Nearly 1000 guests attended the annual gala at The Fillmore Philadelphia. The evening started out with two parties, a higher ticketed party was held at the Fillmore, with a Young Friends party across the street at Punchline Philadelphia attended by 350 people.
Around 8:30 the two parties merged with young friends headed upstairs to watch the honoree program, hear a bit about the missions and enjoy a slew of Philadelphia related artists entertain the crowd.
Including The Roots (Black THought and Questlove aove – Photo by Lisa Lake), Daryl Hall, Kathy Sledge, and Amos Lee, made for an incredible evening of music. The event was organized to honor the legacy of Madlyn Abramson, who was a Philadelphia-born philanthropist, visionary, and the founder of Philly Fights Cancer.
Richard Wolfson and Nancy Abramson Wolfson with their family
Founded in 2015, Philly Fights Cancer has raised over $40 million for research and clinical trials and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Chairs for the gala: Nancy Abramson Wolfson and Melissa Dietz. Young Friends Co-Chairs: Stephanie Wolfson Cohen and Aaron Kaplowitz
Dennis St.Germain, Nancy Glass and Brian Balthazar
Drs. Dante Benincasa and Nicole Belamorich (I noted how similar their names were, sure enough they met in school when they were seated next ti each other)
Stephen and Karen Golden, Lauren and Jeremy Molish
Patrick Falkoff, Olivia Walsh, Stefanie Cohen, Moira DiSandro, Pete Schwartz
The event also recognized the outstanding work of Penn Medicine’s Sarcoma Program Team, honoring Dr. Kristy Weber who spoke about the center’s exciting progress.
Donnie Martelettiand Lynsie Feinberg
Scott Brown, Julie Green and Rory Zeidman
Sean Skolnick and C Banks
Jessy Kyle (Professional jazz/soul singer Jessy Kyle, a three-time Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor. Jessy regularly sings the National Anthem at the Sixers game, and graced the stage at Philly Fights Cancer on this night as well) and Brendan Kelly
It’s wonderful to see such a gathering of supporters coming together to celebrate and pay tribute to Madlyn Abramson’s contributions and to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.
Social Season is in full swing… thanks for bearing with me as I share stories on my media outlets as well as here on the Blog. Last week…. On April 27, 2023, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry held its 160th Anniversary Gala at The Logan in Center City Philadelphia.
Temple Provost Gregory Mandel, City Representative Sheila Hess, Temple Dental Dean Amid Ismail and Temple Dental Board of Visitors Chair Joe Roberts.
An amazing time was held by all! Hundreds of alumni, faculty, friends and supporters of the school were present when Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess presented a Mayoral Tribute to Dean Amid Ismail for Temple Dental’s dedication to the people of our great city.
Russell Williamson, Kimberly Smith and Patrick Monaghan
Each year, over 30,000 people receive dental care at Temple Dental, making it one of the region’s largest providers of community healthcare.
It was a beautiful spring evening with temperatures in the 70s. The Logan Hotel has a nice patio where guests enjoyed cocktails and lite bites while catching up with old school mates. Everyone had perfect teeth.
Cynthia Russell and Roosevelt Allen, Jr.
Sephreh Saccidi, (1991) Joseph Mirtaj (1994) and Trichelle
Miriam Silverman, Ron Silverman (1972) and Mary Burke
Ellen Sisti and April Mayer (Go Sixers!!)
Temple Dental was founded in 1863 with 11 students. Today there are more than 7,000 graduates around the globe. https://dentistry.temple.edu/.
It is inspiring to hear about George’s journey and his determination to give back to the cancer research community. Overcoming advanced leukemia with less than a 25% chance of survival is an incredible feat, and his commitment to celebrating the achievements of cancer research through aspireLIFE JAM is truly commendable.
Courtney Oathout, Hailey Gerritsen and Casandra McBridge
AspireLIFE’s 12th anniversary party, JAM 2023, recently took place at the Arts Ballroom. Nearly 500 people eagerly returned to participate in the annual chic cocktail party to raise funds for the American Cancer Association. Hosting the evening was George Azar, co-founder of JAM who created this event with John Frederick and Brie and Justin Bernstein.
Javon White, Lamar Beatoon and Ryan Kreston
Mike Avato, Sarah Keane, Chelsea Avato, Jennifer McNutt and Greg Avato
Mahreen Ahamd and Mars Kempler
aspireLIFEis a Philadelphia philanthropic movement consisting of individuals whose mission is to support cancer research. Through generous support, our annual event JAM brings together a variety of guests for a night of celebration to raise critical funds and to show support for those living with cancer. Photos can also be seen in CBSPhilly and have been sent to Philly Style Mag.
