It is inspiring to hear about George’s journey and his determination to give back to the cancer research community. Overcoming advanced leukemia with less than a 25% chance of survival is an incredible feat, and his commitment to celebrating the achievements of cancer research through aspireLIFE JAM is truly commendable.
Courtney Oathout, Hailey Gerritsen and Casandra McBridge
AspireLIFE’s 12th anniversary party, JAM 2023, recently took place at the Arts Ballroom. Nearly 500 people eagerly returned to participate in the annual chic cocktail party to raise funds for the American Cancer Association. Hosting the evening was George Azar, co-founder of JAM who created this event with John Frederick and Brie and Justin Bernstein.
Javon White, Lamar Beatoon and Ryan Kreston
Mike Avato, Sarah Keane, Chelsea Avato, Jennifer McNutt and Greg Avato
Mahreen Ahamd and Mars Kempler
aspireLIFEis a Philadelphia philanthropic movement consisting of individuals whose mission is to support cancer research. Through generous support, our annual event JAM brings together a variety of guests for a night of celebration to raise critical funds and to show support for those living with cancer. Photos can also be seen in CBSPhilly and have been sent to Philly Style Mag.
Good afternoon. Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and you were able to see the Cherry Trees as well as the other bloomers. (There’s still daylight til 7:25pm) After the Phillies were cancelled because of the storm of the century, I took the afternoon off to capture a most spectacular showing this year.
Another sure sign of spring… the Swann Fountain at Logan Circle has been filled and turned on. In no time flat people were wading in the water, despite the chill in the air. It’s a Philly Thing, no really.
Faherty – funky, fun men’s women clothing boutique.
A Walk Up Walnut: Rittenhouse Row is hot, hot, hot again with many new stores opening like Brooklinen, an upscale bedding store, Glossier, a make up, skin care shop, Gorjana, a fun, fine jewelry boutique and soon to be Mejuri a fine jewelry boutique. They are currently hiring. as well.
Joybird, a furnishing store recently opened, not to be confused by Allbirds a shoe store just up the street. BTW Thanks to several notable Philly building’s who have dimmed their lights in order to protect the birds during their spring migration as part of the Light’s Out Program.
KOP Mall: It’s been announced that Versace is opening soon at the King of Prussia Mall, and I hear DIOR is opening as well but there is no info on when or where, but I hear they’re hiring.
Doug Deitch, Cocktails with a Kick Committee Chair, Meg Kane, Starfinder Foundation Visionary Leader award in honor of Tony Williams, Host City Executive, Philadelphia Soccer 2026, Zion Nwalipenja, Starfinder Foundation Youth Participant and Katerina Bezhani, Starfinder Foundation Alum.
Congratulations to Meg Kane – President & CEO – Signature 57 for receiving Starfinder Foundation‘s Visionary Leader Award for her commitment to the future of the #Philadelphia region!
“As our Host City Executive, Meg has accomplished so much in helping to secure our bid for the 2026 World Cup, and we know her hard work is going to have a lasting impact on our city and youth. We couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team.” Starfinder Foundation. (I normally shoot this event, but I was away so they were nice enough to send me a photo from the event. It’s a great organization, their mission: Starfinder is a sports-based youth development organization using soccer to inspire social change and transform the lives of youth from underserved neighborhoods in the Philadelphia region.)
The NBC10 crew was spotted at Top Tomato Bar (delicious food, and dancing late night) on Friday celebrating Marvin Gomez and Isabel Sanchez‘s birthday organized by party princess Karen Hua. On hand for the celebration Sheila Watko, Frances Wang, Christine Abreu, Michelle Rotella, Aunyea Lachelle, Miguel Martinez-Valle and beau Ray Smeriglio.
Speaking of Miguel and Ray, they were spotted at the 90th Anniversary of the Easter Promenade in Philly, on South Street yesterday to support our friend Alex Holley and Grandpop Holley who were in the parade. It was a beautiful day to celebrate!!
