Tag: Charity

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Dining Out For Life

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It’s back, Philadelphia’s longest-running and most beloved dining event is back and marking a major anniversary! Action Wellness presents the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life® on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring over 40 participating restaurants. I remember going to the first one, where only a handful of restaurants participated, but the following year it was a Citywide celebration, with a lot of support.

Philadelphia’s longest-running and most beloved dining event is back and marking a major anniversary!

Action Wellness presents the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life® on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring over 40 participating restaurants.

For 2025, this year’s restaurant line-up reads like a who’s who of the region’s most award-winning restaurants, with notable names such as Barclay Prime, Bistro Romano, Buddakan, Butcher and Singer, DaVinci & Yu, El Vez, Frankford Hall, Gilda, Giorgio on Pine,Good Dog Bar, LMNO, The Love, Mamajuana Cafe, Morimoto, P’unk Burger, P.J. Clarke’s, Parc, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, Sophie’s BBQ, Stina, Talula’s Garden, Taqueria Amor, The Continental Midtown, The Dandelion, Villa Di Roma, Wilder and many more. Hours vary by restaurant. Reservations are encouraged in advance.

“My favorite part of the event is the community aspect and simplicity of it,” said Action Wellness Development Coordinator Kevin Vuernick. “I have made it a point to dine out during this event for as long as I can remember. Inevitably you always see a longtime friend or acquaintance who is also dining out to support the cause. Going out to eat is something so many of us do regularly without thinking about it. The hardest part for me is deciding where to eat! The decision about whether to go to an old familiar haunt or go to one of the wonderful new places or somewhere I have yet to try is always the most difficult. But each year the one thing I know is it is always so rewarding.”

Funds raised from Dining Out For Life (DOFL) Philadelphia go to Action Wellness to support more than 2,000 clients and their families through the provision of life-sustaining services. HIV and its impact is felt especially by those in low-income and historically marginalized communities. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health there are 18,000 people living with HIV in Philadelphia.

For a full list of restaurants or to make an advance donation, visit diningoutforlife dot com/Philadelphia. Watch for updates by following on social media at @DineOut4LifePHL and share your meal using #DOFL2025 #DineOutEndHIV.

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Dancing With The Stars – Montessori Moves

The inaugural Philadelphia Montessori Charter School (PMCS ) “Montessori Moves” was held on March 8th at Vie. Over $100,000 was raised to support the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School. Think Philly dancing with the stars-style event where 8 philanthropic/business leaders showed off their best moves!

Amanda Wilson (Ex Dir of Montessori Charter School of Philadelphia) and Carmelina Berardi (winner raising most money raise $24,000 )

PMCS excels at providing children in Kindergarten through 4th grade with a Montessori education in an environment that nurtures the whole child, celebrates inclusion, embraces innovation, and encourages collaboration with families. Carmelina Berardi won top fundraiser and Stefanie McCarthy and Gretchen Ralston tied for best dance!

Laura and Justin Stefanick
Nick and Kristen Pantaleo

Tali Shani Ben-david makes her moves

Natelie Jackson and Stephanie Williams
Laurie Trongone, Camille Doherty, Andrea Ronca and Amy Ritter
Dominique Yannuzzi, Anna Iuliano, Liliana Dicicco and Carmelina Berardi
Dana Fiumara,, Jason Manus and Jill Longstreth
Ryan and Kate Banks
Jalen Millevoix and Avi Ben David
Julie Lynn and Jennifer Sherlock

Jen chose bachata as I’ve always wanted to learn this sensual style dance. “Thanks to @stormballroomdancecentre for everything they showed me including a sense of community.” She raised over $4,000 for the kids.

Serena Saunders, Ahyana King and Michelle Hamilton

Carmelina Berardi: “Wow, what a magical night! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me by donating money and attending the event! With your help, I was able to raise $24,000 for @pmcs2227 and learn some new moves too! Thank you to my instructor @eric_groysman @vibe_dancesport and to @lynsie.feinberg for putting together such an amazing event! Special thank you to the best cheering squad ever, my @shopskirt girls and my friends and family who are always there to support me, Grazie di cuore 💗”

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Charity Philly To Do

The return of Black-Tie GayBINGO!