The Philadelphia Fund Alliance (PFA), a group of Philadelphia-based asset management industry professionals, is pleased to announce that it raised $125,000 at its annual fundraising gala on Nov. 4, benefiting Commonwealth Youthchoirs, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Germantown that transforms the lives of young people through the power of music. Since its inception in 2016, PFA has raised close to $600,000 for Greater Philadelphia area charities.
Erin McClafferty of BBD, LLP and Nancy Cloran of SEI
Peter Riviello, Dan Porter, Ryan Schrader and Andrew Piazza of Mondrian Investment Partners
The annual fundraiser not only supports a great cause, but it also highlights Philadelphia’s deep roots and influence in national financial markets and services, including traditional mutual funds and alternative asset vehicles.
Joe Del Raso of Troutman Pepper, Matthew Tomasicchio, Chad Gazzillo and Michael Frac of KPMG LLP
Taylor Brody, Zack Bradley, Wesley Davis, Jennifer Hillman, Claire Olivar and Alexa Tzarnas of Stradley Ronon
It’s December, how did that happen? What a great year, started off iffy, and ended up strong. Thanks so much to my advertiser Rivers Casino Philadelphia for coming on board this year, trusting us to get out the word on all the fun they provide, entertainment, philanthropically, fireworks on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and here we are planning for what we’re going to do on New Year’s Eve!!
At Rivers Casino Philadelphia they’re not waiting till New Years Eve to start the party! Starting December 30th they’re offering great entertainment! Whether you’re checking out the headliners in The Event Center or the free shows at Jack’s Bar + Grill, your New Years plans are taken care of all weekend long at Rivers Casino Philadelphia!
Ring in the New Year at Rivers Casino with an open bar, small bites, and live music!
Morris Day and The Time — Friday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m.
Ring in the New Year with Morris Day and The Time. Morris Day burst onto the public scene with the group’s self-titled album, “The Time,” which included “Get It Up,” “Cool,” and “Girl.” Soon after the world was introduced to the prolific Minneapolis music marvel, the group went on to record three more albums, including “What Time Is It?” (Featuring the hits “777-9311,” “Wild and Loose,” “Walk,” and “Gigolos Get Lonely Too”) and “Ice Cream Castle” (which included the hit “Jungle Love”). Tickets are on sale now starting at $59.
The Spazmatics — Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m.
Celebrate New Year’s with Rivers Casino and The Spazmatics! Internationally renowned as “The Ultimate ’80s New Wave Tribute,” the Spazmatics come with all the awesome sounds, styles, and way-cool dance steps from the decade we’d love to forget. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and style make for an evening of pure energy and entertainment. Tickets for the ’80s New Year’s Eve Party featuring the Spazmatics are on sale now starting at $119.
Tis the season! Shop with your Rush Reward Points at our Holiday Shopping event. Play with your Rush Rewards Card December 1 – 10 to earn additional shopping dollars towards great holiday gifts!
The more you play, the more you earn!
Visit any of our Rush Rewards kiosks to print out your shopping vouchers before you return to shop.
The shopping event will take place Friday December 9th or Saturday December 10th from 3PM – 10PM in High Limit.
Pink Floyd USA Experience plays all the classics, highlighted by lights, fog, lasers, and video – giving audiences the experience of being at a Pink Floyd concert! These professional musicians perform with precise detail, with the iconic live sounds of Pink Floyd such as saxophone, slide steel guitar, roto toms, and acoustic guitars! January 28th at 8PM at Jack’s Bar + Grill. A full bar will be available. Free parking on-site.
In January catch En Vogue 1/14/23 The Legendary group En Vogue is coming to Rivers Casino Philadelphia for an unforgettable concert!
Rivers Gives is a unique community relations program and steadfast commitment by the casino that includes having its Team Members volunteer service hours in the Fishtown neighborhood and surrounding areas. Guests can join Rivers Gives in supporting monthly initiatives that benefit local nonprofits through donation options when cashing their gaming tickets.
The monthly and quarterly organization recipients are as follows:
Deborah Hospital Foundation’s 17th Annual Red Tie Gala, was held earlier this month on Saturday, November 12th, at the Hilton at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. The annual event raised nearly $300,000 for cardiac care at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, New Jersey’s only specialty heart, lung, and vascular hospital.
The Deborah Red Tie Gala welcomed the leadership team from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Deborah EVP and COO Joseph Manni, Chief Master Sargent, Michael Wynne with Andrea Wynne, 87th Air Base Wing Commander, Colonel Wes Adams, Commander JB MDL, and the 87th Air Base Wing Commander with Misty Adams, Deborah President and CEO Joseph Chirichella.
Deborah COO Joseph Manni President and CEO Joseph Chirichella flank honoree Fox Rothschild partner Michael J. Kline as its Gala Honoree.