That’s all for now folks. Be sure to keep an eye out for more spring happenings around town, and as always, stay tuned for more of my adventures in the City of Brotherly Love here and on Social Media. Thanks HughE
Taste America, presented by Capital One, is a nationwide initiative to bring together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities came to Philadelphia last week.
Al Lucas, Defined Hospitality Suraya, R&D, Pizzeria Beddia, CONDESA, Anne McBride, vice president of Programs at the James Beard Foundation, Chef Nok Suntaranon, chef and owner of Kalaya Thai Kitchen Philadelphia and Greg Root, Defined Hospitality Suraya, R&D, Pizzeria Beddia, CONDESA,
On Wednesday, the James Beard Foundation revealed its list of restaurants and chefs being honored at the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards and Chef Nok Suntaranon, chef and owner of Kalaya Thai Kitchen Philadelphia was on the list.
Now in its 10th year, Taste America takes on expanded shape with the TasteTwenty—a group of 20 chef teams from 20 cities across the country working together and championing the James Beard Foundation, including Philadelphia’s very own chef Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon of Kalaya, hosted 400 guests at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Joseph Lope and Kyle Cuffie-Scott of Darnell’s Cake The best chocolate cake, and maybe I had some banana pudding too. They also have delicious sandwiches and they cater.
Darnell’s Cakes Presented by Capital One Negroni Bar > Grapefruit Custard with Shortbread Crust and Campari Glaze **Vegetarian and nut-free; contains dairy and gluten
Chocolate Cake with Nutella Buttercream and Toasted Hazelnuts **Vegetarian; contains dairy, gluten, and nuts
Homemade Banana Pudding with Toasted Sugar Cookies **Vegetarian and nut-free; contains dairy and gluten
Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Sheila Hess, City Representative standing in front of the Visit Philly Step & Repeat
Have you heard: Visit Philadelphia® and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced the launch of their first-ever joint destination marketing campaign, “Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly.” This fun, lighthearted campaign puts the city’s confidence and attitude at the forefront as it aims to drive visitation to the region across all travel segments — leisure, business and group — in 2023 and in the lead up to 2026, when the city will host major activities around America250, the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game.
Karli Lubin and Rachel Greenlee
Morgan and Kyle Mann
Tonii Hicks (pictured here with her teacher, renowned chef herself Charisse McGillPhiladelphia’s ‘French Toast Lady‘ (On Thursday the Sixers honored McGill and Lokal as the 2023 honoree of the team’s annual 76ers Buy Black Program.)
Tonii HicksBeard House Fellow 2022 Presented by VISIT Philadelphia Counterkake > Pound Cake Bars with Raspberry Jam Cream **Vegetarian and nut-free; contains dairy and gluten
Michelle Histand, Executive Director of M Night Shyamalan Foundation, Alethia Calbeck – Chief Communications Officer of Visit Philadelphia, Angela Val, Executive Director of Visit Philadelphia and Kristyn Aldrich, Executive Director of ASAP
Eli Kulp and Marisa Manatta are co-hosts of the Chef’s Podcast, which will be recorded live at the 2nd Annual Manna dinner on April 26. I went last year and it was deliciously fun.
Thanks everyone for popping in today. Sorry for my few and far between posts. We’ve been busy here at PhillyChitChat, shooting lots of events. After I shoot an event, I prepare photos for my outlets, then I either post here, or shoot another event and then I get behind on posts here. For example the James Beard Event published in CBSPhilly, in Metro Philly and I submitted photos for PhillyStyle May Issue and Mainline Today for June’s issue. Normally I wouldn’t post here, but there was a lot of extraneous news attached to this post, like the Visit Philly new campaign, the Manna Dinner and of course my friend Charisse being honored by the Sixers.