Action Wellness proudly presents the return of Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Now in its 26th year, Black-Tie GayBINGO! rolls out the glitz and glamour as it continues to raise significant funds for live-saving programs to help those with HIV disease. 

This year’s event holds special significance as AIDS Fund, the original creator of GayBINGO!, will be honored for over 35 years of leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for establishing one of Philadelphia’s most iconic fundraising events. 

After passing the torch in late 2024, Action Wellness now takes the helm, ensuring the legacy of GayBINGO! continues to thrive for years to come. 

For this year’s grand return, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening with: 

* Welcome reception and cocktails

* Silent auction

* Seated dinner with exclusive menu

* Dancing and music

* Musical performance numbers

* GayBINGO! and the famous Bingo Verifying Divas

* Community Award honoring AIDS Fund

“Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love,” said Action Wellness Executive Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic. This is our first year as an organization hosting the event and we are proud to honor AIDS Fund, an organization, like Action Wellness, that has done incredible work while positively impacting the lives of people with HIV over the last 30 years. Please join us for a night of dining, dancing and GayBINGO! with the incredible Bingo Verifying Divas.”

GayBINGO! is the fabulous, irreverent, campy and wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for nearly 30 years. The “Best of Philly” award-winning event went on to host tens of thousands of people, attract sold out crowds, garner national attention, and raise millions of dollars.

Guests will enjoy a special cocktail reception, seated dinner with exclusive menu just for the event, music and dancing, and of course rounds of GayBINGO! The Bingo Verifying Divas will of course be on hand and please come ready with the compliments, as they will be looking more glamorous than ever! Two long-time fan favorites and GayBINGO! icons will be on hand to preside over the evening’s festivities. Carlota Ttendant will host the BINGO games, and Stella D’Oro will serve as hostess of the awards and program.

During the night, guests can help raise additional funds through a silent auction featuring gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and local small businesses.

Action Wellness will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award for their work in starting the event and for their work for the Philadelphia community. Former Executive Director Robb Reichard will accept on behalf of AIDS Fund, along with former staff and board members. In December 2024, AIDS Fund announced their decision to conclude operations.

“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” said Torres. “After 35 years of dedicated service, AIDS Fund concluded operations in December of 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the fight against HIV in Philadelphia – a chapter defined by resilience, compassion and community driven progress. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting individuals and families, and funding critical services during times of crisis.”

GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! have raised over $4M to date and counting. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

SAVE THE DATE: Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at aidsfundphilly dot org/gaybingo. For more information and event previews, please follow @actionwellnessphl on social media.

Monthly GayBingo will continue from April to June, before taking a break for the summer season. Events will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, located at 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Photos by Jeff Fusco

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Around Town With HughE

Scene: Phila Ballet Celebrates

On Friday, October 25, 2024, the Philadelphia Ballet marked a significant milestone with its 60th Anniversary Gala performance and dinner.

Co Chairs of the Gala Sarah Marshall and Lloyd Freeman. A spectacular event, sold out and a success in raising critical funds for the company.

The one-night event celebrated the company’s history, achievements, and future. Chaired by Philadelphia Ballet Trustees Sarah Marshall and Lloyd Freeman, the gala also served as a fundraising opportunity to support the company’s performances and community initiatives.

The evening started with a pre-performance reception at the Academy of Music.

John and Jane Fischer, Bernadette and Russell Casey
Caroline Slota and John Sherman
Brandon Woods and Ashley Mariana
Congratulations to Phila Ballet Principal Dancers: Sterling Baca and Scarlett Suemez who were married a few days later!! Here with always stylish Rita Rome.
Nydia Han and Dennis Reilly
Brandon Woods and Ashley Mariana
Jessica Mathelier and Danielle Bourgeon, whose favorite quote is: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” ~Colin Powell

Guests enjoyed a spectacular program Angel Corella, The Ruth and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director, has created of ballet excerpts that showcases the artists of Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet II, School of Philadelphia Ballet, and Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra led by Beatrice Jona Affron, The Louise and Alan Reed Music Director.

After the performance the promenade took place as guests made their way from the Academy of Music to The Union League for dinner.
Beautiful art work The Heart of The Philadelphia Ballet by Perry Milou was on auction
Philadelphia Ballet Dance5rs Charlotte Erickson, Ashlee Lewis and Gabriel Lukasit
Diane Dalto Woosnam and Richard Woosnam
Beverly Deavens and Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross
Philadelphia Ballet artistic director Angel Corella and Shelly Power, Executive Director

Tickets are on sale for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker starting at $25 and are available for the three-week run of Nutcracker.

