Colette and Sam Gabriele hosted another spectacular Night in Venice Party – Under the SeaPhiladelphia Eagles veteran Brandon Graham family, friends and Cindy Webster on board
Ocean City NJ Night in Venice July 20 2024 The event’s theme is “Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett” Philadelphia Eagles veteran Brandon Graham and his family are special guests. ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith is grand marshal.
BTW Brandon Graham is next level amazing. He was the special guest for OC Night in Venice, stayed until the fireworks. Stopped by the Gabriele party around 10. Then Sunday 6am participating in the Families Behind Badges ride from Philly to AC. WOW
Jewelz Entertainment
Magnificent
NorEaster Nick
Leslie M and Larry Cohen (looking amazing after 140lb loss, on a very strict diet.) It was sooo great to see my old friend. Larry introduced me to Geno Vento about 15 years ago and said you two need to know one another.
Bart and Jil Blatstein
Mike and Michelle
Christopher and Carol Wolfington
Savino and Bernard Hopkins << another old friend. We were going to do a big project together before the pandemic but it never happened. Damn pandemic. Great to see his wife Joy as well.
Adam Panichi and Matt Gabriele
Mike Toub
Jonathan, Lisa, Neena and Piero – See youse in Wildwood later this week!!
Burger in Paradise
Sabrina Thorne, Savino and Carol Tamburino
Don Thomas and Matthew Wetzel of Thomas Matthews Designs CMCH
Rep Amen Brown and Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools), the largest scholarship organization in Pa., for prek-12, hosted its 2024 Gala: Lighting Up the Future on May 9, 2024, , at the Crystal Tea Room (100 E Penn Sq.).
Linda Czachor, Theresa Grace, Kathy Kelley and Nancy Gabriele
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the BLOCS Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by FlynnO’Hara Uniforms. Mr. Shane Taylor from Archbishop Ryan Catholic High School was named the 2024 BLOCS Teacher of the Year. Taylor was nominated by Kyla Carberry, a freshman at Ryan, who is visually impaired. His remarkable impact goes beyond the curriculum as he is credited with empowering students like Kyla to conquer challenges with a blend of support, laughter, and generosity. Taylor teaches math and is a 2015 graduate of Archbishop Ryan.
The Little Flower choir performed during the gala, and music students from St. Hubert and Archbishop Ryan entertained during the cocktail reception.
Chloe Harris, Dominic Ciaverella and Trevor Sino
Viewed as the premiere scholarship organization in PA, BLOCS partners with more than 100 Archdiocesan and more than 300 private Catholic and non-Catholic schools to provide over 17,000 need-based scholarships each year.
Tom Fitti and Katie Rose Thornton
Legendary college basketball coach and champion of Catholic education Phil Martelli emceed the gala, guiding guests through a program filled with inspiration and celebration – his involvement emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving educational excellence.
Mike Godown and Rebecca Goodown
“Through our donors, BLOCS is dedicated to raising over $100 million annually in funding because we believe that every child, regardless of financial constraints, deserves a future filled with promise and opportunity,” said Matt McFillin, BLOCS Board Chair. “Our gala celebrates Catholic education and continues to light the future for students and families in the Philadelphia region.”
Legendary college basketball coach and champion of Catholic education Phil Martelli
A lively crowd of more than 300 guests, including dedicated donors, board members, and fervent supporters, gathered to champion BLOCS’ cause. BLOCS donors use their PA tax liability to fund scholarships and receive a 90% tax credit. This is through the establishment of Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs.
BLOCS just launched a user-friendly tax credit calculator, simplifying the process for potential donors to estimate their contribution under the PA Tax Credit program. Those pledging a minimum yearly donation exceeding $3,000 are eligible to enroll. To join the ranks of BLOCS donors and make a difference in a student’s life, go to BLOCS.org/taxcredit and a BLOCS rep will respond.
Fairmount Park Conservancy’s 13th Annual Centennial Celebration at FDR Park
On Wednesday, April 24, Fairmount Park Conservancy hosted its 13th annual Centennial Celebration with a sneak preview of FDR Park’s Welcome Center. The dinner brought together Conservancy community leaders, partners, donors, and award recipients for an evening of celebration in support of Philadelphia’s parks.