Leila Cartier, Executive Director, CraftNOW Philadelphia, Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly, Anna Solomon and Rebecca Ledbetter, NextFab
Philadelphia-based organizations Craft organization CraftNOW and makerspace NextFab have partnered again, welcoming new partner LaserPhilly, to present the second annual Tools of the Trades, a four-day hybrid conference focused on connecting artisans to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond.
The event started off on Tuesday with a breakfast meeting, before jumping into the 4 day conference, the first 3 days virtual and in person on Saturday, March 25th there were Workshops and a Networking Happy Hour at NextFab, 1800 N. American Street, Philadelphia.
Juanda Myles and Mark Coleman are excited for Philly Tech Week coming up
Paige Sato, MABEL who makes clothing, and bags out of old quilts
Jason Lempieri, Manhole Coasters and Lindsey Fogarasi, CraftNow
The Tools of the Trades conference schedule has three distinct tracks described below. These include ▶︎ Tools in Business, ◉ Tools for Creatives, and ❑ Tools with Contemporaries. If you missed this years conference check in periodically with Tools for Trade for next years date.
The Philadelphia Chapter of Little Smiles hosted their Annual Little Smiles Gala on Saturday night March 25, 2023, at the Springfield Country Club. Thanks to Andre Flewellen who photographed the gala.
The Little Smiles Stars Ball is a one-of-a-kind event! Modeled after a Hollywood award show, Stars Ball celebrates incredible children from our very own partner facilities just as we would celebrities! Our children are all nominated by the facilities that we work with for their inspirational stories that have touched the lives of so many.
Yet, their stories are never the same, leaving us in awe of their perseverance. During Stars Ball, our very own STARS get glammed up to walk a red carpet lined with fans and paparazzi. They also get to sign their autograph and take pictures along the way. In addition, the event features a program including highly-anticipated live and silent auctions.
Nargiza Bakaeva, Christine Salerno, Miriam Raines, Nancy Converse, Sydney Hancock, and Susanne Fassino
Samiyah Then-Rabell, Micherly Rabell, Hector Then, and Sabastian Then-Rabell
Alyssa Wolfe, Natalie Lavala
Maeve Gilroy & Stacey Gilroy
Stacey Gilroy became part of the Little Smiles family in 2012 when her daughter, Maeve, walked the red carpet as one of our Stars at our annual Stars Ball. That night, Stacey began asking “what can I do to help? How do I get involved?” And the rest is history. From putting together the swag bags for the ball, to assisting with shopping for requests & junk food runs, collecting Halloween costumes, selling tickets for events, fundraising, volunteering at Monte Carlo Night and the Stars Ball…the list is endless. Stacey has been a major supporter of Little Smiles and a champion for the kids we serve. We are forever grateful for all the time and energy Stacey pours into the organization. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this year’s Big Heart Award. – Little Smiles
Eagles Cheerleaders, and Brittany Perdigon
Suzanne Mullen, Star Wars, Noelle andConnor Mullen
Felix Agosto, Executive Director LittleSmiles PA and Ariel LeVasseur
“You just had to be there!” This is the phrase many will use when talking about Stars Ball 2023! What an amazing night! No words will do it justice says Felix Agosto about the magical night.
On Thursday, March 16, as basketball enthusiasts gathered for the first day of the NCAA’s March Madness Tournament, so many disappointments on the court, but there were no disappointments as the
Valerie Burns (organized Zarwin Baum March Madness), Zarwin Baum, Partners Ted Schaer, and Mitchell Kaplan, with Sen. Shariff Street and Michael Nelson
Philadelphia law firm Zarwin Baum hosted their annual party for over 1200 guests at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City, while raising crucial funds for Philabundance.
Kate Marlys and Natalie Egenolf.
The Zarwin Baum silent auction is always so impressive with its items ranging from sports memorabilia, a night out on the town and so many unique items like the one Kate Marlys won – a SLIME party. Oh I hope I’m invited, at least to take photos. So fun!!
