Philly PAWS Donor Reception was held last Wednesday Friends and supporters of our furry friends gather to celebrate the First Anniversary of the PAWS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at their offices in Southwest Philadelphia. Hostess Dana Spain certainly can smile with pride as her pet project has turned into more than just a hobby, but a life saver for many of our four legged friends, with her is another important friend Eric Cahill. Claire Morrison says hi to a furry friend that you can adopt as PAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. PAWS is the city’s largest rescue organization and only no-kill shelter, and is working to make Philadelphia a place where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. Through its adoption locations, special events, and foster care network, PAWS finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year. Adam Mons and Arielle Morris, of Clays for Strays. Rachel and Erin Little Red Dog Studio shots Claire Morrison, guest, Dana Spain and Steve Morrison. Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn and wife Nadine Philly Paws is looking forward to their new mobile adoption trailer which should be on the road soon. Many folks might not be able to make it to an animal shelter or maybe it makes them sad. How to avoid it, a mobile adoption trailer will allow PhillyPaws to bring the pets to you. You’ll be able to visit the shelter pets at various locations throughout Philadelphia while the animals rest comfortably in air-conditioned kennels with fresh water and full lighting. Come in, visit and adopt a pet. Barbara Brown-Ruttenberg and John Ruttenberg Donna Bright, Brittany Durphy, Kelly Cannallay, Sara Schoenleber, Alicia Pharo and Sue Durphy Jim Cartin, Holly Mahr and Michele DiVeterano
Remember to come out to the event of the year, and I mean that as I cover a lot of event. Save The Date: Monday, June 27th for the big PAWS dinner. It’s time for the 7th Annual Chefs’ Dinner for PAWS, the singular event of the year that brings chefs and patrons together for an interactive evening of food, fun and fundraising. On Monday, June 27th, more than 40 of the region’s best chefs will create an extraordinary gastronomic experience at The Union League of Philadelphia.What: Chefs creating 4-course food and wine pairings tableside for 12 guests in decorated pods. **Click here for a current list of participating chefs/sponsors.** When: Monday, June 27, 2011, 6 PM Where: The Union League of Philadelphia Why: All proceeds benefit PAWS’ lifesaving initiatives, including adoption and foster care programs, spay and neuter surgeries, low-cost vaccinations, and more.
Hope you had a great Weekend. I have some new sponsors this week. The Philadelphia Horticultural Society and Arrow Swim Club. Please click on them and support them if you can. It’s because of my advertisers I can bring PhillyChitChat.com to you 5 and sometimes 7 times a week. Thanks….
Sunday night I headed out to they Hyatt Penns Landing to check out the 3rd Annual Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars. I was greeted by a sold out, wait list line as the event was an overwhelming success again this year packing in over 350 peeps into the 2nd floor ballroom with the view of the Delaware River.Created by Megan R. Smith, Brownstone PR three years ago, the Dancing with the Stars fun competition has earned thousands of dollars for Sickle Cell Anemia. Zemoria Brandon, administrator/social worker and media relations liaison for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware and Samaria Brandon I ran into Keeya Bransen Davis, Delaware River Waterfront Corp, Earl Harvey, Black Professional News, and Andrea Robertson, Esq City Representative Melanie Johnson with dancing instructor Nick. Tuesday Melanie will tell us all who will be the big entertainment for the July 4th celebration.
Kristin Haskin Simms and Autumn Adkins Graves backstage looking at their food cause everyone was a tad nervous
Autumn Adkins Graves
Kristin Haskin Simms
While out front the room was filled with folks dressed to the nines, in the center Warren and Meridel Peterson with Marie Simpkins and Stanley Simpkins ( BS -Executive Director of Sickle Cell Disease of America/Philadelphia Chapter), with their tablemates. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder, characterized primarily by chronic anemia and periodic episodes of pain. SCDAA/PDVC’s mission is to serve as a vehicle and resource center for the psychosocial and social service needs of children, adolescents, adults and families affected by sickle cell disease. SCDAA/PDVC seeks to develop, manage and allocate resources in partnership with hospitals, charitable organizations, community based organizations and social service agencies. Alexa Krepps, Rebecca Clothey, Lefteris Kritkakis, Ellen Clay and Mary Jo Grdina Having a ball were Kristyn Aldrich and Jamyra Perry Snooping through the door I found KYW Radio’s Hadas Kuznits and Shari Williams, Senior Communications Specialist at PA. Public Utility Commission Robb Reichard, Executive Director of the AIDS Fund. The judges said that they couldn’t tell which of the two was the professional dance cause he was so damn good. And the dips went onas Maria Papadakis gets dipped after her sexy flamingo dance
Sorry for the poor quality, I changed settings and it was better for others.
