Philly Chit Chat

The Very Best Dressed at the Preakness on the Piazza

I’ve been covering the Preakness on the Piazza for quite some time now. It’s always a great party, but in the past it’s been a little damp, though that never stopped the dancing in the rain. This year it was spectacular, it was cloudy but no rain drops fell and the party spread out on Schmidt’s Commons at the Piazza.  Everyone was jovial, and dressed to the nines. Dare I say it but a better dressed crowd than the Radnor Hunt Races which I had attended earlier in the day, and had always been the must attend event on Preakness Day. Well let me hand the crown over to Preakness. It is the must attend event of the day.  The 5th annual Preakness at the Piazza event, was held the evening of the 142nd running of the historic Preakness Stakes!  100% of the net proceeds will support the National MS Society.

Here are some of the Best Dressed attendees, and might I say serious horse race watchers. During the running of the Preakness all eyes were on the 400 inch tv hung above the piazza, there was cheering, there was disappointment and there was one guy going crazy cause he got the Trifecta on a bet he made online.

Alex Holley was the MC and said today was the only appropriate day to JUDGE PEOPLE

The best dressed winners

Jordan Katz (Best Dressed with Mike Canino), Nick Weber, Lee Brown (Best Dressed Couple), Melody Wright (Best Shoes), Geoff Gross (our host and founder of Preakness on the Piazza), Jessica Jones (Best Hat), Rachel Goodman (Best Fascinator) and Mike Canino (Best Dressed with Jordan Katz)

There was dancing to the tunes spun by DJ Royale, the hardest working DJ in the world. This was the 2nd of 3 events he was spinning at on this day.
Cherri Gregg and Alex Holley with a fan  
Kate Marlys, Philly PR Girl  has been the PR on Preakness on the Piazza since the beginning .

The Trifecta winner on the leftThe Best Dressed of the Preakness on the Piazza

Muckfest is next Saturday in Philadelphia. Support my friend Jackie Kollar as she raises money to fight MS

 

MuckFest® MS is the fun mud run in support of a world free of multiple sclerosis. The run is pure athletic hilarity (especially with me on the course) on a muddy course full of outrageous obstacles.

The “MS” part of MuckFest MS stands for multiple sclerosis, an upredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.  Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, and MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide. This is the reason we come together: to rally friends in support of people living with MS in our community.

251 Dekalb, a modern upscale gated apartment community situated on a 26-acre hilltop overlooking King of Prussia held a Pop-Up Party on the picturesque patio of their East building for their residents as a pre-memorial day celebration.

Candlebrook Properties, which bought the 5 building complex in 2014, invested $50 million to renovate the property which also includes a substantial art collection situated throughout the complex, many pieces stemming from the personal collection of Candlebrook Properties’ President, Neil Rubler. The complex also features complementary La Colombe bar, a salt-water swimming pool, game room, Kidville, fitness center, and lush green spaces.

 

Celebrated architect Stephen Varenhorst’s modernist masterpiece and interior designer Michael Shannon’s fresh and captivating decor combine for a stunning landmark on the Philadelphia Main Line

Leah McVay, Anjelica Hicks, April Martinez, and Keeyah Doughty

Weiting Chang and Wenfei Hao

Anjelica Hicks and Donna Mottes

Ani Okeke, Sim Singh, and Neil Rubler is President Candlebrook Properties

Angel Sanroman, Richard Rios, and Kat Zhao
Maikel Licea and April Martinez

Thanks to PCC’s Andre Flewellen for covering client 251 Dekalb’s milestone

First Annual All Star Craft Beer and Wine Festival

Good Monday morning. Gloomy yes, but this past weekend we had much more glorious weather than first predicted. Philly Chit Chat’s Mike Hirata was out and about covering lots of events. Let’s start today off with first annual “All Star” Craft Beer and Wine Festival held at Citizens Bank Park.
Thousands of beer goers and wine lovers headed to the first annual “All Star” Craft Beer and Wine Festival Saturday May 20, 2017. Guests enjoyed ballpark royalty with exclusive giveaways, activities, amazing craft beer and wine samples from around the world showcased throughout the entire concourse. With over 100 craft beer and wine vendors, food vendors, musical entertainment, and appearances by the Phillies Phanatic, guests are enjoyed running the bases and got their photo taken “sliding into home base.” Let’s see who was there….