Paul Badger, of the Badger Group and Blondell Reynolds Brown, who has a book coming out soon.
The atmosphere featured NCAA games on wide-screen TVs throughout the room for the six-hour party. Cheesesteaks, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and wings were all on the menu, it’s a Philly Thing!!
Thank you Drew for taking this photo
Hughe, Chris Harper, Alicia, Dayna Leaventon, Denethia Durgin, Caroline Foley, Jermaine Jenkins, Ary Modesto and Rob Santorsa (Photo by Andrew Bergman)
Dana Duffield and Mark Angelone
Hal Greenblatt, Andrew Greenblatt and Greg Basile
Mayoral candidate Derek Green stopped by to enjoy the festivities
So many great silent auction items
Jennifer Gomez and Priscilla Jimenez, ESQ. you have to check out her IG where she gives you thoughtful advice, even Khloe Khardashian took notice.
It was great to have so many sponsors come on board again, it’s beneficial to the hosts as well as to get the word out about services companies have to offer.
Hundreds of donors, clinicians and friends of CHOP attended the annual CHEERS FOR CHOP event at the Fillmore in Philadelphia on March 4th, helping to raise $800,000 to benefit Behavioral Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Rachel Ward, Nicole Bispo and Christina McCann
Jason and Jessie Morgan with Alexandra and Jonathan Morgan
Laura Proctor, Stephen Proctor, Michael Morrow and Leela Morrow
Julia Mitchell, Marghi Adzick, ( founded Addison Bay, a fashion-forward activewear line, in Philadelphia . ) and Jennifer David
Donnie Marteletti, Lynsie Fineberg, Raffaellina Merlino (Happy Birthday Yesterday) and Anthony Merlino
Patricia I. Villarreal and Ronald J. Patterson, Esq
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As many of you know I have always had a bad memory, but now is a good time to tell you my memory is really gone I don’t know if it’s from having long term covid, old age, or even the whippets I did as a kid, I’m sad to say I can not recall the name of the man who was my work out trainer for a year at the Bellevue, granted it was a decade ago, as I approached my 50th birthday, but I have seen him over the years and did remember his name.
The other night when I saw him I didn’t ask him for his name, as I should know it, and was too embarrassed to ask. Now I want to run his photo, and his beautiful wife, with their names, but I don’t even know how to start as I can’t even remember his first name. It’s so frustrating…. ok thanks. Just give me your name if I photograph you.
Unique but beautiful set up at Cheers for Chop with the cabanas on the floor, and along the walls. Congrats to all who attended and donated to this wonderful organization, you have made a difference in a child’s life.
Philly was just named the best place in the country to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, according to new rankings from WalletHub.
Crowds at Philly’s St. Patrick’s Day
The Judging Stand, I spy Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson
Teamfitters Local Union 420
I love the fashion show at parades, and special events
Parades are great for politicians to meet the people. mayoral candidate Allan Domb was spotted at the parade. Who knew, his Wikipedia says his first name is Michael.
Cheers
Green Juice
Meteorologists Andrew Kozak and Aziza Shuler CBSPhilly
EAGLES
Top of the morning to you
Have A Wonderful Day, Celebrate Safely….Check out the parade over on CBSPhilly.
James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces is proud to announce the grand opening of Amada Radnor this coming Friday, March 17th. Yesterday he held the official Ribbon Cutting of Chef’s original concept Spanish tapas concept which won Garces the Best Chef MidAtlantic James Beard Award in 2009.
Chef Garces serves his famous spicy paella to guests gathered yesterday morning
Amada Radnor features a stunning 7,000 square foot, 250+ seat dual level restaurant, bar, lounge, private event space, outdoor courtyard and outdoor patio.
Peggy Hogan, Molly Gallagher and Amy Lacey
With this expansion, Garces comes full circle as Amada was Chef’s first restaurant he opened in 2005 when he went out on his own. This also caps off a banner year, with Garces opening eight new restaurants in less than 12 months.
