Category: Philadelphia

When you think of a football player you might think of Seattle Seahawks Julian Jones
Or Indianapolis Colts Raheem Brock, here at the 5/8/09 Magee Rehabilitation Hospital’s Annual Night of Champions fundraiser which I will be writing about next week.And then there’s Philadelphia Eagles Stewart Bradley
(Who I hear is dating a local girl, who’s not a Mormon she tells me)
When you think of football players, most men don’t lust after the players, but now they will as Philly has a LINGERIE FOOTBALL team and Wired 96.5’s Chio in the Morning side kick G-N Kang has made the cut for the PHILADELPHIA PASSION LINGERIE TEAM, who held their team try outs in Aston yesterday. LFT is where football meets hooters. OK well more like Hooters meets Hooters and a football. Talk about Fantasy Football. In just a few short weeks Mini camp will be in full swing and training camp is in July. Season starts in September and instead of

walking the runway like she did on Tuesday night for the “Women’s Empowerment” to benefit Project Home, G-N will be running plays down the field.

Look for G-N moves like this to hit the field at ‘LFL, Friday Night Football’ at Sovereign Bank Arena starting this fallwhen she ditches this fashionable attire
And her Freddy Kruger outfit
for something like this (Credit:Joe Cavaretta, Sun-Sentinel)
G-N tells me the photos for the team will look more like the above “YIKES! gotta work on my abs!! EEK. My body is beaten to a pulp tonight. It was not easy. It was four hours of football drills, sprints, throws and catches, and scrimmages. About 90 girls tried out. 12 made it.
Philadelphia Passions is the 10th team added (LFLus.com)”
With G-N Kang’s hot schedule coming up what’s to become of her side kick Arthur Kade as she had be his trusty confidante for the past several months as he makes his climb to the top
(It’s a shame he didn’t make that high school football team)Is the party over?
Or will G-N introduce the Kade to a fresh crop of 10’s to help end the drought?
I can’t wait to find out. (No wonder Kade did those football videos this weekend.)(And for all of you who have been hitting my blog in the last couple weeks about G-N being single, engaged or married, let me just say for the google gods G-N Kang is SINGLE)

Congratulations G-N I’m excited for you babe.

LINGERIE FOOTBALL TEAM Fans will have only (2) two opportunities to catch their Philadelphia Passion at Sovereign Bank Arena. The Passion will host their home opener against one of the LFL’s most potent offenses when the Miami Caliente come into town on November 6, 2009 and wrap-up their season at home against the Tampa Breeze on December 11, 2009.

There are Three Entries today so scroll down, events this weekend, Jennifer Aniston and Let Them Eat Cake event with…