The All Star Craft Beer and Wine benefited the Fraternal Order of Police and The Barkann Healing Hearts Foundation uniting a sense of community in the Philadelphia region. The Foundation provides financial assistance to families who are in need, due to recent adversity or tragedy and are immensely grateful to be a part of the festival.  Mike, Executive Director of The Barkann Family Healing Hearts Foundation says, “The team at UpcomingEvents.com have been ardent supporters of The Barkann Foundation over the last four years through various events they have hosted throughout the Delaware Valley which have collectively raised more than $20,000. With the help of the direct proceeds raised at The All Star Craft Beer and Wine Festival, The Barkann Foundation will be able to provide financial assistance to (5) very special local families. We are so grateful to be a part of such a fun, unique event planned at Citizens Bank Park and each event attendee can walk knowing they made a significant difference in the lives of several local families through their support and generosity to The Barkann Foundation.” Plan on attending next year’s www.BallparkFestival.com

Congrats JMac, Burger Brawl Today, Babies and Engagements and Yoga on Art Museum Steps

Gorgeous weekend, hope you get out and enjoy today. I’m heading to Xfinity Live to judge burgers in the Burger Brawl to raise funds for literacy programming through technology for Philadelphia’s undeserved children in our public elementary schools. This year the Burger Brawl has also joined forces with The Fund and Dr. Hite, the superintendent of the Philadelphia district on his Right Books campaign.  Let’s see what’s in Philly Gossip for Sunday.

Congrats to Mr and Mrs Maclin – Jeremy and Adia

Yesterday there was an engagement on the Art Museum Steps. Congrats, Lindsay Bacovin and Kenny Narz, what a nice photo.  I love these days where the engagement is captured.

Congrats to the Dana’s. We sure miss you in Philly, but are grateful for Michael’s service to our country.
This morning I capture some amazing zen moments of yoga in the name of Breast Cancer Awareness hosted by Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Fox29’s Jenn Fredrick and Quincy Jones, The Q Show EMcee
Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP executive director of Living Beyond Breast Cancer speaks to the 2000 yoga participants, honors the survivors and dedicates
the day to Ayanna Z Kalasunas, a longtime volunteer with LBBC who passed away at the age of 37 earlier this week.

Mission: To connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support.

Cryo Rittenhouse, Ed Snider Way, Yoga on the Art Museum Steps and more Philly Gossip

Good FridYEAH. Sorry this column is a day tardy, the Spring Social Season is still hot, hot, hot. I hope to see you out Saturday either at The Rittenhouse Square Festival, The Preakness on The Piazza, The Radnor Hunt or The All-Star Craft Beer and Wine Festival – Citizens Bank Park .  A PhillyChitChat photographer will be covering the later 3 events, so find us and we’ll happily snap you.

Get ready to feel amazing Philly… Philly& #39;s first CryoTherapy Lounge is here! Follow us @cryomyst for our soft opening and grand opening details …. Call 800-239-CRYO

#CryoMystRittenhouse #CryoRittenhouse #CryoPhilly #CryoTherapy #CryoMystTherapyLounge #SunMystSpa #stayyoung #stayfit #stayhealthy

 

Save the Date and I’ll see you there

Congrats to the Snider family who were on hand yesterday for the dedication of Ed Snider Way aka 11th and Pattison.
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, with daughters Lindy Snider, Serena Snider (who just walked in CHOP’s Daisy Day fashion show Tuesday) and grandson Garrett Snider who was spotted at the opening of
Bvlgari at King of Prussia the night before. Look for photos at Philly Style Magazine online Monday. 
Team Derek racked ( got autographs) big time with Jean Michel Jarre earlier this week. I hear Debbie Harry was pretty darn nice to as she appeard
at World Cafe.
Congrats Alladdin
The Q Show is going syndication in June.

