PHILADELPHIA AUTO SHOW BLACK TIE GALA IS A GREAT WAY TO PREVIEW THE SHOW IN STYLE & Help out a good cause to boot

Here are the photos from this event:
http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/02/philadelphia-auto-show-black-tie.html

The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate Preview Gala is being held on Friday, January 30, 2009 from 7:00PM to 11:30PM at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Proceeds from the Black Tie Tailgate benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for kids Foundation (clever CARing) Below are some of the people responsible for this awesome event that kicks off the Philadelphia Auto Show beginning January 31, through Sunday February 8. L-R – Joe Magarity, Scott Lustgarten, Kevin Mazzucola with Dr. Stephen Altschuler President and CEO of CHOP, and Robin Austin, Director of Development at CHOPTonight’s gathering was a cross between a tasting of the Auto Show’s fundraiser the The Black Tie Tailgate Gala where you can purchase a ticket for a dining, dancing event the night before the auto show open’s to the public. The event is held at the convention center among the cars that are shiny new and still have that new car smell. From 7 – 9PM cocktails in Hall D sponsored by Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors America – Eastern Region and Mazda North America; at the same time in Halls A, B and C dine on hors d’oeuvres and cocktails sponsored by Chrysler Quality Plus Ford Dealers, General Motors, Lincoln Mercury Dealers, Suburu and local Volkswagon, finally dessert and dancing in the Grand Ball room featuring luxury automobiles from lexus and Mercedes-Benz, dessert and coffee in the Grand Ballroom sponsored by Audi of America and Infiniti. This is the part of the gala that I really look forward to, not because I sampled the fabulous ice cream bar or Mexican Brownie from El Vez, but I have always wanted to attend a grand event in the ballroom where the trains of yester year dropped off the hurried Center City workers back in the day, and who’s headhouse is now restored into a magnificent Grand Ballroom still with the soaring ceiling. Kevin Mazzucola Executive Director Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia greets the guests at tonight’s event, fills them in on the details of the upcoming Black Tie event, and is basically the cheerleader of the event, while also conveying what everyone knows in the industry, car sales are slow but things will get better, and let’s have a party, it’s for charity after all. Another speaker was Starr Restaurant’s Simon Powles who describe some of the delicious items that will be served during the Gala, and some of the food that people will have a chance to taste at last night’s event. Starr Restaurant’s participating eateries include El Vez, Barclay Prime, Parc and Alma De Cuba.Did I mention Pod – I didn’t have much time to eat, but I did have enough time to sample Pod’s offerings and well they are my favorite. We’re talking quality food, upscale dining with Starr restaurants, so when I look at the ticket pricing not only does the money go to a wonderful charity, but I get to sample foods from several of Steven Starr’s restaurants, it’s a special night.
Lisa, Sarah and Chris Magarity (The Auto Show runs from 1/31 – 2/8, tickets are a steal at $10 during the week, $12 weekends and can be bought online here
El Vez is in the house. I love their Taco Salad and dining outside along 13th Street
Suzanne and Donald Franks J.L freed & Sons, of with Dominic and Karen Conicelli (disclosure, I don’t know these folks but I have leased all my cars from them except my current Suburu, as they don’t carry Suburu) www.conicelliautoplex.com

The legendary Carol Springer at work. I spoke with Carol and she tells me that because of a few cutbacks, she is now the only social photographer covering the Mainline. After a nuclear attack there will be Roaches, Cher and Carol Springer left.
Tickets to Black Tie Tailgate start at $200 each.
Your ticket purchase supports Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, and is partially tax-deductible.