Hello, there are a couple things that should be on your radar this weekend. First on Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th, dozens of Old City shops will bring their wares out onto the streets in celebration of the second annual “Old City Stroll & Sidewalk Sale”. From 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. visitors are invited to explore the neighborhood’s eclectic character through shopping, dining, and cultural enrichment during this family-friendly event. (You probably think I should have a photo of Old City there, and well you’re right.)While you are in the neighborhood: Bart Blatstein, founder and president of Tower Investments, Inc., the city’s leading development firm, will open The Piazza at Schmidts (2nd Street and Germantown Avenue, www.atthepiazza.com), a beautifully landscaped, 80,000 square foot open-air plaza with free events year-round, surrounded by three new buildings including 35 artist’s studios and boutiques, four new restaurants, 500 apartments and 50,000 square feet of office space in the Northern Liberties neighborhood on Saturday, May 16. Opening day festivities will include: a Trunk Show with 150 emerging artists, crafters and designers from 10 am to 4 pm; and a not-to-be-missed line-up of musical talent with Illvibe Collective from 1 pm to 4 pm, The Northern Liberties Dance Band from 3 to 4 pm, and Gina Ferrera presents Worlds in Collision from 6 to 10 pm. On Sunday the action will continue with a live broadcast of the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the Washington Nationals baseball game from 1 to 4 pm, live Big Band music and dancing from 4 to 8 pm, and a showing of the movie Cinema Paradiso from 8 to 10 pm.FINALLY A VERY IMPORTANT CHARITY EVENT On Sunday, May 17, 2009, breast cancer survivors Cheryl Dudley and Beatrice Marx will join over 500 women, caregivers, friends and families on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (at 8AM – 12PM) to support women affected by breast cancer while experiencing the healing effects of yoga. This event features a basic, outdoor yoga class and Healthy Living Expo. It is a unique event in that it is collective in nature and people of all ages, skill levels, and walks of life can participate. This year, Living Beyond Breast Cancer has set a fundraising goal of $100K and is taking a grassroots approach through encouraging people to form fundraising teams or donate money in honor or memory of a loved one.
The event will feature a basic, energizing yoga class led by Jennifer Schelter, founder of Yoga Unites®, master teacher and executive director of Yoga Schelter Studio in East Falls; music by Samadhi Kirtan; a light breakfast; and a Healthy Living Expo, where participants can find information about yoga and fitness studios, healthful foods, natural cosmetics and other complementary goods and services.
The Yoga Unites for Living Beyond Breast Cancer lead sponsor is Yoga Schelter. The benefactor sponsors are Philadelphia City Paper and Olga and Warners. The presenting media sponsor is PumpTop TV.
Early registration (by May 14) is $30 for adults and $15 for children under age 12. Event day registration will be $40 for adults and $25 for children. Sign up at yoga4livingbeyondbreastcancer.org or call (610) 645-4567.

Wikepedia states: “Let them eat cake” is the traditional but incorrect translation of the French phrase “qu’ils mangent de la brioche.” Brioche is actually a type of egg bread enriched with a large proportion of butter, rather than any type of dessert or confection. While commonly attributed to Marie Antoinette, the oldest source that anyone has found is The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Fondant foodies and Brides-to be came to the April 14, 2009 event at LOEWS Philadelphia, of the same name LET THEM EAT CAKE…A Wedding Cake Design Competition for pastry arts professionals and students. Tickets were a reasonable $40 which included cake, and cocktails. Guest enjoyed the fabulous sounds of Back 2 Life by Brandywine Valley Talent.
tablescapes created by EVENTRICITY; When I first covered this event last year, the timetable was confusing: 3:00 p.m. – Set-up for pastry chefs (professionals and students) as arranged by Loews
4:00 p.m. – Judging and vendor set-up
5:00 p.m. – Chefs may reenter the Ballroom to decorate their table for presentation to the public
6:00 p.m. – Then the public was allowed in.
This year it clicked, the public only enjoyed the results, not the judging part.
The event brings a bunch of chefs, brides to be, event planners, and other vendors together to raise money for City of Hope, a cancer treatment and awareness center. City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of hematopoietic cell transplantation and genetics. Chefs from some of the Philadelphia’s finest restaurants, including Culinary Institute and Restaurant school make beautiful cakes which are then judged on cake and filling flavors, use of levels, color, etc. You would have thought I was one of the judges after taste testing many of the cakes; I wasn’t but learned a valuable lesson, too much of a good thing is bad.
Benefiting
Cakes were judged in nine categories like Most Artistic, Best Tasting and Best Overall – Professional, College and High School Vocational. The winning cake was baked by Miel Patisserie and they won Most Artistic, Best Tasting and Best Presentation. Cousin Jess and Miss Keystone Andrea Helfrich
The Chefs, Judges, and participants
The after party with “It Girl” Sabrina Tambourine, Jeff Guaracino, guest, Carol Tamburino and Jess.

