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Le Dîner en Blanc Preview Party Photos & Winning Table Decor

Yesterday the Le Dîner en Blanc Preview Party took place  aboard the Moshulu on the Delaware River. Nearly 300 guests, many dressed in white attended the party on a rare sunny, beautiful day in Philly.

Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran

The Table Decor

The Dîner en Blanc Preview Party was a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet organizers and volunteers, find out what to bring, what to wear, and where to buy everything for the very popular event which takes place August 16, 2018 this year.

Jennifer Lynn Robinson
Stefanie Ott and Nicole Walsh

Lori Thomson Olive & Bo

Won the Judges Vote for best table decor. Lori told me she created and bought the animal masks. This will be her
2nd time attending Dîner en Blanc

Connor Higgins and Selena Olack
Bryce Peckman and Sue Peckman

This year’s exclusive caterer Feast Your Eyes Catering was on hand, and gave out samples from this year’s globally-themed Dîner en Blanc catering meals and cheese boards. There were also vendors on hand for guests to purchase items to complete their Dîner en Blanc wardrobe, and table decor/

• Touché Accessories (hats, fascinators, gloves, accessories)
• Ellelauri Boutique (women’s fashion)
• Adorned by Aisha (jewelry)
• Zoya Egan Designs (hats and fascinators)
• Tiffany Arey Millinery (handcrafted ladies hats)
• Stella and Dot (jewelry)
• Hats in the Belfry (hats and fascinators)
• Tie Bar (bow ties, neckties, suspenders, tie bars, tie pins)
• Petit Jardin (floral arrangements)
• Bohemia House Designs (one-of-a-kind home decor)
• Pineapple on Main (home decor)
• Vagabond Ceramics (handcrafted ceramics)
• Sofitel Philadelphia (hotel packages and After Party information)

Kids got the beat
A raffle conducted at the Preview Party raised $1,000 for Broad Street Ministry. There will be three additional auctions held in July to benefit Broad Street Ministry- auction details will be announced in July.
Ready for the holidays Michelle Leonard‘s patriotic outfit
Marie Fritz’s London inspired table won “People’s Choice”

The wait list for Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia is now officially open! If you’d like to attend, visit philadelphia.dinerenblanc.com/register to add your name. The wait list does not guarantee a spot to Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia, but it does ensure that those signed up to the wait list will be notified when Phase 3 goes on sale in early summer. Last year’s registered members will automatically receive notice of registration going on sale in Phase 3.

Connect with organizers by following Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia
Facebook at DinerEnBlanc.Philadelphia, on Instagram at dinerenblancphl and on Twitter at DEBphl
Official hashtag: #dinerenblanc #debphl18

Philadelphia Soul Presents Audible for Autism Halftime

Philadelphia Soul is pleased to announce its partnership with Audible for Autism for the Halftime Touchdown Run, and the “Shining Light” Autism Sports Therapy Festival and Spectrum Talent Showcase which was held Sunday June 10th, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center

Audible for Autism is a football based Autistic Therapy Program specifically designed to empower and employ persons living with Autism. Our program utilizes persons on the spectrum in every aspect of the day through employment, participation, sharing and support. Placing persons on the spectrum in positions where their skills and talents can be cultivated and focused to improve and empower their future is our highest priority. We invite you to join us game after game as we provide long lasting memorable experiences for those in our community affected by Autism.

There was a beautiful girl who sang America the Beautiful

Woodstown Middle School sang the Star Spangle Banner

The Soul played Washington Valor on Sunday

Although the sands weren’t packed, the fans were enthusiastic
It was my first game, I had no idea the goal posts were so narrow. During the game I hung in the Parx Casino lounge, which is located at the end
During the Audible for Autism Halftime Touchdown Run, Ron Jaworski and City Councilman Green will put on pads and take the field with two pre-selected children, who will join the team huddles as running backs.

The Halftime Touchdown Run teams will be comprised of members of the Philadelphia Police Department.

