Author: HughE Dillon

The Wonders Beyond Words Gala, hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, returned in full splendor on April 4, 2025. It had been a few years since I last attended—life and scheduling conflicts got in the way—but stepping back into the grand halls of the iconic library, which has graced the city since 1894, was like revisiting a cherished chapter of a beloved book. The evening stirred up all the magic and elegance I remembered—and then some.

This annual event, held in celebration of the library’s vital role in community, honored A. Morris Williams, Jr., a longtime advocate and Emeritus Board Member. Williams’ visionary support has been essential in advancing the library’s mission and expanding its impact across Philadelphia.

Monique Moore-Pryor, President of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, praised Williams for his dedication and leadership, which have guided the library through pivotal moments in its history.

Nearly 750 guests filled the main hall, and adjacent rooms. Funds raised at the gala support the Foundation’s programs, which benefit approximately 2.2 million Philadelphians annually

Spotted among the crowd included Civic and business leaders such as David and Elaine Binswanger, Michael and Anna Marie Gewirtz, Quinta Faria, Jamie Blair, Ricky Perez, Mustafa Rashed, Joe Meade, Joseph Neubauer, and Tom and Jodi Cole, Grace and Barry O’Sullivan, Sheila Hess, Michelle Tepper, Daniel Blank and Sarah Case.

Catering: Jaccaranda Events
Flowers and Decor: Xtraordinary Events
Sound: Eventions
Coordinator & PR: Cashman & Assocs.

Back in April, a new movement was launched on a beautiful day in Love Park: the Phambassadors. Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, introduced the program — an initiative aiming to rally over 10,000 proud Philadelphians in the next two years. Together, this growing community will help shape how the world sees and experiences the city, leading up to 2026 and beyond.

Fast forward to June 21 — the Phambassadors kicked things off with their very first Pham Camp, held at the Visitor Center! Over 150 proud Philadelphians signed up to learn how to turn their city love into street-level magic. You know the moment: someone’s staring at a map, squinting at their phone, scanning street signs , looking lost. Your Philly instincts kick in — and boom — you’re pointing them toward the Liberty Bell or even where their doctor’s office is located, like a local legend. That’s the Phambassador spirit!

The morning started with a continental breakfast.

where Phambassadors signed the pledge to do their part in sharing their Philly love to others.

Phambasadors: Steve Simon poses with “George Washington” both of whom have signed on to the volunteer program.

Each Phambassador was assigned to a “Street Named” table and what I really appreciated was that if you signed up with a friend or spouse, they made sure to seat you separately. It was a smart move to encourage individuality and fresh connections.

The program kicked off at 9 a.m. sharp, with a packed room full of eager Philadelphians ready to become top-notch city ambassadors.

The morning started with a welcome from Ott Lovell sharing that the Phambassador program is flexible, letting participants engage at their own pace—whether it’s sharing good news online, volunteering at events, or spotlighting Philly’s hidden gems, there’s a role for everyone.

Speakers included Matt O’Donnell, 6ABC, Chef Jacquie Kelly from Streets of Philly Food Tours who surprised us with cannolis served after lunch, film maker Sam Katz showing snippets of some of his Emmy award winning documentaries,

Matt Ray, Chatterblast, whose company helped create the branding for the Phambassadors, Alphonso Dashiell, The Black Journey and the grand finale a surprise appearance by the Phillie Phanatic!

It was a great day, with lots of break out sessions, brain storming, quizzes and comradeship.

Ott Lovell emphasized Phambassador members get access to “exclusive events, local perks and exciting updates.”

Sign Up to be a Phambassador, get ready for an exciting new adventure, sharing the joy of Philly, with others. Make sure to come out to the next Pham Camp in the fall.

The Wardrobe marked its 30th anniversary in style with a VIP celebration at Rivers Casino on May 30.

For three decades, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit has been combating clothing insecurity by providing upcycled clothing and professional development support to over 10,000 people each year.

The event honored The Wardrobe’s ongoing mission to empower individuals and promote sustainable fashion in the city.

The evening featured a cocktail hour and pop-up shop showcasing curated looks, followed by a dinner reception and fashion show highlighting client success stories.

WHYY journalist Cherri Gregg who served as emcee, with special appearances by Fox 29’s Sue Serio, Councilwoman Rue Landau, fashion influencer Mar Santana, and actor-comedian Sean Barry Parsons.

Because of your support, the Wardrobe raised $115,275, surpassing our goal and unlocking our match! Even if you could not join us, you can still make an impact by making a monthly donation of $30 or more.

Thanks to everyone who has been involved in the success of The Wardrobe over the last thirty years. Cheers to more years helping people get on their feet and living the life of their dreams.