JD Kelly and Alexandra Kelly
Cheryl Binswanger, Anna Brinks and Dorothy Binswanger
Mike Dunn, Sam Gorodetzer, Keanu Ibarrondo, and Mackenzie Hockensmith
Connor Barwin, former Eagles player and founder of Make The World A Better Place, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Councilmember Nina Ahmad and Maura McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer Fairmount Park Conservancy
Mike Dunn, Sam Gorodetzer, Keanu Ibarrondo, and Mackenzie Hockensmith
A special congratulations to the honorees, PMorgan Chase, which received the Centennial Award for Corporate Stewardship, and the Southeast Asian Market, which received the 2024 John K. Binswanger Park Champion award.
Guests enjoyed a sit down dinner
“We want to continue that legacy of making sure all young people throughout the city of Philadelphia regardless of everyone’s neighborhood or ZIP codes, have a safe haven and enjoy themselves.” – Council President Kenyatta Johnson
Thanks for the sneak peek of the renovated Welcome Center. The completed project will include the transformation of the existing stables into a 4,000 SF café and the creation of a 6,700 SF multi-purpose event space overlooking Pattison Lagoon that will include public restrooms, public courtyard with three food vendors, staffed information center for bike rentals and park permit sign-ups, and community event and meeting spaces.
The leadership and board of Avenue of the Arts, Inc. announced today its vision for a transformative $100 million plan to re-imagine the Avenue of the Arts (aka S. Broad Street) from City Hall to Washington Avenue into a lush, green arts park.
Oliver Schaper, Gensler Architects; Tom McCarthy, Avenue of the Arts Board Member, Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla; Carl Dranoff, Avenue of the Arts Board Member; OBJ; Laura Burkhardt, Avenue of the Arts Executive Director; Dianne Semingson, Avenue of the Arts Board Chair; Tiphanie White – Chief of Staff for Council President Kenyatta Johnson; Valerie Gay, City of Philadelphia Chief of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; NOW known as Phila Creative
Titled Avenue of the Arts 2.0, this groundbreaking project is designed by world-renowned architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler, and landscape and urban planning practice OJB. The aim is to create a serene and green, arts-inspired attraction in the heart of Center City for residents and visitors alike that creates a more sustainable and livable city for future generations.
The plan envisions a 10-block pedestrian-friendly arts park with verdant landscaping, café seating, aerial sculptures, rotating public art, new outdoor performance spaces, and greened medians adorned with public art.
Enhanced lighting will accentuate this new urban oasis and make it a day-and-night destination. Nestled in the heart of Center City will be a new place to hang out with friends, dine, stroll, and enjoy inspiring creativity.
Laura Burkhardt
Executive Director Laura Burkhardt. “Today, the Avenue of the Arts is one of the City’s most dynamic mixed-use corridors with thousands of residents and millions of visitors each year. This initiative will add ‘world-class arts city’ to Philadelphia’s renown as a hub of history and sports.”
The Avenue of the Arts has evolved into a highly sought-after neighborhood with over 4,000 apartment and condominium residences including Art Haus, six top-brand hotels, dozens of top restaurants, exquisite architecture, and one of the most walkable collections of public art and murals in the U.S. Avenue newcomers receiving rave reviews include Loch Bar by the Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group with its seafood tavern concept serving lunch and dinner at the corner of Spruce Street.
Chase is opening a branch at Broad & Walnut, down the street from where Insomnia Cookies unveiled its new headquarters and main bakery, and Lubert Adler initiated a $100 million renovation at the Bellevue.
And just last week, on July 1, 2024, Post Brothers and Tower Investments welcomed the initial residents to the first $400 million phase of One Thousand One, an apartment complex located on the Avenue of the Arts and Washington Avenue. When completed, the complex will feature 1,400 luxury apartments and a 44,000-square-foot Giant grocery store.
The Wardrobe, a mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on eliminating clothing insecurity, curbing fashion waste, and empowering people for success, hosted its largest annual fundraiser “The VIP Party,” on Monday, June 10, at Rivers Casino.
The event was emceed by Delaware County native Leah Cevoli, a multi-hyphenate creative best known for voicing characters on the Emmy award-winning cartoon Robot Chicken and her work on the HBO hit series Deadwood. Leah is currently in town producing the feature film, Delco: The Movie.