Do the Hustle is exactly what Kristin Munro, and a cartwheel too. Very impressive old skool
Kristin Munro
Autumn greets her mom
Dan Gross first time up- Sumba
#WINNING Philly Daily News’ Dan Gross. Well he didn’t really win, but his belly dance was a winner and a hoot too. Is the judges tally was based on crowd reaction, then Dan would have won all three years.
Dan Gross there was a tie for third and this was Dan’s second showing. Still a fun look. He’s convinced me I don’t want to do the event but will continue to stay on this side of the camera.
Bottoms up, bottoms up, put your hands up. bloo bloo bloo bloomers. I didn’t even know they sold those hoochie momma’s anymore. Such a hoot, and an awesome executed jive Hadas Kuznits Christine Hanhausen, Eliana Papadakis, Maria Papadakis, Demetra Panidis, Susan Beard and Jennifer Eckhardt
Rob Richerd Ellen Conaway, Shari Williams Cuthbert, Rachel Seopro, Jessica Milton, Denise Berry, Felisha Harris and Bill Slofer. It’s always fun to run into Felisha cause she always teaches me a thing or two about my Android. The Chris Gabello Studio: Zander, Chris and Mike. Chris Gabello shot all the promotion shots with the contestants. Here’s one I shot with Chris’ set up of Hadas and him.
Congratulations to Dan and his wife Holly. He may have come in third but this year is going to be memorable and special. The Dance Competitors – Autumn Adkins Graves, president of Girard College; Dan Gross, gossip columnist for The Daily News; Kristin Haskins Simms, strangefruit designer and contestant on Season 8 of Project Runway; Melanie Johnson, City Representative; Hadas Kuznits, reporter for KYW Newsradio; Lorina Marshall-Blake, VP of Government Relations at Independence Blue Cross; Kristin Munro, editor in chief of Philadelphia STYLE; Maria Papadakis, media contributor and noted philanthropist; Robb Reichard, Executive Director of the AIDS Fund; and Shari Williams, model and wife of Senator Anthony H. Williams.
Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall–Blake Vice President of Government Relations for Independence Blue Cross, Philadelphia and her dance partner from Society Hill Dance Studios who came in first. Second was Hadas Kuznits, 3rd Dan Gross and 4th Robb Reichard. But everyone was a winner, especially since all your efforts will go to help countless others battling Sickle Cell Disease.
Thanks to this years Sponsors Too!
This year’s event boasts an amazing silent auction featuring luxury items from LAGOS, Distante Clothing, The Bridgette Mayer Gallery, and a wine tasting for 10 with noted wine educator Brian Freedman, along with items from the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Brown-Forman, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, Fusion Crosstraining Gym, Rittenhouse 1715, The Philadelphia Theatre Company, Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon, and Philadelphia International Records. For those interested in getting their bids in early, we will begin posting select items at the top of March!
In a Paris-inspired runway show located in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza, nine top local designers and the best student designers showcased their work on a 60ft runway. And I say Bravo, what an awesome show and location. I’ve gone to NY Fashion Week for five seasons and there is no doubt that whoever executed this event has experienced a first rate run event as the ones that happened in Bryant Park and transferred it here to Philadelphia. Under the shadow of the Philadelphia International Festival of Art’s Eiffel Tower nine designers including: Carmelita Martell, Sarah Van Aken, Jaames Nelson, Katie Ermilio, Bela Shehu, Kristin Haskins-Simms, Priscilla Costa, Janice Martin & Lonni Rossi and Melanie Brandon. Along with local designers but students from Drexel University, Philadelphia University, The University of Delaware, Art Institute and Philadelphia University participated in the student design portion of the show.
Before the first model hit the catwalk, for $100 VIP ticket folks enjoyed a John Colabelli Philadelphia Style Magazine sponsored cocktail party where the guest of honor, Philadelphia native couture designer Ralph Rucci, was present (RR is on the cover of the Spring Issue of Philly Style Magazine.) Later in the evening he would receive the Visionary Award for Fashion. Above: Ed Salvato, PIFA,Jeff Guaracino, Vice president, communications of GPTMC, Drew Becher, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and Aaron Stella. I want to take this time to welcome The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as a new advertiser to PhillyChitChat.com. The PHS is Having A Party in the Garden May 4, 2011 6 PM – 9PM
WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta and NBC10’s Erin Como
Pretty in Pink.Lynsie and Evan Solomon
The one thing I failed to do this evening was size up the seating arrangements. I love shooting front row, but usually from across the runway. Right before the show started is when I noticed there was no across the runway. There was only shooting at the end of the runway, boring for me, or from above, much better. I’m not shooting fashion I am shooting moments.
