leitenberger, Melissa Jenkins, Cindy Pelton, and Delores Slaughter
Carliz Sotelo Moore, CEO and Co-Founder of Wigs.com assists Delores Slaughter on how to wear a wig as Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder and Chief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org looks on.
Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder and Chief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org accepts a check from Carliz Sotelo Moore, CEO and Co-Founder of Wigs.com celebrating their three year partnership in restoring confidence in women going through chemotherapy.
Carliz Sotelo Moore, CEO and Co-Founder of Wigs.com assists breast cancer survivor Rita Lusen, Breastcancer.org with her wig.
B
Kim Wakiyama, Rita Lusen and Ashley Hollander
With a common goal to educate and help people who are going through breast cancer, Wigs.com and Breastcancer.org form a three-year partnership worth $100,000 in donations. The Breastcancer.org community of people with breast cancer will have access to Wigs.com experts, as well as hair loss education, including videos and content available on Breastcancer.org’s website.
Wigs.com will make purchasing from the larger collection of wigs on its
website easier for the breastcancer.org community offering 10% off
through a special coupon – BC10, which can be applied during checkout. For each purchase, Wigs.com will donate 10% of the proceeds to Breastcancer.org
The Mainline Ladies Come out to Support Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community (CSC) Greater Philadelphia held their 15th Annual “In Fashion!” Luncheon & Fashion Show in conjunction with Neiman Marcus. This year though they held the fundraiser on the Mainline at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford and not in the store at King of Prussia Mall as had been done the past few years.
For this year’s fundraiser, CSC partnered with Neiman Marcus who carries fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli clothing. Brunello Cucinelli’s ready-to-wear, handbag and shoe collections represent an expression of everyday luxury and sophistication, where comfort and style come together in an inseparable combination.
There was a pop up shopping area where guests could buy Brunello Cucinelli’s designs. 10% of the proceeds would go to the CSC. Cucinelli regularly donates 20% of his profits through the Brunello Cucinelli Foundation.
Kathy O’Mara, Development Director Cancer Support Community and Kelly Harris, CEO Cancer Support Community.
Cancer Support Community supports men, women, and children living with cancer by offering free counseling, music therapy, support groups, educational workshops, exercise classes, and specialized programs for children and teens.
Cancer survivor, Lisa Barsky, who also volunteers many of her free hours at CSC and Paige Stengel, Marketing Coordinator at LaHoda Natural Health Centre
Petra Halloran, Erika Gabriel and Amanda Burch
Donna Celentans, Lynn Charlton and Julie Schellenger
Sandy Edelstein, Shana Schwartz, Robin Lovett, Nicole Schaeffer and Andrea Alexanian
Ali Bristow and Samantha Anne
Noelle Wein, JoAnn Wurzak and Ginny Salaman
Tara Lessard reigning over the beautiful fundraiser luncheon
Jeff Kellmer, Evelyn Cintron and Joann Massengill. Jeff donated a $5,000 bracelet which was auction off during the luncheon.
Stephanie Stahl, CBS3Philly emceed the event, where two young ladies whose mother is a cancer survivor, were models in the fashion show
Auctioneer Jeff Hammond working his magic raising additional funds for the organization. Not only is Jeff a great fundraiser, but a great MC as well.
Hilarie Morgan and Babs Snyder enjoy the fashion show
Marjorie Honickman chats during lunch
Lunch
Many guests slid over to the other sides of the table to get the best view of the gorgeous clothes
There were audible ahhs for this beautiful outfit
It was a successful event. I loved the new venue. Please check out Cancer Support Community and all their wonderful services, and pass the word. There are so many wonderful organizations out there to help those in need. They need our support, but most of all they’re there if you need them. Many times people don’t realize these programs are available, unless they hear about them from their case worker.
Look for additional photos in the February issue of Philadelphia Magazine and in the next issue of Liberty City Press
For this year’s fundraiser, 