Request Tickets to The Q! | WTXF – Fox 29

RIP: Ayanna Z. Kalasunas, 37, breast cancer survivor who helped others
I met Ayanna and husband Mike through the work I do with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, where Ayanna volunteered as well as was honored last November at their annual gala, where i took this photo. She was amazingly courageous, grounded and kind. She will be missed.
On SUNDAY LBBC is hosting their annual Yoga on the Art Museum Steps
Yoga for a Reason Reach & Raise is an inspiring and healing outdoor, all-levels yoga class that connects thousands of people in support of people living with and impacted by breast cancer.

Please Join Me and honor Ayanna

Ken Downing, a modern icon of the fashion industry, as well as Senior Vice  President and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus presented “The Art of  Fashion.” The evening featured a cocktail hour hosted by fine jewelry designer Dena Kemp, followed by a lively dinner and fashion show on an expansive  outdoor runway starring supermodel Pat Cleveland. Neiman Marcus will be  showing a preview of spring and early fall looks in womenswear and menswear.  100% of proceeds from the event will be donated to Philly Fights Cancer to benefit Abramson Cancer Center’s translational research and clinical trials.
Philly Fights Cancer – Round 3 will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Last year the entertainment included Lionel Ritchie and Jennifer Hudson, soon they’ll announce this years entertainment.

Bryna,Fred & Blair Berman

Steven & Jill Grossman
Lynn Tractman,Kelsey Harvey,Robin Federiconi
Nancy Wolfson and Missy Dietz
Jeff Glass and Marc Brownstein
Nigel Richards and Nicole Cashman

Latisha Boyd

After the cocktail hour guests headed over to a large tent for the sit down dinner and fashion show

Debuting nearly 20 years ago, The Art of Fashion was a revolutionary campaign,  designed to feature cutting-edge fashion and provocative photography.  In recent  years, the Art of Fashion concept has been brought to life for customers to  experience in store.

Caterer was Neuman’s Kitchen, out of NY. They are just coming to the Philadelphia market, and I believe this was there first large scale event in the area.
The floral and decor inside of the store was done by our in-house visual team, and the tent/table floral were done by Evantine.

Thanks to PhillyChitChat photographer Andre Flewellen for capturing the photos from the nights event.

the clothes are from collections representing spring/summer and pre-fall. Everything that was in the show was pulled from the store!
Backdrop for the stage was by King Saladeen, who is a graffiti artist from West Philly. One of his best friends passed away from cancer, so the cause if very close to his heart.

Ken Downing always does a spectacular event at curating fashion shows. Sorry I had to miss his description of the show.
He always deliciously describes the clothes.

Photos: Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure – More Than Pink

Yesterday was the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure Race Walk/Run. I’ve been attending the walk for years, but for the past two years I’ve been donating my time to the walk, and photographing it. They’re nice enough to allow me to roam, which I love cause there’s a lot of cover. It’s not just a walk, it’s a festival ground of actives and moving experiences.  I dedicate this day in the name of my birth mom, Marie Russell, my step mom, Virginia Dillon and my mother in law, Eleanor Toub all who survived breast cancer because of the generous support of people like you.

Lynn Abraham and Scott Brown, his family is the very philanthropic Brown’s Shop Rite who sponsors the volunteer breakfast tent
as well as support many Komen programa

Hey instagram followers, you are adorable

Rahel Solomon

Tori Woodall and Meisha Johnson with viewers

Ukee Washington and Jessica Dean
(Can everyone just do a stage on the steps, much better than a stage on the side)

 

Elaine I. Grobman, Chief Executive Officer, Susan G. Komen Philadelphia.

Jane Lopoten School of Dance

Parade of Survivors walking down the steps of the Phila Art Museum

Winner of the 5 K race
In 2016 Komen announced our Bold Goal: to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by 50 percent within the next decade. That could translate into 20,000 fewer deaths!

 

Thanks to the sponsors that help save lives by supporting Komen