The teams will snap the ball, and execute the touchdown run with the children running down each sideline in front of the cheering crowd on their way to their first Touchdowns! The Halftime Touchdown Run and accompanying festivities have given children and their families indelible memories that they will always cherish.

Audible For Autism Spokesperson, Muzz Skillings and Ron Jaworski

Scene at Philly Gay Pride Sunday June 10, 2018

Yesterday’s rain didn’t deter the masses from heading into Center City to celebrate the 30th Philly Pride Parade and Festival

I stopped by on my way to Burger Brawl, and the Soul Philly Football’s Autism Day

Spotted in Philly
Christian Siriano hosted SugarHouse Casino’s Philly Pride Day Party at Fishtown Hops on June 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SugarHouse)

ChitChat: Engaged, Babies, Ocean 8, Keenan and Shawn Wayans

Hey Chit Chat Peeps, sorry about yesterday. Sorry I keep apologizing about missing posts on Chit Chat. Even though they might not appear here, everyday I have columns on other outlets and stories on Fox 29 and/or CBSPhilly. Years ago I could do it all, but in the last year or so I started enjoying sleep.

Oh my dark roots Reese Witherspoon is bringing back Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3, and they already have an opening day VDay 2020

You don’t have to wait that long for another women empowering movie – Ocean’s 8 opens today with a stellar cast which includes Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway and Rhianna to name a few. I caught a preview on Monday night, and it was funny, clever and far fetched but enjoyable. Before heading over to the Prince Theater, I capture a few inspiring Philly women at an intimate cocktail party held by Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. Spotted there this week: Malcolm Jenkins Wednesday night (on his way out he posed for a fan when asked), as well as Geno Vento and friends after they caught a screening on the film Gotti with John Travolta. I’ll have more on the movie and Travolta in town on Sunday’s ChitChat.
Congrats to Lauren Bushby and Johnny Oakes on their engagement

Congrats Amber Joi and Tommy on the birth of their beautiful baby girl – Celine!!

Finished: I love PhillyWord Art. These guys are so talented and clever. They create art using words associated with events, places and memories. Here’s Citizen Bank Park word are with the names of every Phillies player EVER, handwritten. THAT is crazy, & clever. Check them out here.

Heartbroken and Finished

 Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, is ending it’s Bastille Day. This year is their 24th and final Bastille Day celebration with a monumental farewell tour, to be held Saturday, July 14, 2018. A spokesperson says “As sad as we are to see it go, Bastille Day is extremely resource-intensive, and we have a bold new vision for our organization that requires we make some tough sacrifices.”

For one final time, the Bearded Ladies will perform a drag cabaret reenactment of the French Revolution, and 2,000 butterscotch krimpets will rain down from the penitentiary’s towers as Marie Antoinette delivers her infamous line: “Let them eat Tastykake!”

Billie Jean King was in town recently to promote the Philadelphia Freedoms Tennis Season coming up next month. Thanks to Chatterblast’s David Schimpf  for this great shot. I had seen Billie Jean at WOGL in the morning, but didn’t make it to this spot in time.

TONIGHT you can see Keenan and Shawn Wayans, Tommy Davidson and David Alan Grier in the “Off Color” stand up comedy tour at Parx Casino!

8 p.m. Friday, Xcite Center at Parx Casino, 2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
Tickets: $45-$89
Information: 1-888-LUV-PARX, www.axs.com

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Fun happening in a few weeks, with discount tickets on sale now.

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC @KimmelCenter Merriam Theater (250 S. Broad St, Philadelphia PA, 19102)
Dates & Times:
6/20 – 7:30 PM
6/21 – 7:30 PM
6/22 – 7:30 PM
6/23 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
6/24 – 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM
DISCOUNT CODE: trick25 $25 tickets
https://www.kimmelcenter.org/…/…/rentals/champions-of-magic/

The Voices Gala of Summer 2018 Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Voice Foundation of Philadelphia held their annual event at the Westin Hotel on Friday June, 1, 2018.