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Around Town With HughE

About Last Night: PMA Shopping Event at Boyds

Boyds, Philadelphia’s top clothing store established in 1938, is recognized as a family-owned business that has dressed the well-heeled in the area for nearly 90 years, is also well known for it’s philanthropic endeavors.

Andrew Gushner, Boyds Philadelphia and Kent Gushner, President at Boyds Philadelphia, third and fourth generation family members.

Last night Boyds in Center City hosted a charity shopping event to support the upcoming Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, which is happening at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on November 14th.

Aly Green, Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Mailata, Danielle Wolfrom and Emily Rothrock

The craft show is the largest individual fundraiser for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, contributing over $11 million to the institution. These funds help support educational programs, special exhibitions, conservation projects, the acquisition of craft items for displays, and various other initiatives.

Susan Zelouf, Anita Lockhart, Ellen Simon and Nancy C. O’Meara – Director and Craft Show Manager

Now in its 48th year, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show features unique, one-of-a-kind works by artists from across the United States. The 2024 Show will welcome a total of 195 talented artists representing 13 diverse categories of art and design plus 24 guest artists from Italy.

Mark Singer and Barbara Podell, Esq. 30 years ago, Barbara and I worked at the same law firm, when I was a paralegal. She’s on the PMA Craft Show Committee.
Bentley A. Hollander * i love his LinkedIn profile “Free as a bird at Retired and enjoying time with family” and Clara Hollander, co-founder of CraftNOW
Ramonita Farnesi, when not riding roller coasters, she and Greg Seitter, can be found at Boyds where they are top Stylist & Personal Shoppers

Boyds offers complimentary alterations and basic re-alterations for up to one year on all full-price ready-to-wear as well as complimentary parking on site. Two locations: 1818 Chestnut Street Phila, Pa and 201 W. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne Pa

Kris Christensen, Lois Haggarty and Liddy Lindsey, artist & author. She wrote a fav book I enjoy Opera A- Z, which was very helpful.
Larry and Harriet Weiss

10 percent of each purchase went towards the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. These scarves are perfect to wear to the 48th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show preview party on November 14, or the show which continues that weekend November 15th through November 17. Hope to see you there!!

Socially yours, HughE!!

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Around Town With HughE

Photos: Zach Berman Book at Boyds

Chuck Meyers, Emily Berman, Sloane, Reid, Zach Berman, & Sharyn Berman

Zach Berman released his 2nd book “The Franchise: Philadelphia Eagles: A Curated History of the Eagles” on September 24th, and celebrated with a party for friends and family at Boyd‘s on the Mainline benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation.

Bryna Berman and Elisa Shulick
Ilene Berman, Steve B., Jill Goldwater, Andy Goldwater
Sean Wolf, Holly B.Jacobs and Alex Shtraks
Julia & EJ Smith

Zach Berman covers the Philadelphia Eagles for PHLY, where he co-hosts a daily online show and leads the written coverage of the team.

Berman spent four seasons covering the Eagles for The Athletic and seven seasons as the Eagles beat writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer. He wrote the 2018 book, UNDERDOGS: The Philadelphia Eagles’ Emotional Road to Super Bowl Victory.

Boyds is a fourth generation, family-owned luxury retailer. Since 1938, providing clients with luxury fashion and experiences that aim to enhance our modern relevance while keeping traditions alive. They offer a diverse assortment of luxury women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories, from over 250 designers across the world, driving connection to the evolving generations. Shop in their Center City store or stop by their Wayne store. Both have parking. It’s a great event space as well.

Melissa & Josh Strauss, Max & Raven Frankel
Corie Moskow, and Maggie Corrado
Bryna Berman, Robin Robbins, Debbie Schwab, and Susan Lipson
Susan Schwartz, and Gail Norry

Diehard Only Event: Book Signing and Live Q & A With Zach Berman at the PHLY Studio October 7. Info Here

Thanks to ChitChat Team photographer Talya Haily for shooting this event.