Applause arose from the audience after these beauties walked by. I love these prints, I hope to see them out and about in the City.
Bruce and Michelle Shannon, always fashionable.Behind the scenes
an American In Paris. Is this not fabulous. Monday night is The PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS WELCOMES CONTINGENT OF RENOWNED FRENCH CHEFS FOR SERIES OF CULINARY EVENTS 5:30PM to 7PM at Kimmel Center
Sarah Van Aken, of SA VA bringing on the color
Carmelita Coulture I wish more ladies wore color in the winter. I love that the organizers kept mannequins with red dresses on the stage.
I haven’t seen green for a long time, it’s beautiful and it’s byJaames Nelson
Matthew Vlahos, Vlahos Pr and Will Ball of Wilhelmina Models, the models that are being used in today’s show.
Hats let’s bring hats back. Not just as a worship accessory or at Easter.
Stunning
Lite dresses; UPDATE Monday: I found out that Sharon Phillips Waxman and her SPW Productions did the fashion show. That would explain the fabuosity of it all. She has been putting on Phasion Phest for the past 2 decades. Ralph Rucci and Anne Ewers, CEO Kimmel Center. Ralph Rucci, the man behind the luxury line of clothing known as Chado Ralph Rucci – and this year, in honor of Rucci’s connection to French haute couture, the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts honored Rucci with its Visionary Award for Fashion.
Let’s hope the Kimmel Center will consider more fashion shows on the plaza, but with assigned VIP seating, because even though it’s a good cause for $100 people want a seat when they return from the cocktail part. Surprisingly I did see two women leave their Coach Bags to save their seats as they went off to enjoy the pre-show fun, but I heard from one too many people who had to choose between the cocktail party and a decent seat. No biggie just a thought for future bookings. OH and one more thing, can we keep the Eiffel Tower. Remember all the buildings that were dismantled after the 1876 Exposition and how we regretted that? It’s perfect there, and I bet we can find funding to change those light bulbs. What a fabulous memory of a wonderful moment we would treasure a lifetime. (I’m a PIFA Blogger: Check out more info about PIFA at PIFA.org, and on the Twitter and Facebook page. Events are going on until May 2, 2011. I know there is something you’re gonna love.)
I dropped the ball on this Ball. It happened over a month ago, I kept planning to write about it but breaking news, hired gigs and other events just kept pushing it out of reach. Hosted by:Loraine Ballard MorrillandThe 2011 “White Tie Humanitarian Award” HonoreesMoShay LarenUkee WashingtonE.Steven Collins Also a Special “4.0 Celebration” for Media Guru and Social Innovator – Shelton Mercer – and Celebrity Photographer – Bill Andrews This event was dope, it was great it had legs. There were at least 5 PR lists operating together to get the word out, and boy did the word get out. Folks from every walk of life were there, social status, and age level. Everyone was dressed so beautifully. You can’t quite see it, but that is a huge ice sculpture behind them with all the sponsors’ names carved into it. Above: PHL 17’s Damian Muziani and Adriana Alveario I spoke to a few of my peeps and they told me they loved the diversity, and The CTO Band (Voted BEST OF KNOT® 2011), I think they are awesome. Black is still kicking as the color of choice but a few embraced the next seasons colorful drag and I applaud them. Jamyra is going for that glamour goddess look with her hair styling, Amber and Melony very chic. I still have to write about the Jr League’s fashion show last week at the Piazza in which Amber modeled on the cat walk. That will come up this week or maybe next Sunday. It was a great event, great space, but again I’m in the weeds with entries. Red pumps Dancing to the beat of your own drum is encouraged It was called the White Tie Ball and some peeps did adhere to the theme. It was a hugely successful night, very crowded and a lot of money was raised for the Variety Club. Bringing back the gloves. As a gift to you all I will put these photos in my online album tomorrow and you can claim them for free since I was too late and lazy to put all your names down. There was a fun photo booth, which is all the rage at parties these days no matter how many cell phone cameras are out there. Stylistic! I was really impressed by the ladies. Down and out Hollywood glamour. Beautiful colors Guys gone wild! There’s a lot of off the record going on with these boys after hours, let’s just leave it at that. An Amazing Evening of Dancing, Designer Cocktails, Live Entertainment, Style, and Charitable Giving. Proceeds will benefit Variety, the Children’s Charity. A stylish evening of Fun & Excitement awaits you at the inaugural White Tie Ball, taking place on March 11, 2011. Enjoy beautifully prepared food stations. Discover true Grandeur, and service at Iconic Downtown Philadelphia hotel – The Bellevue. The VIP section looking on as Lorraine Ballard welcomes the guests. Ron & Marisa and Peter Breslow Kharisma and my reader Tom Fisher. Thanks for saying hey!! There was an awesome fashion show. After the show was over the runway was dismantled and the dance floor exploded with dancing shoes until the wee hours of the morning.