The Wardrobe is a mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on eliminating clothing insecurity, curbing fashion waste, and empowering people for success.
Elana Chasan, Paige Wolf and Nicole Martin
Laura Vaughn and Gianna Cettei
Many McClennen, Melissa Novak, Kate Carlie and Laura Reed
Guests arrived, and enjoyed an hour long cocktail party with a buffet before settling down for the program and an exciting game of bingo.
Sheri K. Cole. Executive Director, discussed how to support the Programs, as well as The Wardrobe locations in Philadelphia (413 N. 4th Street) and Delaware County (62 West Marshall Road, Upper Darby) are open Monday-Saturday from 11-6 p.m. for shopping and client appointments. In Chester County, we are open in Kennett Square (345 Scarlett Road) and at the Exton Square Mall (2nd floor near Boscov’s) Tuesday-Thursday from 11-6 p.m. Clothing donations are accepted during open hours. Visit www.wardrobepa.org to learn how to donate and shop to support your community.
Veronica McKee cheers to the 2 keys she bought for $100 each, in hopes of winning top prizes in one of the surprise boxes.
Kris Derewicz, Nina Markey, The Wardrobe Board President and Paul Sopher all of Littler
Riley Mock and Kade Deeton
Best Dressed: Rhonda Richardson, was noted for being one of the best dressed of the evenings. She got her outfit from The Wadrobe!! Great choice!!
If the key fits… The first winner of the $100 key reacts to the lock opening, as Sheri Cole cheers. Each box contained prizes worth more than $200 up to $1000. Another great event, see you next year!!
Receive Clothing: Although most participants are referred by our Community Partners, individuals in need are welcome to use our Open Access program to receive the clothing they need at no cost. Information on how to get clothing or sign up as a Community Partner is available at www.wardrobepa.org/services.
On Wednesday, June 26 Rittenhouse Grill (1701 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA) unveils a new bar concept – the Leopard Lounge!!
If you’ve never been to the Rittenhouse Grill, you’ll find this award-winning restaurant nestled on the first floor of the Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel. In addition to serving amazing culinary experiences to diners for over 25 years, it has long been known as one of Philadelphia’s power restaurants for celebrities, politicians, athletes, and more.
The sprawling restaurant resembles a swanky supper club that accommodates upward of 220 guests across a multi-level dining room highlighted by a wall-to-wall leopard print rug. Garth Weldon – Restaurant Owner – Rittenhouse Grill
Each night, a performer uses the stunning glass-topped baby grand piano to entertain guests by playing early 20th-century American jazz standards, show tunes, classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and even the latest hits!
Brenda Hillegas, Rowhome Magazine and Genevieve XiongAlex Coxen, Lauren Meyer and Montana KashrianAlexander Perry and Maggie Munthali
Leopards are fast felines and can run at up to 58km/h! They’re super springy, too, and can leap 6m forward through the air – that’s the length of three adults lying head to toe!
Phuong Nguyen and Suzi Nash, PGN columnist. A legend in the field. I know I irritate her as I keep turning her down for an interview. I’m shy.
Scott Fisher, GM Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel and Carla Fisher
Melanie Highbloom @melmelllll and Laura Swartz, Deputy Editor Philly Mag, @pompomflipflop; With the summer heat coming on strong this season, I’d recomend strolling over to the new Leopard Lounge at the Rittenhouse Grill for a hot time with the air conditioning on blast in the swanky new bar.
You might have noticed a page change here at PhillyChitChat. I was so busy working and ignoring my emails from WordPress, my blog site. It seems my former custom page was out of date. Who knew that could happen. WP updated itself and now I have to create a new backdrop, although I am ok with this white background. But there are a few things missing from the page, like my subscriber link, which can be found under “Today’s Post”. I’ll figure it all out this summer when I have a lot of time. Also some photos from this event will be in one of my magazine partners in September. So if you don’t see you here, or on CBSPhilly….
I had my monthly dinner at my favorite steakhouse, The Pub in Pennsauken NJ, just over the Ben Franklin Bridge, a few weeks ago. I grew up in South Jersey, and it is a nostalgic staple in my life. A reasonable, and delicious spot to eat when you have 9 people in your family as well.
Stevie Logothetis, a co-owner and hostess, gave me a heart attack when she sat at the table and said I have to tell you something.
