Collingswood Ballroom

On May 5th Ronald McDonald House of Southern Jersey hosted Wine Women & Shoes FunRaiser. The night began with each guest receiving a glass of champagne as they arrive.

CBS3’s Jim Donovan emceed the fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House in South Jersey.

There was a Market Place for guests to shop, silent auction and raffle prizes, stations of appetizers and passed hors d’oeuvre.

The concept of Wine Women & Shoes is the brainchild of Napa Valley vintner, Elaine Honig, concieved about 2 decades ago. While chatting with a girlfriend about the growing popularity of wine and food pairing events, they jokingly said, “wine and shoe pairings would be a lot more fun!” And they were right. WW&S events are now in 50 cities across the country, and they have raised more than $22,000,000 for women and children’s causes.

Wine Women & Shoes fundraisers create an opportunity for partnerships between charities, wineries, shoe and accessory retailers, corporate sponsors and women in the community. They are so much fun.

Thanks to Seagrass Boutique and Caroline’s Fashion Luxuries for dressing the models

Then there is the very popular “Key to the Closet”

They sold 100 – $100 keys to win what is in the closet. Each person that purchases a key will be given a blinky ring to wear through out the night. Guests try out their key to win fabulous prizes with values up to $5,000.

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the event, and raise critical funds for the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey. Thanks to Andre Flewellen who photographed this event for PCC.

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is working to promote equity in education by bringing together motivated middle school students and college students who aspire to be teachers. By providing these middle schoolers with the inspiration and support they need to succeed, and by giving aspiring teachers the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience, your program is helping to establish a more equitable education system. This is important work, as access to quality education is key to creating a more just and equitable society.

Recently a dinner, trivia night and silent auction were held on April 27, 2023 to raise funds for Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia.

Breakthrough Scholars get a tuition-free and rigorous academic, co-curricular and life-skills enrichment program that fosters their love of learning and commitment to succeed in education.

Teaching Fellows are currently-enrolled college students and a pillar of our program at Breakthrough. Teaching Fellows are educators-as-superheroes, empowering and uplifting middle schoolers as diverse, talented role models. All the while bolstering their own future careers through an immersive and meaningful internship.

97% of the most recent 8th grade class surveyed at Breakthrough attended a non-neighborhood high school is a testament to the program’s success in preparing students for academic success beyond middle school. By providing motivated students with the support and resources they need to succeed, Breakthrough is helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality that can often hinder educational attainment.

Overall, it’s clear that Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is making a significant impact in promoting equity in education in the city. I commend the program for its efforts and wish you all the best in your continued work to support and inspire students and teachers alike. Over $200ks was raised from the gala to help Breakthrough with their mission.

The University of the Arts Performance Unleashed fundraiser was a success and over $400,000 was raised for student scholarships.

The evening began with a cocktail hour in their newly renovated Student Center. Then guests headed upstairs to the auditorium for dinner, performances, an awards presentation then a live scholarship auction. Proceeds from the event will support and enhance the student experience, where a $100,000 was raised in the auction live as we sat there. It was exciting and gratifying that UArts has such amazing supporters.

Two outstanding members of the community were recognized and honored, the 2023 Excellence in the Arts Hamilton Award was presented to Ed Satell. At the event it was announced that the Ed Satell Scholarship Fund was initiated. It will undoubtedly provide much-needed financial assistance to many passionate students. Also honored was Adam Blackstone ’04 (Instrumental Performance), who received the 2023 Alumni Award. He has served as musical director for acts such as Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5 and other artists. Recently, Adam cultivated the explosive Super Bowl 56 Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Enimem, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige. He couldn’t make the awards as he was in Europe working on a project with JayZ