Jeff Guaracino works for GPMTC who just launched a new campaign today that is rather clever:

“With Love, Philadelphia XOXO” – Visitors who book one of the nearly 100 featured packages on gophila.com/withlove will receive a special gift at check-in. The giveaway includes a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book, a five-pack of With Love postcards and a With Love pin, along with other brochures, coupons and maps.This event was back in April, I apologize for posting it a tad late. I am trying to catch up. Who knew when I went to NYC I would get so backed up.

On Monday, May 11, The Hamels Foundation, run by Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi, hosted their first adult carnival and silent auction at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.
Maria Charno and Tracy Seng. Note her new shorter sassy haircut.
The proceeds benefit the foundations efforts to build a school in Malawi, as well as inner-city schools here in Philadelphia. Originally, this had been a private event, but after an abundance of people asked to become involved, the Hamels foundation opened it up to the public. Tickets are still available at this time.
“The $300 donation/ticket included food and drink at the Please Touch Museum and mingle time with Phillies players, Eagles players, a silent auction, the World Series trophy will be there as well,” said Hamels Foundation Executive Assistant Andrea Lydon. “We’ll have fun carnival games, plenty of entertainment, complimentary valet parking, and lots more. It’s going to be a great time, and at the same time it all goes to our efforts here in Philadelphia, and abroad.”
Heidi & Cole thank the guests for coming, and explain a little about where the proceeds will be going. On screens at the 4 corners of the room played photos that Heidi took on her trips to Malawi. At the end of 2007, an estimated 91000 children in Malawi were living with HIV, and over half a million children had been orphaned by AIDS.

Sgt Ray Evers with the Phillies Championship Trophy. I know a lot of you search for Sgt. Ray Evers, he’s single. Just email me your intentions and we will arrange for a hook up, I mean a meeting.
Fun and merriment was had by all. A little Patron anyone?
Sharon Coia, Carol tamburino, Cole Hamels, Jen Utley, Miss Philadelphia 2009, Ryann Richardson. Ryann’s platform is “Raising Awareness of and Combating HIV/AIDS in Young People”, which makes this the perfect place for an appearance by someone that is very concerned with the issue of the Foundation.
According to Dan Gross’ column today: SEN. ARLEN SPECTER and wife Joan dined with Phillies slugger Chase Utley and wife Jen at La Collina (37 Ashland) in Belmont Hills after Sunday’s game. The senator attends most Sunday home games. We’re told Specter and Utley were gracious to fellow diners and said hello to those who approached them. Also dining there Sunday was

Shane Victorino off the singles market as you know, and only a few months away for his wedding to Melissa Smith. According to Dan Gross’ column today: * Shane Victorino took fiancee Melissa, mother of his daughter, Kali’a, out for a Mother’s Day dinner at the Water Works, where they were accompanied Smith by a group of friends.Chef Darryl Harmon sent out seared pineapple, instead of the restaurant’s signature seared watermelon, to the Flyin’ Hawaiian.
Super stylish Phillies Phans – Jen Utley, Nicole Cashman and Heidi Hamels.
Everything runs smoothly with The Cashman Girls in charge.
Christie Honigman is with Cashman & Assocs. firm now; here she is with Krista Guido.
Sharon Coia with her prize winning Chase Utley batting hat, with Carol Tamburino.
Reggie & Melissa Brown enjoy the carousel. I have to say I have been to 4 events at the Please Touch Museum and this is the first time the carousel went partially unused. I think it looks cool to be on it. In fact a few of the Phillies enjoyed a spin or too.
Del Frisco’s Shang Skipper, guest, Philadelphia Style Magazine John Colabelli with Table 31’s Lauren D’Orsio.
Sharon Coia, and Snake Charmer Carol Tamburino
Please Touch Museum’s President Nancy Kolb with Mime
Nice gift bag for the guests, Phillies Hat, a limited edition Cole Hamel Ball, a $100 coupon from Hugo Boss, oh and a missing chocolate bar, I have no idea where that went, I swear maybe.
Cole and Heidi fell in love with Africa on their South African honeymoon in early 2007. They plan to focus the efforts of the Cole Hamels Foundation on rebuilding a school in mountainous, malarial Malawi. To a similar end, Madonna’s charity, Raising Malawi, is famously injecting millions into the landlocked nation, which is about the size of Pennsylvania and is located in the continent’s southeast section. It is ravaged by HIV/AIDS, high infant mortality rates, seasonal flooding and deforestation.The Hamels have gotten ideas from Madonna’s direction.”We won’t be able to do what she’s doing,” Heidi said. They will do what they can, and they will do so intimately.