The Pub would be closing, (heart stops) for the summer to renovate, WHEW
Mainly they are focusing on the roof which hasn’t been replaced since the South Jersey landmark opened 73 years ago.
They’re going to take advantage of this time to also renovate the inside as well. Replacing the carpet, freshen up the space, repair lights, and update the kitchen appliances. Basically spruce up the place. (I can never get a good color balance when I shoot this room, hopefully that doesn’t change and the lights remain as rusty tinged as usual.)
She promises the decor is going to be the same in the cavernous dining hall.
They’ll still have the snowflakes from October til Spring, the Christmas Tree in the lobby decorated for every season, the fun “Mr Pub” signs scattered through out the property can still be enjoyed.
The food is going to be the same, if not better due to new equipment, and they’ll be a new rug, but the same color, not to worry says Stevie.
I’ll have to forgo my favorite meal for a few months. I always get the same thing. Managers Special $39.95 and it includes the salad bar. (Vegan Mike [my husband] doesn’t mind me bringing home the steak to eat the next day. You can’t eat this in one sitting, they are always sooo big.)
It’s one of my favorite restaurants to go with my friends, and they have to suffer with my reminiscing about growing up in South Jersey, and dinners with the family at The Pub, and so many tall tales of the folks who have eaten here over the years. (Note this is February 2024, and the snowflakes are still up.)
I can’t wait to visit the newly renovated Pub in September. I know they are so excited with the work to be done, and to see their friends again in the fall.
Co-chairs Peter Dean, Molly Shepard, Amy Goldman, Jim Gardner, and Mary Stengel Austen
Thursday evening June 13, Jim Gardner and Amy Goldman along with co-hosts, Molly Sheppard and Peter Dean, Mary and Peter Austen and the Honorable Michael and Lisa Nutter hosted friends and supporters of the No Name Pops at the Goldman’s home
Alyssa Pagano, Austin Berner, Keith and Lauren Obaza
Founded in 2023, the former and future musicians of the Philly Pops created the No Name Pops due to an absence of music in Philadelphia. Since then, they have performed over 40 times, 12 times at the Kimmel Center, and with over 20 of them being free programs to the public.
Nick Cobb and Barbara Cobb
Broadway’s Dee Roscioli and Hugh Panaro with Ardmore’s Kathy Hirsch-Pasek and Jeff Pasek, parents of composer Benj Pasek,Jim Gardner and Amy Goldman
The No Name Pops is committed to being a healthy, patron first organization, reflecting the City of Philadelphia and serving the community.
Jim Gardner, board member and host, with Connie and Sam Katz
Former Mayor Michael Nutter and Diane Semingson, Board President Avenue of The Arts
The No Name Pops recently announced it has entered into discussions with Peter Nero’s family to be able to perform under the Philly Pops trademark and carry on Peter Nero’s legacy. Both the orchestra and the Nero family look forward to the day that Philadelphia’s proud tradition can officially be reborn under the name that Peter Nero made famous
Patty and Bernie Prazenica (GM of 6abc), Valerie Gay, Phila’s Arts and Culture Leader, Fran Dunphy, America’s College Basketball Coach
Matthew Koveal, Exec Dir of the Non Name Pops, with 6abc legends – Dave Roberts and Jim Gardner
Senator Nikil Saval with sons shares support for No Name Pops
The No Name Pops performing at the garden party.
Broadway stars: Hugh Panaro and Dee Roscioli Perform
Thanks to Sharla Feldshur & Bachrach Photography for providing the photos from this event which I couldn’t attend as I was already booked. I always enjoy the No Name Pops concerts, and look forward to supporting them. If you’d like to support them. please consider a donation HERE>
Breakthrough’s Annual Spring Soirée 2024 took place last month, and was an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration at the University of the Arts: Dorrance Hamilton Hall.
Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated, traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for college and career success. Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education.
Lorne Hammond, President The Harvest Family Business Solution and Bill Anderson, Fox29 Philly
The event was emceed by Bill Anderson, Executive Producer, Fox29 and Weekend Co-Anchor, Good Day Philadelphia. Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated, traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for college and career success.
Sasank Aleti, partner at private equity firm LLR Partners, and Michelle Reyes Aleti, Director, Corporate & Community Engeagement. Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia.