Thanks to PCC photographer Talya Hailey for shooting the event.

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia marked its 30th anniversary with an inspiring celebration on May 1, 2025, at The Grand Belle at The Bellevue Hotel. The annual soiree brought together supporters to honor three decades of impact, raising vital funds to help more students reach their academic goals and to support the development of future educators.

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated and traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for postsecondary and career success. Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education

To learn more about Breakthrough’s impact, explore the 2023-2024 Impact Report

Amazon Prime Video’s hit series “Reacher” began production of Season 4 over the weekend, in PHILADELPHIA!!!, as I mentioned on my IG Sunday.

Monday morning I headed to Rittenhouse Square’s to see where they were filming. The signage said there would be road closures between 6am and 11am on 18th and Locust Streets, so I figured 9am would be a perfect time to see what was happening because by then the rehearsal for the scenes would be over and they the actual stars of the show would be filming and not their stand ins (For those new here, I have been a celebrity photographer/paparazzi for nearly 20 years. Working in NYC for 6 of those years.)

Perfect it was an al fresco dining scene at Stephen Starr’s Parc Rittenhouse restaurant. The scene was him dining curbside, as a police chase ensued in the street next to the famed eatery. I am not at all familiar with the show, never saw it, and never heard of the actors, ( I’m watching the first season as I write this, and it is sooo good.)

Tip: Before I left to go do this shoot I pulled up the lead characters photos to study what they looked like.

The fourth season of “Reacher” is based on the 13th book in Lee Child’s global best-selling Jack Reacher novel series, “Gone Tomorrow.” Per Amazon’s description, “When a chance encounter with a distraught stranger on a train goes horribly wrong, Jack Reacher is drawn into a complex and deadly game that pits him against ruthless foes from the highest echelons of power.” On Sunday Reacher filmed at 27th and Pennsylvania on the train tracks, and Monday afternoon they filmed at the Rail Park at Noble Street in North Philly.

After Alan Ritchson wrapped a street scene with police cars pulling up to the restaurant, a line of black SUVs rolled up, and I was thinking did they just add these as the other 2 takes didn’t feature black SUVS ; and out stepped Joe, Hunter and Jill Biden. The crew started cheering, someone shouted ‘We love you, Joe!’ — I honestly thought they were filming a finale until I saw the former president head into the restaurant.

Turns out, the President just wanted some eggs. The Bidens spent about an hour inside Parc, chatting with the Reacher crew and posing for photos, giving everyone on set and nearby a completely unexpected crossover moment.

As Biden exited the restaurant, the cast, crew and dog walkers in the park broke out in cheers and applause. Biden thanked the local Philly police for their service, shook hands and posed for selfies on the way back to his car.

Filming rolled on for another 30 minutes before the Reacher crew packed up and headed to their next stop — the Rail Park. I’ve gotta say, I get the hype now… no wonder my friend Dee is obsessed with this show! Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes snaps. Word is they’ll be filming in Philly for another week — but in true Reacher fashion, they won’t be staying in one place for long.

CHECK OUT CBSPhilly for video of Biden and Reacher filming yesterday outside of Parc. An interview with my, someone who badly needs a haircut!!

Were you and EXTRA on the Parc shoot yesterday? You’re photo might be here.

Yesterday it was announced The 13th Annual Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia was set for Thursday, August 21, 2025, at a stunning but secret location. “We’re counting down the days until we can see you dressed in your Gatsby-themed white attire. Stay tuned for more updates on this year’s event!”

Riverfront happenings. The beautiful, expansive, apartment complex Rivermark at Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden St has been opened for a few months now. Lots happening on the complex including a beautiful new sculpture. Haddad Drugan is preparing to install “River Soundings”,

a landmark sculpture at @rivermarknorthernliberties that is part beacon, part lighthouse, part navigational instrument, revealing the river’s depth through motifs of this ancient technique.

This Friday June 13, 2025, Sprouts is opening at Rivermark.

Enjoy 20% off* during their grand opening weekend, June 13th-15th, when you sign up for a Sprouts account. Plus, enjoy samples, giveaways, and activities for everyone all weekend long!

All Aboard Candy opens at 20th and Locust on Thursday, June 12 at Noon. They have lots of fun giveaways for customers. Follow them on IG and get the scoop.

One of my favorite quarterly events: Thrifty Disco on Saturday June 14! Put on your disco pants and come on over as we raise money for Philly Aids Thrift + KDU (and get special treats from Darnel’s Cakes).

The Boys Scouts of America were proud to honor four incredible pillars of the community at the 15th Annual Cradle of Liberty Council Corporate Campfire on Tuesday.

Honored Emily Bittenbender, Meg Kane, Sal Paolantonio and Craig Williams. Congrats to all!!