(I wish I could have made this event. It was on my books for months, but when someone hires me for an event photography gig I have to take the job to pay off this camera ya know. On those occasions I will consider taking photos from the event I had to bump and post them on PCC. [it did happened twice this week, when you hire PCC you get to keep the photos for distribution to the mags and your file, plus they go on PCC if you want.)

More than 300 people attended last Thursday night’s event, which raises funds for year-round maintenance of the four-acre Azalea Garden, located in Fairmount Park just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Azalea Garden, a project of the PHS Philadelphia Green program, has been revitalized and maintained through the dedication and cooperation of PHS, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park Commission and countless volunteers.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society president Jane Pepper welcoming guests.

(Laura Hoover/PHS)

Traditional horse-drawn carriage rides, a magician, stilt-walkers, face-painters, crafts for children, cuisine by Drexelbrook Catering, and Dixieland music will complete the festivities at this gala event. I am putting this event on my calendar for next years. I love the Azalea Garden and the Waterworks area, especially when holding a party.The 2010 Philadelphia Flower Show, “Passport to the World’s Flowers” will present an international bouquet of exhibits and an appreciation of flowers and plants from around the globe, including Brazil, Singapore, Holland, India, South Africa and New Zealand on Feb. 28 to March 7, 2010 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
(Photos provided by the Margaret Funderburg/PHS)

A MEETING ABOUT MEETINGS: PHILADELPHIA TO SHOWCASE IMPORTANCE OF MEETINGS WITH PUBLIC EVENT IN COURTYARD OF CITY HALL MAY 7It was hard for me to comprehend what this event was about, but all the movers and shakers in the tourism industry were here…
Tom Muldoon, PCVB · Vince Albeser, Doorman, Four Seasons · Julie Coker, Hyatt · Christine Duffy, Maritz Travel · Ed Grose, Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association · Albert Lee, head concierge, Independence Visitor Center · Laura Linton, National Constitution Center · Michael Lyons, GEP PhillyBelow is Albert Lee, head concierge, Independence Visitor Center, this kid is going to be Mayor someday if not the City’s Head Concierge. He knows this City backwards and forwards. In fact I loved his quote at today’s event where he said and I paraphrase I know the visitors are visiting your places, because I send them to you, and I want to know what more can I do for you. Then he went on to talk about how great the City was and it’s potential. Stating that he was raised in Chinatown and he was a Philadelphian. Back in February Albert won a contest that the National Geographic held title “I Heart My City”
Did you know that starting Saturday it’s National Tourism and Travel Week (May 9-17, 2009); On May 12, 2009, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) will reveal a brand-new tourism marketing campaign developed in direct response to the current economic climate. This campaign, set to launch before the busy summer travel season, is designed to boost leisure visitation and overnight hotel occupancy. Mayor Michael Nutter left a meeting regarding the casinos to attend this meeting. Now in the media Ben Franklin is a good get to get some press, but having the Mayor show up is a done deal as far as local media, and for that matter on a national level too.
This week is National Pray Week. On the west side of City Hall there’s a set-up with folks praying 24/7. This lady was nice enough to come into the courtyard and say a little prayer that the economy will pick up, meetings will again be happening, and money will flow to the coffers.
This weekend: Tonight the Magee Rehab benefit, check the PhillyChitChat Calendar for info. Also the Please Touch Story Book Ball, again check the calendar. On Monday:
A Special One-Night Only Free Screening of “The Far Side of the Moon ” directed by Robert Lepage, May 11, 7 pm, Gershman Y, 401 South Broad St., in Center City.