Socially yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Pre Party: Soirée on the Square

The Ball on the Square is returning this fall to Rittenhouse Square on September 26th. The Ball on the Square is the Friend’s largest fundraiser of the year and is a truly unique opportunity to enjoy an evening in with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues in Rittenhouse, all while ensuring its continued care and maintenance of the beautiful square for the years to come.

Returning this year for the first time since 2019, The Soirée on the Square will be returning on September 27, the night after the Ball. The Soirée is an opportunity to enjoy an evening of cocktails, small bites, a band, and a DJ who will provide an exciting environment for dancing and socializing – all in support of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square. Last week supporters and committee members gathered at the Fitler Club to celebrate the upcoming fundraising effort. Tickets start at $250.00

Bruce Bohnri, Laura LaRosa, Board President of Friends of Rittenhouse Square, Erica Marting and June Armstrong, executive director of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square
Rachel Pritzker and Jennifer Rossiter
Chuck Peruto, Vince Peruto, Lindsay Furman-Alexander, Director of Development- Friends of Rittenhouse Square Org. (a non-profit organization), Silver Brahin and Pia Arellano
Megan Nicoletti Walsh, co-chair of 2024 Soiree on the Square and Mark Nicoletti, sponsor of Ball on the Square
Peter Watson, Elina Pargamanik and Sandra Hazeltine
DJ Smooth
Daniel Grobman, owner and chef Mike’s BBQ and Matt Cooke
Emre Kara and Bora Ozkan
Pex Arellano and Matt Fingerman, Senior Vice President and Team Leader for BNY Wealth

REMINDER: Surround yourself with like-minded people. Life is the ultimate team sport. Connection helps us to stay the course and this takes a village. – Pex Arellano

Taylor Schwartz, Sam Schwartz and Christina Mitchell

This cocktail-attire event is a unique and exciting way to spend a Friday night in Rittenhouse Square with all proceeds going towards supporting our mission. Hope to see you there!!

Socially yours, HughE

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Pixs: The Good Gala – 2024

Jessica Blondel and Jamie Chenega

Let the Fall Social Season Begin: Last night I attended two events. Global Philadelphia’s 2024 World Heritage City Celebration at the Crystal Tea Room, which I will write about next week, and The Good Gala at Union Trust. Both events were Finley Catering spaces.

Established in Philadelphia in 2019, Friends for Good (FFG) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) social philanthropic organization bringing together young professionals with a commitment to community service.

Laila Imam, Dayna Sobanko and Michele Voltz

Supporting and assisting unhoused individuals around Philadelphia has been one of our important areas of focus since 2019. Providing access to food security, clothing and mental health assistance has been something we’ve been proud to provide our partners with – Friends for Good

Doug Foulkes of Bazaarvoice and Joanna Joye
Vanya Sax, Frank Criniti, DJ Smooth and Michael Wynne – Smooth Entertainment
Eric Visnov and Hannah Krupa, ChitChat “It Girl “One To Watch” 10 years ago, Hannah is now pursuing her dreams in NYC, but stopped by last nights gala to sing a few songs for the worthy cause.
Alexandra Hussain and Cassidy Sheppard
Vanya Sax doing his thing
Lisa Washington, Samaya Brown, Nyashe Felder and Teneasha Billingsley
Ali Volpe and Mina Massaro, MD.
Mike Giangiordano, Helen Liu Gerhad and Alexandira Bilder
Brooke Storms, and Peter Mastrogiacomo , his company Graysonky was a sponsor the event, Zuna and Scott Cohen, both couples are long time PhillyChitChat readers. It was so nice to be out and about and see everyone again.
The Fords: Janine, Wayne and Ryan. Ryan is the Director, Marketing and Operations at Warrington Country Club. I’ve photographed a few events at his scenic venue.
Friends for Good: The Good Gala was formal cocktail attire and attended by over 300 people.

If you didn’t see your photo here, you might see it in the November issue of Philly Style Magazine.

Have a great weekend. Follow me on IG for up to the minute social scenes and stories. Socially yours, HughE

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Centennial Celebration

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
Shayna Harvey and JR Harvey
Eathan Blades and Shannon Wink

Guests were treated to an evening featuring delicious food, a captivating performance by Batala Philly , music by DJ Valentin (who performs for the Conservancy’s free bachata and salsa lessons in FDR Park),

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.

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Around Town With HughE

The Wardrobe VIP Party

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.