From the bar, Amada’s wine program exclusively features wines from Spain with over 100 selections from both popular and emerging regions in the country, plus cocktails inspired by Spanish ingredients, and Red and White Sangria. Amada Radnor will also feature brand new Gin Tonic Experiences with a cart that arrives tableside inviting the guests to partake in creating the perfect Gin Tonic to pair with their meal.
Ann Marie Solomon and Dory Solomon of Chester Springs with Veronica A McKee and Jonathan Hochman of Wayne
Michael P. Gray – Lubert-Adler Partners, LP – RevereCRE and Angela Gray
The menu will feature an expanded selection of Amada’s signature Spanish tapas (Tortilla Española, Wagyu Brochettes, Amada’s Empanadas) and Paella Valenciana (rabbit and chorizo paella), plus new dishes exclusive to Radnor developed for the on-site wood fired ovens from MiBrasa. And YES, Amada Radnor will feature Chef’s famous Cochinillo Asado (a whole roasted suckling pig). – Which we enjoyed last night. So good.
“Amada is near and dear to my heart,” said Garces. “It was the very first restaurant I opened when I went out on my own in 2005. It will be a great addition to the exciting and rapidly growing Main Line dining scene. We have so many Garces fans from over the years come join us in Old City, and now we are bringing the concept right to them in their own backyards.”
Mandy Blumenthal of Bala Cynwyd, Karen Ebbert, Lower Merion and Susan Jablokov of Wayne
The food was delicious, the space is beautiful, the outdoors is a gem. Amada Radnor is going to be the hot spot on the Main Line this summer and the foreseeable future.
For more about Amada, call 484-429-2158, visit http://philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com/ and follow @amadaradnor on social media. For more about Chef Jose Garces, follow @chefjosegarces on social media.
Sheila Hess, City Representative presents Kate Marlys, found of Philly Pr Girl with a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Kenney recognizing her 10 years in business!!
Congratulations Philly PR Girl. Starting out as a WYSP on the promotional team, Kate Marlys knew how to get the word out. Friendly, outgoing, she easily made friends, and connections which would serve her later in life as she built her public relations business. Starting off as a blogger, she would write about her life of adventure, eventually sharing with the public info they wanted – where to eat, what to do, what to see; which morphed into a PR business where she could help businesses share their stories , connect with media. Many of her first clients were friends, and these days many of her friends are her clients. Congratulations Kate!! Well Done. OH forgot to mention, she also was a genius with the name of her firm. Catchy, memorable and concise.
Rachel Perez (Happy Birthday) and Stephanie Algayer
Farah Farag, Visit Philly, Andrianna Acosta, Philly PR Girl, Hector Nuñez, founder of Wooder Ice and Matthew Vogel, who is married to Farah, whose parents I went to high school with, which makes me old,..
Philly PR Girl is a full-time public relations firm for event planning, social media management, marketing, and promotions. Our company was built on the foundation of networking and relationship-building. Owner Kate Marlys has planned, facilitated and attended hundreds of networking events, resulting in a strong and dynamic network of contacts in digital, print, TV, and radio throughout the United States.
With an emphasis on organic branding and powerful online communications, our team brings winning strategies, forward-thinking implementation, and endless energy to non-profits and businesses of all sizes on both a local and national scale.
SNACKTIME Performed at Philly PR Girl’s 10th Anniversary Party at City Winery
It was great to be back at City Winery, I hadn’t been there since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re so lucky to have a major music venue like this in Center City, with food and good vibes. Plus a great event space with a stage. Check out today’s Metro Philly for more photos as well as my column in CBSPhilly. Congrats again Philly PR Girl!!
PS to my readers sorry I have been absent, social season is booming. I’m getting ready to go away for 5 days, and when I return I promise to be more consistent on this platform. Know that you can follow me on IG where I do post every 6 hours. PhillyChitChat Instagram