A few weeks back (OK months as I had planned a tie in to their annual event which you will see below) Donna invited me over to watch her clean out her closet all in the name of donating the clothing she doesn’t wear anymore to the Career Wardrobe, one of our favorite charities. Donna invited a few friends over, just to ease the pain, plus it was an excuse to share some bubbly, snacks and gossip.
The Career Wardrobe is the nation’s largest community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting women in their transition to work by providing professional attire, networking and career skills trainingStarted by a group of Philadelphia volunteers in 1994, including my friend Abby Siegel. The Career Wardrobe has assisted over 50,000 women to date.
Assisting Donna is professional organizer Dana Persia. Dana Persia is the owner of DP ImageConsulting, a company specializing in individual and group image consulting. Her expertise includes makeup and grooming, etiquette and interpersonal communications, wardrobe analysis and personal shopping. Dana’s site is:www.dpimageconsulting.com.
Then it was onto the shoes. Not too many of them got out alive and into thedonation bin, because well girls love shoes. It was a Carrie Bradshaw wet dream.
Donna’s taste in shoes was so varied there were shoes in there that I wished I had had for Halloween 10 years ago when I was svelte and pretty.
But I still would have had to beat her one friend off of them as she got all the pretty pairs.
So remember when you do your Spring Cleaning, keep Career Wardrobe in mind, or the Salvation Army, or whatever is most convenient to help someone else in these difficult economic times.MARK YOUR CALENDARS, AND BUY TICKETS because on June 3, 2009 plan to attend The Career Wardrobe’s 8th annual fundraiser; A Perfect Fit. This years theme Recycle a Suit, Renew a Woman’s Life will feature your favorite female local news anchorwomen and media personalities including: Monique Braxton, Dawn Timmeney and Denise Nakano from NCB10; Sue Serio, Kerri-Lee Halkett, Nefertiti Jaquez, Dawn Stensland-Mendte and Michelle Buckman from Fox 29; Mary Stoker Smith from CBS3; and Eric Grow from 6ABC. These lovely ladies will be donating the clothes right off their backs. This extravaganza will showcase a fashion show, live music performed by someone I can’t praise enough, she is well worth the price of the ticket to this awesome event: singer/songwriter Karen Gross, opportunities to win some fabulous gifts, and a silent and live auction of celebrity signed handbags custom made locally by Viv Pickle Handbag Boutique. This year’s celebrity inspired and signed handbags include Steve Carrell from The Office, Sarah Jessica Parker, Harry Kalas – Phillies Announcer, Ron Howard, Melissa Etheridge, Bette Midler, and TR Knight and many others.
For tickets or corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities contact (215) 568-6693. A Perfect Fit will be held Wed., June 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. Check out http://www.careerwardrobe.org/2009_apf_info or Paige Wolf’s website for more info http://www.paigewolf.com/news.html

