Philly Chit Chat

When so many corporations are moving away from supporting the LGBTQ+ community, one corporation isn’t – Hard Rock Atlantic City.

Every year, Hard Rock Atlantic City proudly celebrates Pride Month with events that uplift and honor the LGBTQ+ community 🌈 This year’s flag-raising and rooftop reception continued their tradition of visibility, inclusion, and celebration.

The event featured inspiring remarks from General Manager Michael Sampson, Atlantic City Council Member Kaleem Shabazz, and special guest, three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner Anthony Wilkinson LGBTQ+ Liaison and Programs and Services Coordinator Judah Dorrington and Markie Matthew Fera-Padilla · AC Pride – Board President

A reception was held at The Terrace, Hard Rock Atlantic City’s seasonal rooftop destination following the ceremony. A delicious lunch was served with the best rainbow cake I’ve ever had.

and banana pudding! Thank you Hard Rock for having our back!! We appreciate it!!

Upcoming Dates

June 26, 2025 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City celebrates their 7^th Anniversary celebration, where charity organizations received $7,000 donation from the Hard Rock to honor their work. Look for lots of fun events surrounding this anniversary.

Then on Friday June 27th. the July 4th celebration kick off with fireworks at 9:30pm held on North Beach in front of the Hard Rock Casino Resorts. Not only are they beautiful, but with the lighted Ferris wheel as the backdrop the view just can’t be beat.

And the best concerts can definitely be found at Hard Rock AC. Who’s looking forward to Jackson Brown on June 28?

Have a great day. Socially yours, HugHE

Eluna marked a milestone anniversary at its 25th annual Champions for Children (CFC) gala, held at the Fitler Club in April. The event brought together supporters, community leaders, and special guests to celebrate the organization’s enduring commitment to children, teens, and families impacted by grief or addiction.

The evening began with a cocktail reception, before guests headed into the ballroom for a seated dinner, inspiring program, auction and included many supportive guests and honorees!

This year the Champions for Children gala proudly honored Amanda Kloots with the Champion for Children Award in recognition of her inspiring advocacy and unwavering support for families navigating grief. Daniel J. Hilferty, Chairman & CEO of Comcast Spectacor, received the prestigious Founders Award for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Philadelphia community. M&T Bank was recognized with the Community Award, celebrating the company’s continued commitment to uplifting and empowering local families through strategic philanthropy and partnership.

Founded in 2000 in Seattle by MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and child advocate Karen Phelps Moyer, Eluna —originally known as The Moyer Foundation—was inspired by the compassion of a young cancer patient, Erin Metcalf. In 2002, the organization launched Camp Erin in her honor, which has since grown into the largest free grief camp network for youth in North America.

Building on that success, Camp Mariposa was introduced in 2007 as a mentoring and addiction prevention program for youth affected by a family member’s substance use. To extend its support beyond camps, Eluna later created the Eluna Resource Center, an online hub offering a wide range of grief and addiction-related articles, videos, and personalized resources for caregivers and families. In 2018, the organization rebranded as Eluna, a name meaning moonlight—symbolizing hope through the darkness of loss and hardship.

To date, the organization has empowered over 37,000 youth through Camp Erin and more than 3,500 youth through Camp Mariposa, offering healing and mentorship to those affected by grief and addiction.

Its Resource Center has reached hundreds of thousands of users seeking guidance and support, and research shows that 68% of Eluna alumni go on to pursue careers in helping professions—demonstrating the organization’s lasting impact on future generations.

All funds generated through CFC will support the free programs offered, including Camp Erin, Camp Mariposa, and the Eluna Resource Center.

Hope you had a great weekend. Bare with me as I begin to post the many events which have happened during the Spring Social Season. Also check out Philly Style Mag, Main Line Today, CBSPhilly and my IG for more photos from the galas/parties/events, the latter two in a more timely matter.

Socially Yours, HughE

Five years ago, Dom Pecora, a teen from Chester County, made it his mission to fix bikes and save lives. His nonprofit organization, Dom Fixes Bikes, donates bicycles to anyone passionate about riding—regardless of age, race, gender, or financial ability.

Based in Malvern, Dom’s nonprofit hosted clinics focused on bike safety and repair, offering hands-on learning while restoring bikes for people who needed them most. He launched the initiative from his mother’s garage in Chesterbrook, and over time, it grew into a community-driven effort.

Earlier this month, May 15th, he brought the community, and sponsors together to celebrate 5 years of putting smiles on bike enthusiasts faces.

Conestoga High School students volunteered on the check in table, and at the event during the 5th anniversary celebration

The Board of Directors

Located in Malvern, Dom Fixes Bikes offers expert bike repairs with a personal touch—from quick tune-ups to detailed maintenance. More than just a repair shop, it’s a hub for local cyclists. Through its year-round donation program, the nonprofit also gives new and used bikes to anyone in need who applies. News stories of this incredible young man and his journey HERE

Juvenile Law Center Celebrates 50 Years of Advocacy and Impact

On May 2, 2025, the Juvenile Law Center marked a monumental milestone—50 years of fighting for youth justice and child welfare reform—with an unforgettable evening of reflection, recognition, and renewed purpose. Surrounded by 600 friends, colleagues, and supporters, we came together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look boldly toward the future.