I remember months ago when the Michaels – Michael Schulson and GM Michael Wirzberger told me about their new Dim Sum Brunch they were starting in the Spring. They had me come in and look at the material they were going to use on the cart, told me of their plans, then hooked up with Silencia to created a fun atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday’s for the brunch. And now they are ready and I am so excited for them….
Starting tomorrow Sampan and Silencia have teamed up to bring you the hottest new brunch.
Michael Schulson’s Sampan,
has a new kind of brunch addition to its establishment this Spring.
Sampan’s Dim Sum Brunch,
will be Philadelphia’s newest weekend hot spot in Center City beginning April 9th.
As the cities young professionals indulge in Sampan’s newest menu,
every Saturday11-4 and Sunday 11-CLOSE,
they will also relish the beats of Philadelphia’s most wanted DJ’s,
playing a remix of today’s hottest hits and classic dance music of 70’s and 80’s throughout the day.
Some specials include
Togarashi, Bloody Mary’s, Yuzu-Rosewater Mimosa’s, Steak & Egg Banh Mi, and BLT Satay, just to name a few.
Dim Sum Highlights
Corned Beef Char Sui Bun with sauerkraut and smoked mustard General Tso Soup Dumplings with soy, ginger and scallions Pork Bao Bun with spicy shallots, mint and sweet chili Shrimp and Scallop Shu Mai with cilantro, citrus and soy Chicken Feet with black bean, soy and ginger Steamed Ribs with chili, black beans, and five spice
Plates Highlights
Spanish Octopus Satay with lemon, arugula, and soy-balsamic vinaigrette Crab Rangoon with cream cheese, scallion and wonton Steak and Eggs, a filet, sunny-side up and fries “Eggs Benedict” with Berkshire pork belly, spinach, and sriracha hollandaise Beef Chow Fun with short ribs, green chives and chili. P Chef Schulson is proud of his newly assembled management team which includes Chef de Cuisine Khamla Vongsakoun who worked as Sous Chef at Philadelphia’s Buddakan and under Chef Michael Mina at SeaBlue in Atlantic City. Together, the chefs created the new Dim Sum Brunch which includes: Corned Beef Char Sui Bun with sauerkraut and smoked mustard; General Tso Soup Dumplings with soy, ginger and scallions; Pork Bao Bun with spicy shallots, mint and sweet chili; Shrimp and Scallop Shu Mai with cilantro, citrus and soy; Chicken Feet with black bean, soy and ginger; and Steamed Ribs with chili, black beans, and five spice. All dim sum are just $6. Plates will range in price from $12 to $21.
Special Brunch Cocktails
Yuzu-Rosewater Mimosa with yuzu, rosewater and Champagne Togarashi Bloody Mary with fresh wasabi, fish sauce, lemon juice, and roasted tomatoes with Ketel One and a Togarashi rim
Sampan is open seven days a week for dinner and serves lunch Monday through Friday. Brunch is served every Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until close. For more information about Sampan, or to make a reservation, please visit www.sampanphilly.com or call (215) 732-3501. For more information about Chef Michael Schulson, please visit www.michaelschulson.com. Follow Sampan on both Twitter and Facebook @Sampanphilly.