Last night I attended the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Kick Off Reception held this year at the Four Seasons. The festivities began at 6 p.m. and the evening featured the musical stylings of DJ Joey Blanco, a silent auction, door prizes, food samplings by some of the most popular eateries in the Rittenhouse area and
a wine bar from PLCB Chairman’s Selections, cocktail creations from Diageo, and Infinitini’s in where else but the Intiniti Louge. This even is the cornerstone to raising the funds for The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival which will take place THIS Saturday, May 9th from noon to 5p.m., rain or shine.
One of the best commercial photographer in Philadelphia, Christopher Gabello, another favorite Where Publisher Laura Burkhardt and aspiring photographer and Ukele player Chris Fireoved. Stop by Loftus Cafe for a coffee or peanut butter sandwich and say hi.
Ann Ternas and of The Latest Dish Dallyn Pavey,
Jill Rizen and her man Andrew Hennig. I don’t think I have ever photographed Jill in the same outfit, wish I could say the same thing for a person that favors the color purple too much. Is that snarky?
The Infiniti Girls in the Infiniti lounge. They had a coffee table that had a LCD in it, good for display or meetings, not so good for watching Jerry Springer, like I am because I am too lazy to grab the remote and change the channel, as you will be hitting the table top/screen over the dumb actors, er I mean people who make bad choices. Jamie Wenger, Maureen Kolodzieg, Don Rosen and Melissa Bizzak
Cuisine by Rittenhouse Row’s Fine Restaurants
Alfa : Alma de Cuba : Akoya/Pearl : Audrey Claire : Barclay Prime :
Bistro St. Tropez : Butcher and Singer : The Continental Midtown :
D’Angelo’s Ristorante and Lounge : Devon Seafood Grill : DiBruno Bros. :
Du Jour : La Colombe : Ladder Fifteen : Le Castagne : Marathon Grill :
Meritage : Metropolitan Bakery : Naked Chocolate Café : Parc : The Palm :
The Prime Rib : Rouge : Roy’s : Smith’s : JL Sullivan’s : Susanna Foo :
Twenty Manning : XIX

I believe in miracles
Where you from
You sexy thing
I believe in miracles
Since you came along
You sexy thing
– Megan Stecher, Lindsey (hmm I can’t read your writing) and Jill Schoenfeld.
My it girl Sabrina Tamburino with mom Carol and the dynamic and innately talented Scott Barnes as the newly appointed Feastivities Events Director of Marketing & Public Relations. I hope to get invited to cover a lot of the Feastivities Events as I enjoy their work.
Thank you to all who donated to the silent auction. The money raised goes to off set the Rittenhouse Row Festival THIS Saturday May 9.

Smiths with Barry Garozzo and Mario Sabillon. Come for the food or eye candy.
Katherine Moore of the famed Moore Wineries, who you might have to ask for donations of booze as Nam Lee is no longer with Southern Wine & Spirits Of America Inc.’s, but has changed career direction and is with Gyro Worldwide Advertising, Inc.Beth Orvis, Jessica Hawkes, Scott Webster, Anh Nguyen, Brett Perloff, and Janice Lim. Anh says “Make sure you come out to PEARL this THURSDAY NIGHT for our JACK AND JILL ‘S SPRING/SUMMER Fashion show thrown by Rosie Kim !!!!” It’s at 11PM. Their spring line. Coming up in a few weeks they will have a show featuring their topless bikini’s recently featured in Dan Gross’ Gossip Column. I will definitely notify you of the date and time for that event.
David Mizrachi with NBC10’s Matthew Nadu
Erin Elmore and Janice Lim self portrait. Why do people stick out their tongues when they take photos of themselves? I’m having breakfast with Erin at 10AM, so I will ask her.Along Walnut Street from Broad to 19th Streets will be closed to traffic, giving you a pedestrian and stroller-friendly experience. Popular Center City restaurants will bring their most delectable dishes onto the street, so families can sample gastronomic delights without dropping a lot of cash. Just make sure to arrive early to enjoy all the offerings before they sell out! Besides the food, enjoy multiple stages of live music, all-day fashion shows, and loads of family fun like parachute games, storytellers, face painting and children’s dance DJs. (I was good I only took a picture of the cake)Ok you two knock it off. Actually these two are so cute who wouldn’t want to photograph them, alot. Talk about bringing sexy back, Jill!
Elina Safin and Eric Safin. I met Elina earlier this month at an event I didn’t write about yet, see how bad this is when I get behind. You may ask yourself why is HughE writing this before those other events, well this one is time sensitive as the Rittenhouse Row Festival is THIS Saturday, remember that. It’s going to be 73F, Sunny and beautiful. My mom says maybe she’ll go with me. I’ve never gone as I am usually in NYC shooting celebs during this week. Last night I wrote about make-up artist Ursula Augustine 215-557-1562 Ursula’s About Phace, well Elina is the masseuse at About Phace, and she works miracles. give her a call, and visit About Phace. At tonight’s event Ursula did the make-up for the models from JS Models.
Models from JS Models wearing styled by Knit Wit, Plage Tahiti and Joan Shepp. It never hurts to have a few beautiful women mingle among the guests. These two lovely ladies are from the Horticultural Society. Did you know that this Thursday is The 2009 Azalea Garden Party from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. It really is a must on your to do list. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, and the Azalea Garden is in full bloom (I can’t make it, I have a paying gig, which bump everything else; a guys gotta pay off his camera you know.) If you are interested in attending, please call Ellen Wheeler at 215-988-8830 or click here . Adriene Simpson and Laura Hoover.