Breakthrough raised over $150,000 to enable over 200 Scholars and Teaching Fellows to attend Breakthrough’s tuition-free program.
Nick Araco Founder, AchieveNEXT and Stephen Klein, BTGP Supporter
Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia and Edel Howlin, Founder and Owner of Untapped Communications
Michael Thompson, Director of DEI and Business Development, Montage Diversity Consultants Jon Addy, Partner, KPMG US and a BTGP Volunteer and Stephen Reeves, CEO Montage Companies
Phillip St James, Associate Director, & Community Relations Lead · Sanofi
Lily Dupuis, Assistant GFS Digital Content & Communication and Ilana Goldfus, Director, GFS Advancement Services
Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education and has served over 1,500 Scholars and 467 Teaching Fellows since its founding in 1995. To learn more, visit us at breakthroughphilly.org
The Philadelphia Police Foundation (PPF) celebrated its 25th Anniversary with its annual gala on June 5th, 2024 at the Union League. A memorable and dynamic evening that allows PPF to continue to fund the vital, yet unbudgeted, needs of the Philadelphia Police Department. The Foundation has four support pillars which NFB revenue will allow the Foundation to fund:
Reducing the Gun Violence epidemic by Funding Unbudgeted Crime Reduction Initiatives.
Supporting Officer Wellness Programs and Police Accountability Initiatives
Providing Strategic and Advanced Training Opportunities at All Levels of the PPD
Providing Engagement Opportunities Between the Philadelphia Police and the Youth of the City
John Kitzinger, Chief at Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Michelle A. Henry, Attorney General of Pennsylvania and Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia’s police commissioner and Brian Stevenson, Stevenson Advocacy
DariumPoke Senior Manager at Baker Tilly US and Susan Slawson, a retired Lieutenant of the Philadelphia Police Department, Management Consultant, now Commissioner of Parks & Recreation.
Austin Fraser stepped into his new position as captain of Philadelphia’s 14th police district, which includes not only Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy, but also Germantown, Stenton and parts of West Oak Lane, back in mid-December. Right away he knew this job was “totally different.”
Fraser came to the district from the department’s Real Time Crime Center, a division of the police Intelligence Bureau. There, he worked to create a safer Philadelphia using data and other information.
Sergeant Richard Mendez was shot and killed at the Philadelphia International Airport’s Garage D at about 11:00 p.m. 22 years and 11 months serving on the Philadelphia Police Department.
Fallen Philadelphia Police Sergeant Richard Carrero Mendez widow Alex Carrero and daughter Mia Carrero were on hand as the Sergeant was honored. During the ceremony it was announced that Mia had attended college, while going to high school, and just graduated at age 19 with her bachelors degree from Temple University.
Sam Korman, Steve Korman, and Bradley Korman, Board of Directors
Last year was a record shattering Night for Blue which took place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 and, for the first time in the history of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, $1,000,000 was raised. In addition, more than 575 people were on hand at the even as the 2023 Founders Award was presented to the Korman Family – Brad Korman, Steven Korman and Linda Richardson-Korman.
Widows of fallen officers: Judy Cassidy, Marissa Fitzgerald and Linda Lorenzo were also acknowledged during the ceremony.
Sharrie Williams, 6ABC, Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia’s police commissioner, Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer for Independence Health Group, Maureen Rush, Philadelphia Police Foundation President and Erin McKenna Zimmerman, Executive Director at Philadelphia Police Foundation
This year Independence Blue Cross was honored.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is the region’s hometown health insurer. For more than 85 years, it has been at the heart of the Philadelphia community and committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities it serves.
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone value at IBX. Through its corporate giving and volunteer programs, IBX supports hundreds of diverse nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. This includes key initiatives of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, such as gun violence reduction programs, officer wellness, anti-bias training, highway patrol helmets, and N95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania, IBX delivers innovative, competitively priced health care products and services; rewards coordinated, quality care; and promotes equitable, whole-person health.
–Gregory E. Deavens, CPA, CGMA,President and CEO, Independence Blue Cross
Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia’s police commissioner and Maureen S. Rush M.S., CPP who is holding a Philly police drone ready for service. Each one costs $25ks, and before the night was over three generous guests funded the first three to be put into service.
Another successful fundraising year for PPF as over a million dollars were raised this year.