The evening paid heartfelt tribute to co-founder Bob Schwartz, whose visionary leadership helped shape five decades of impact, and honored the powerful legacy of Marsha Levick, a tireless advocate and national voice for children’s rights.

Larry Carroll, Jr. Jihid Maye, Jeff Weaver and Jenavia Weaver

Founded by four Temple Law School graduates in 1975 to provide legal representation to children in Philadelphia’s child welfare and justice systems, Juvenile Law Center is now one of the most influential advocates for children’s rights nationwide.

From moving speeches to joyful reunions, it was a celebration of progress made—and a call to keep pushing forward for the generations to come.

Join in the celebration and purchase a commemorative 50th anniversary t-shirt at this link! Your purchase supports legal and policy advocacy to keep children out of harmful and violent facilities and with their families and communities.

For more info on the JLC’s Mission head here!! And receive their newsletter.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, the PYO Music Institute hosted its 85th Anniversary Gala at the historic Union League of Philadelphia, celebrating nearly a century of musical excellence, education, and community impact. Titled A Community in Harmony Inspiring the Future, the evening was a dazzling tribute to the students, families, faculty, and supporters who have helped shape one of the nation’s premier youth orchestral institutions.

The festivities began with a lively cocktail reception featuring a live art show and sale presented by Studio Incamminati. Guests browsed and bid on fine works while mingling in support of PYO’s mission.

The Mission of PYO: As one of the nation’s oldest and most respected youth orchestra organizations, we provide unparalleled opportunities to musicians of all levels. Through exceptional educational and professional-caliber performance opportunities, our diverse ensemble programs nurture the next generation of musicians and leaders.

Maestro Louis Scaglione has dedicated nearly 30 years to honing his talents as a musician, educator, conductor, and executive leader. His career spans a broad range of experience in orchestral, choral, and operatic works, alongside a strong background in education and arts administration. Recognized nationally, he is highly regarded throughout the Delaware Valley for his professionalism and leadership.

The celebration continued with a stirring performance by the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra,

followed by an elegant seated dinner.

PYO Music Institute‘s 85th Anniversary Gala A Community in Harmony Inspiring the Future

Happy hump day, don’t worry about this weather it’s only a few days before unofficial SUMMER! Socially Yours, HughE

On April 26, we had the pleasure of covering one of Philadelphia’s most inspiring celebrations of the arts and community—the 117th Anniversary Gala for Settlement Music School. Held in the industrial-chic setting of the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, the evening brought together students, alumni, faculty, and friends to honor more than a century of music, movement, and healing through the arts.

This year’s Gala celebrated the vibrant mosaic of artists, educators, and families who make Settlement’s five branches vital community hubs across the Greater Philadelphia area. As the School’s largest annual fundraiser, the Gala supports over $3 million in financial aid that helps ensure every student—regardless of circumstance—has access to high-quality arts education.

The evening was co-chaired by two esteemed Settlement faculty members: violinist Juliette Kang, First Associate Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and cellist Thomas Kraines, a member of the acclaimed Daedalus Quartet. Both artists not only bring world-class talent to the stage but also share their gifts in Settlement’s classrooms, mentoring students and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

This year’s honorees, Elinor and Jeffrey Marrazzo, along with The Marrazzo Family Foundation, were recognized for their visionary philanthropy and dedication to strengthening communities through the arts. Their impact—and the passion of the entire Gala Committee—was reflected in every thoughtful moment of the evening.

From moving performances to heartfelt speeches, the 117th Gala was a true celebration of Settlement’s mission: igniting connection, joy, and healing through the power of the arts for 117 years—and counting.

Visit settlementmusic.org/give-now/annual-gala/ and donate to support the Gala, the Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program, and the financial aid offered to 60% of the Settlement Music School student population. Follow them on Instagram : Community music school in Philadelphia providing accessible, creative arts education to all, including online lessons and classes.

Photos by Andre Flewellen. Thanks, Socially Yours, HughE

The William Penn Award Gala was held on April 24, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park to honor Dan Fitzpatrick, President of Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region.

Recognized as the highest accolade for a business leader in the Greater Philadelphia area, the William Penn Award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the region’s business and civic growth, demonstrated exceptional professional achievements, and exhibited strong leadership. Congratulations to Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Regions at Citizens, on this well-deserved honor.

Someone I sometimes confuse with Dan Fitzpatrick, for no other reason but their name, and I have done it to their face, yikes

Before the awards ceremony their was a great networking, reception.

Thanks to the sponsors

My favorite event snacks; You had me at Popcorn.

After the ceremony folks got to walk the bases. It was great the weather was co operating. There’s nothing worse than an event at the stadiums, and it rains.

This is the first time I have seen CBP set up a dinner at the 3rd base entrance. Usually they have dinner in the Diamond Club or inside the stadium. It was really a nice change, capped off by a beautiful sunset. Great job Chamber of Commerce, and Congratulations again Dan Fitzpatrick!!