Inga D’Angelo who will be starting a Karaoke night at D’Angelo’s soon. Sounds like fun. With her is the equally nice Monica Malpass. Another fashion plate in Philadelphia, as well as an iconic newswomen.

The 2011 Dancing with the Philly Stars Photos
http://www.phillychitchat.com/2011/04/philadelphia-stars-2011-and-winner-is.html

Check out this 2010 information on the event:

http://www.phillychitchat.com/2010/02/happy-birthday-brian-freedman-you-are.html

On Sunday, April 19, 2009, Brownstone PR presented the First Annual Dancing With the Philadelphia Stars. Participants danced the night away at the Crystal Tea Room in efforts to benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley. Looking stunning in her headpiece Wanda Lewis-Campbell with Deneen Hendrick
Erik Brown and Ediomi Utuk check out the silent auctions. Sadly they didn’t bid on “The Color Purple” cast & Oprah signed poster I donated. No one met the $500 minimum so I will resubmit it to another charity in the future.
Stephanie Rybczyk, Sabrina Strickland, Erin Elmore, guest, guest, guest, and Danielle Poe (single again and looking for the right guy)The excellent Megan Smith of Brownstone PR who put this whole thing on on behalf of the Sickle Cell Disease event.

The judges, more on this later, but this photo courtesy of Philly Mag.
Varsovia Fernandez getting a last minute touch up by the fabulous, sweet, super professional, make-up artist Ursula Augustine 215-557-1562 Ursula’s About Phace

Always great to Bonnie Grant out and about, with her is her son Shane Grant.
Erin Elmore’s cheering section filled with three tables of friends and family.
Erin and her dance partner, Nodari Tetruashvily. None of the “Celebrity” dancers had experience, they donated their time for 6 – 8 lessons; Society Hill Dance Studio donated 4 lessons, the rest were picked up by the charity.
Varsovia Fernandez, head of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Frank Laurenz
And everyone took the competition very seriously including CW’s Christian Ramirez-

Philadelphia Magazine’s Michael Callahan and Kati Slovich
Mariska K. Bogle, director of Strategic Planning and Business Development at the Philadelphia Tribune and husband
Jimmy’s cheering section
Jimmy “Style” Contreras and Audrey Julienne doing the “Quick Step”
Now about these judges (go back up and look at that picture after u read this), they were entirely tooooooo serious, too many Simon Cowel’s and not one Paula Abdul. This was a charity event, as one guest put it, “there’s a way to give someone helpful hints on their dancing and it wouldn’t be to tell them you were so bored you wanted to take a phone call. Pathetic.” Another guest said, “Why should the judges, who own dance studios, compromise their values when judging amateurs?” Answered another guest “I think there’s a classy way to do it, I’m not sure if these judges are familiar with that term.”
The winners were Erin Elmore and Nodari Tetruashvily who are surrounded by Erin’s 93 yr old grandfather who flew in from Pittsburgh, friends and family.
This event was a SMASHING success. Over 450 tickets were sold for the 5 hr, Sunday night 1st annual event. There will surely be a 2nd annual one, and I want to be involved. http://www.sicklecelldisorder.com/