Karen Hepp, Lauren Johnson flank world renowed Dr. Robert Sataloff at the Summer of Voices Gala

The Voice Foundation is the world’s oldest organization dedicated to voice medicine, science and education and welcomes doctors from around the world to a week long symposium, and celebration at the Voice Gala where they honor extraordinary doctors and their patients who share the mission of promoting voice wellness. This year’s honorees included Simon Estes, Cicely Tyson, Walter Williams, Lauren Johnson & Karen Hepp with a special recognition to George Shirley the first African-American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Sten Ternstrom, Lisa Popeil and Martha Howe

Broadway star Ric Ryder and Marcelo Saldías is a Chilean Speech and Language Pathologist specialized in voice therapy and voice training.

Leslie Martin, renowned opera singer, Dr. Cate Madill, Speech Pathologist, Voice Therapist and Voice Researcher, Director Voicecraft International,and Laura Crocco, Research student at The University of Sydney, using science to improve 1 to 1 music training

Carolyn, Lucie and Alain Munier

Maestro George Shirley , American operatic tenor, and was the first African-American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Carolyn Sebron, Mezzo Soprano, Dr. Linda M Carroll, speech-language pathologist and voice trainer and Dr. William Riley, world-renowned voice trainer, an award-winning classical singer

he Mission of The Voice Foundation is to enhance knowledge, care and training of the voice through educational programs; to publish material for voice care professionals, the public and professional voice users; and to support and fund voice research.

The legendary entertainer David Powell and the legendary newscaster Karen Hepp, Fox 29

Sue and Walt Hunter, Walt, who retired from CBSPhilly in 2016,  is on the Board of the Voice Foundation.

Dahlia M. Sataloff, MD Surgeon. Chair, Department of Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital Professor of Clinical Surgery, and Nancy Solomon

Caroline McKinnon, Dr. Brian McKinnon and Stephanie Miller

During the program various doctors would entertain the guests

Lauren Johnson and Karen Hepp thank the Voice Foundation for honoring them. Each having had voice issues, and getting treated by Dr. Santaloff, while sharing their stories with their viewers.

After dinner, and the awards program – there was dancing. It’s always a fun night, we’re so fortunate to have such a distinguished organization right here in Philadelphia.

Preakness at the Piazza Doesn’t Disappoint Despite the Dampness

 Preakness at the Piazza (1040 N. American St.) celebrated their annual event on Saturday, May 19, for the 6th annual fundraiser benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Even though it was another rainy day, the crowds did not disappoint. We’re used to a little bit of rain as it’s rained 4 times out of 6 on the day the event has been held.  The Preakness team was prepared with a series of tents to keep the guests dry, but their were breaks in the rain were folks mingled outside, and even danced in the rain.
Preakness on the Piazza is as much about watching the race, as what to wear to celebrate the race.

Valerie Gross and Geoff Gross, founder of Preakness on the Piazza

Fashion judges will once again award attendees who stand out in the following categories: Best Shoes, Best Bowtie, Best Hat, Best Couple, and the biggest winners of the night for Best Dressed Male and Female. Preakness at the Piazza is thrilled to welcome this year’s fashion judges Pat Gallen from CBS​3, Howard Eskin​ from 94WIP​, and Jay Amin​, Co-Owner of Damari Savile. Completing the judges circle are FOX 29’s Alex Holley, Co-Host, “Good Day Philadelphia,” and Kristen Rodgers, Sports Anchor, FOX 29 News, who pick the most stylish Preakness at the Piazza attendees! Together, they will choose the very best looks for awarding a must-have prize – a gift card from event sponsor, Boyds Philadelphia.

Last year’s event raised more than $120,000 for the National MS Society and brought together nearly 1,000 young professionals to benefit a great cause. One hundred percent of net proceeds go toward the National MS Society.