Thanks to all of you who were able to attend or support Cooper Hospital and the Simulation program!! Your support means so much to us and the Hospital community! Enclosed please find a portion of the press release from Cooper Hospital. Thanks again! –Guy and Amanda The Cooper Foundation raised more than $1 million at the first ever Red Hot Gala. The Gala, held at the Hyatt at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia on Saturday night, honored Mr. Norcross and his wife, Sandy, for their long-time commitment to Cooper and the City of Camden. More than 800 guests attended the event, including medical, business and community leaders from across the Delaware Valley. “This was a million dollar night for Cooper University Hospital and the people of the Delaware Valley,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “Thanks to our generous and committed donors, Cooper takes another step forward in achieving its mission of delivering world-class patient care in a state-of-the-art setting that promotes education, research and community.” Proceeds from the Gala will support the expansion of the hospital’s Simulation Laboratory, which provides high-tech training for thousands of medical professionals each year. The Gala was co-chaired by Amanda Burden, M.D. and her husband Guy Aiman and Michael Goldberg, M.D. and his wife, Melody. Dr.Burden is the Director of the Simulation Laboratory at Cooper and an attending physician in the Department of Anesthesiology. Simulation-based medical education at Cooper uses interactive technologies in realistic healthcare settings to help participants develop and refine specific diagnostic, cognitive and surgical techniques in a safe setting – before caring for real patients. The planned $10 million expansion of Cooper’s Simulation Laboratory will create an 8,000 square-foot state-of-the-art-center with six fully equipped labs, four control rooms and four classrooms.
It’s here…after years of planning the vision of Leonore Annenberg’s City celebration of arts and culture has come to fruition with the kick off gala at the Kimmel Center last night. The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts April 7, 2011 – May 1, 2011 is a collaboration of over 100 performances and events throughout the region, the month-long festival promises to create a city inspired. Join the moment. Many notable people were in attendance like Sharon Pinkenson and Joe Weiss Jane Pepper and Andrew Greenblatt, although not together that’s him in the back with the shades on Anna Bedic, PAB, Larae Junior, Kimmel Center, and Sally Eckhoff, Tyler School of ArtMrs. Suzanne Roberts Anthony Clifton, Review Publishing and Catherine R. Clifton currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Kimmel Center Board of Directors and Chairs its Education and Audience Development Committee, Rosemary Hankowsky, Lex Norcross and William Hankowsky, Chairman, president and CEO, Liberty Property Trust (KCI Board Chair) Tia Bianchini and Andrew McQuiston Ed Salvato, Linda Pham-Vertleih, Frugal Philly Mom, and Aaron Stella, Philly Broadcaster Heeseung Lee and Aaron Ashley Judge Rendell, Jesse Rendell, Gov Rendell and Beka Rendell. Beka was so excited yesterday telling me she has discovered a roof deck at her new offices of Style Creative in Old City. I have an open invite – yippee!! Donald Carter and volunteer of the century Pearl Then it was into the Kimmel Center for the gala performance. Anne Ewers, CEO of Kimmel, welcomes. The night also included a dinner by Wolfgang Puck in honor of Chef Georges Perrier who was presented a gift on stage before the concert.
Brian Kappra, of Evantine Designs puts the finishing touches on the table settings. I ran into someone last night who asked me my opinion of his decorations and I said the proof is in the pictures, he’s fantastic. So she’ll be booking him for her daughters wedding. Here’s the exquisitely designed table settings from last nights event.
Mural Arts first projection project! Isn’t it pretty? Checking out the digital mural arts project was Margie Green (Councilman Bill Green’s lovely wife)and Patricia Benitez. Inside the concert was over and people began to gather for the dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck catering. Dining was Kristina Jenkins Where Magazine Editor, with former Where Magazine publisher, Laura Burkhardt
Chris Chimicles and Kate Wilhelm, Senior Vice President of Business Development at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Coming up for them on May 4 is the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 2011 Party in the Garden. So much fun and beautiful. See you there. Bruce and Cara are preparing for their summer wedding? So exciting! Philadelphia Daily News Editor Larry Platt and Bet Mizgala-Platt. I can’t think how much fun it is for him to run around town in his new influential position after some folks probably thought that he was down for the count after leaving Philly Magazine. Drew Becher, the 36th President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, guest and Eric
Dessert was served on these “balloon trays” which added to the Parisian theme of the night and inclusive of the dessert entertainment by the performance by Grounded Aerial.
The show was unbelievable, and scary for someone like me who is afraid of heights. I left around 11:30 PM and the party was just winding down, but the festival was just getting started. Check the website for upcoming scheduled events. Some events are ticketed at affordable prices, but there are free events too and here’s a great list at Philly.com of free events This post is brought to you with the support of PIFA, but the photos and editorial writing is my own.