Kristen Herrmann and Paul Triggiani
Media Personalities: Natalie Egenolf and Mina Say What
Each of these boxes contained a bottle of wine. For a purchase of $20 you might get a $10 bottle or a $50 bottle
Kristen Rodgers FOX 29 Sports Anchor announces her choice for best fascinator, as co-workers Alex Holley and Howard Eskin look on
The winners of best dressed at Preakness at the Piazza

Spotted in the crowd – Fred Baxter (r),  Beasley Reece, Garry Cobb, Gina Gannon, and Mike Quick

Check out additional photos at Philly Style Magazine, CBSPhilly and in the August issue of Philadelphia Magazine.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts kicked off the 2018 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with a black-tie gala on Thursday night May 31, 2018.

Guests were greeted at the gala by a Dragon Performance from the Kimmel Center’s ShowStoppers students as they enjoyed a cocktail party followed by a sit down dinner by Garces Events. I was a bit obsessed by the dragon as you’ll see.

There were pop-up performances by various entertainers including the West Philadelphia Orchestra, who maintained their balance very well on the Kimmel Center steps, which provided amazing acoustics for their fantastic performance. I really love their music.  There were also performances by Melvis Santana & Ashedi , a creative music program by jazz students; After dinner guests headed into Verizon Hall for a performance by Toshi Reagon.

What gorgeous decor Pencora did with the gala; The lampshades are part of the PIFA celebration. You’ll recall in the past they’ve had a few spectacular center pieces in Commonwealth Plaza, including the popular Eiffel Tower. The lampshades are so clever, and make for a great background for selfies so stop by.

Don’t forget to check out the schedule of PIFA events HERE. There are a lot of unique performances happening that are once in a lifetime

Tonight’s Pick: Doggie Hamlet Monday, June 4 

Very clever creating a “bar” at the base of the staircase where the entrance of Volver is located.

The Hillzinger Family

Teresa Bryce Bazemore Chair Elect of the Kimmel Center Board of Directors with Anne Ewers, President & CEO of Kimmel Center

Dr. Nina Radcliff, does not disappoint in bringing the fashion. She told me the butterflies on her dress were her daughter Carmen’s hair clips.

The names for the folks in this shot were lost in translation. If you have them please send them to me at HughE@PhillyChitChat.com, I’d like to use this shot in Philly Mag in August. Thanks

lovely

Stop by and see the amazing lamps

Concert Performance, An irresistible musical event featuring Toshi Reagon & special guests  

Proceeds from the PIFA Gala support the Kimmel Center’s vital, year-round, free arts education programs for K-12 youth and bring free community programming to broad and diverse audiences in Philadelphia.

Around Town: Creed 2, Dave Chapelle Brunching, Bike Lanes and Babies

Happy Sunday. Let’s see what’s happening Around Town….

John Mayer and Dave Chapelle had brunch at the Continental on Saturday before the Roots Picnic, after the event they headed to Stratus Lounge for the Afterparty.

The new bike lanes are being installed on Market Street and they look beautiful.  Dear Pedestrian’s don’t stand in the bike lanes while waiting for the light to turn green.

Congrats Sarah Maiellano and Joe Maiellano on the birth of their beautiful baby girl.
Congrats Connor and Laura Barwin on the birth of their son – West David Barwin

Creed 2 is wrapping up, it was a great three months of celebrity chasing for me,

culminating with the philanthropic party at M Night’s house where Michael B Jordan and Steve Caple attended to help raise money for the Philadelphia Film Office as well as the Philadelphia Film Society.
Remember in April when I got the photo of Brigette Neilson arriving at the PHL airport, and she headed to her car in a comfort chair. Well now we know why….

. @bexonair did a great job on the @realbrigittenielsen story and the pap shot I got of her arriving at PHL inApril in a wheelchair. I thought she just didn’t want to get her pretty pink slippers dirty. Sorry I accidentally cut if Bex’s congrats to hubby Maria Dessi. #creed2 @cbs_philly

A post shared by Philly ChitChat (@phillychitchat) on Jun 1, 2018 at 7:10am PDT

The Phillie Phanatic and Phillies Ballgirls joined a parade of 20 preschool children with autism on Friday June 1, 2018, in celebration of SPIN’s new Discovery Yard—an outdoor science classroom at one of the nonprofit’s early childhood centers in Northeast Philadelphia. Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Phillies Charities, Inc., The SPIN Discovery Yard was transformed from an underutilized play space into a fully equipped, interactive classroom. The children’s “Stroll in the Playpark” culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the Discovery Yard, led by SPIN CEO Kathy McHale. “The Discovery Yard is a new and important part of SPIN’s commitment to high quality early learning,” said McHale. “It is designed to plant a seed of interest in science, technology, engineering, art and math [STEAM] and will be woven into our early childhood curriculum. The Yard will be a place of learning, development and creativity for over 220 children of all abilities.” Learn more at www.spininc.org and www.facebook.com/SPINinc.   Check out the video from the day HERE

Preston and Steve Show’s Casey Foster and Preston Elliot, 6abc Action News anchor Matt O’Donnell, Devereux PA Golf Classic Committee Chair Howard Lebold

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania’s 2018 Golf Classic took place on May 15, 2018. Nearly 250 golfers came out swinging for the annual event which raised money to support the mission of the organization, which is to unlock and nurture human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Funds raised from the event will directly impact the lives of more than 3,500 children and adults served by Devereux in Southeastern Pennsylvania in the areas of educational and residential programs, therapeutic foster care, and employment and community-based services.

The June 5th Memorial is nearly done, with the dedication scheduled for June 5th at 10AM

Welcome to the neighborhood Frankie Ann’s . They’re having a block party on June 7 at 3PM to celebrate.
There will be family fun and entertainment by @JerryBlavat and the Philly String Band @fairmountcdc

Tom Hannafin , GM Frankie Ann’s

Love to you my niece Nicole Rae

Historical Society of Pennsylvania hosted their annual gala – The Founders Award, on the evening on May 17, 2018, at the Independence Seaport Museum. The evening celebrated our history, from women’s suffrage and the Progressive Era to today’s #metoo movement.  Congratulations to Jill Lepore, winner of the Founder’s Award, and Siobhan Reardon, winner of the Heritage Award! We were delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of these honorees alongside so many of our friends and supporters.

Flor Jiron and Lynette Zimmerman

The Bombshell’s entertained the crowd

Natanya DiBona and Jill Lepore

The event raised funds to launch the History Makers Camp and provide additional resources for HSP’s student programs. History Makers Camp pilots in summer 2018, bringing high school students to HSP to study and map out a walking tour of critical events that occurred in African American history in Philadelphia. Check out July’s issue of Philly Mag for more photos from the HSP Founder’s Gala.

Historic Philadelphia Inc. hosted the 9th annual “An Evening in Franklin Square” presented by Parx Casino on a particular beautiful, but rain threatening night under the glow of the third annual Chinese Lantern Festival.  I arrived after 8 pm this year as I covered the Historic Society Pennsylvania Gala earlier in the evening.

Because of the threat of rain, the party committee created a series of tents and covered pathways to usher the guests between the venues.

Thanks to the hard work by volunteers the evening went smoothly

Beesley Reece did an amazing job on the live auctions, as he’s done every year since the inception of the event – AND he lives in Texas now!

Laura Burkhart, Visit Philly and Meryl Levitz, executive director of Visit Philly

Randy Chapman and Eric Etkins – co chair
David Murray and Bob Green, founder and chairman of Greenwood Racing and Parx Casino in Philadelphia
Former Gov Ed Rendell catching up with Chris Mullins, McGillin’s Tavern

 Chuck Zacney, Carol Zacney, Casey Zacney, and Alex Zacney
The gala benefited the family-friendly park.

Jessica Itzkowitz, and Job Itzkowitz, Old City District executive director

And to all a good night says board member Carol Tamburino, until next year.