This year’s Gala was especially memorable as it celebrated Deborah’s 100th Anniversary and recognized Fox Rothschild partner Michael J. Kline as its Gala Honoree. Mr. Kline has been a Deborah Board Member and outside General Counsel for fifty years, and was instrumental in helping implement vital legislative protections that preserve Deborah’s ability to not balance bill patients, keeping true to its founding mission “there is no price on life.”
Ashley and Amell
Kim Kauffmann and Sean Kauffmann
Heva and Michael Ruzek
Vellachi Asuna Chelsen and Mrs Bharethi Sena
Nan Masterson, Rochelle Saxena and Lisa Butler
Thomas Cornelius and Nicole Cornelius
Thanks to Donna McArdle for an amazing job well done. The joy on everyone’s face throughout the evening was a beautiful sight to see. I love this hug photo of Donna and the other organizers.
Jimmy and Rose Cuenta
Michael and Renee Tortoriello
Deborah has provided a century of extraordinary medical innovation from its initial founding as a tuberculosis sanatorium. Today, Deborah Hospital is the region’s only acute care specialty center of excellence focused on cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular disease.
Bill and Fran DiMartino were honored guests at the Red Tie Gala. At 3-years old, on July 28, 1958, Bill had the first open-heart surgery in New Jersey, performed by the renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Charles Bailey. The operation ushered in a whole new era in heart care.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ is an 89-bed teaching hospital that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, research, and treatment of heart, lung, and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, Deborah has been a regional and nationally recognized leader throughout its 100-year history, during which time it has healed 2.3 million patients from every corner of the United States and 87 countries in the world. From performing the first open heart surgeries (adult and pediatric) in New Jersey, to running one of the highest volume left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant programs in the region, Deborah has stood at the forefront of medical innovation, all while never wavering from its founding mission “there is no price on life.”
“I am truly humbled to be recognized at the Gala for my years of service to Deborah,” he said. “For fifty years — half of Deborah’s history — I have been privileged to be involved with this great organization. The mission, combined with the Hospital’s superior level of medical excellence, has made me passionate for advocating on Deborah’s behalf. Deborah Heart and Lung Center is a rare and precious national treasure, and it has been part of my life’s work to preserve and ensure a strong and vibrant foundation for its continuance long into the future.”
Eisenhower Fellowships(EF) hosted their Annual Awards Dinner at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center.Eisenhower Fellowships’ 2022 Annual Meeting Events. It was an evening of networking with Fellows, Trustees and friends of EF during two days of exciting events, including a May 18 conversation with best-selling author and NY Times columnist Tom Friedman
Nicole Strunk ,Alessandra Restifo ,Lauren Zimone, and Colette Seidel
. At the 2022 Annual Awards Dinner, EF Chairman Robert Gates will award the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service posthumously to late EF Trustee and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K Albright.
Kelly Pollock, Kevin D.Gunn, Jorge Riopedre, and Andwele Jolly
Honorable Christine Todd Whitman, and Thao Griffiths
Charles Ojei, Kuliva Wilburn, and Mohamed Abdel-Kader
Athena Passera, Maame Stephens ,Joan Godoy, Natalia Crujeiras, Clara Taylor, and Rajshree Pathy
Eisenhower Fellowships is a private, non-profit organization created in 1953[2] by a group of prominent American citizens to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower for his contribution to humanity as a soldier, statesman, and world leader. The organization identifies, empowers and connects innovative leaders through a transformative fellowship experience and lifelong engagement in a global network of dynamic change agents committed to creating a world more peaceful, prosperous and just. The organization describes itself as an “independent, nonpartisan international leadership organization”]
George de Lama – President – Eisenhower Fellowships
Ching Sullivan, and Sruthi Palaniappan
James and Beth Logue
Thanks to PCC Team Member Andre Flewellen for photographing this event.
And we’re back to raising money for to empower people’s lives. Women Against Abuse , Inc., Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence agency, hosted Dish It Up on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in the Concourse at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Women Against Abuse is an organization dedicated to providing women with compassionate quality services. Advocacy and community education help to further their goal to ending domestic violence.
The 14th annual Dish It Up, and women chefs will bring their finest culinary skills to compete for best dish of the night, selected by a panel of celebrity judges. This event is Philadelphia’s only women chef competition and attracts close to 500 business and community leaders and food aficionados. Women Against Abuse has served an average of 10,325 people over the past five years through a continuum of trauma-informed care, as well as community education and advocacy. Learn more about the services we offer.
Somer Jordan entertained the crowd during Dish It Up!!
Tommi Vincent, and Troy Vincent, The 2022 Women Against Abuse Advocates of the Year with Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director & President at Women Against Abuse (c)
Troy Vincent and his wife Tommi Vincent will be honored as the 2022 Advocates of the Year. Troy Vincent, Sr., is an NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame inductee. He played cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1996 to 2003 and is now the Executive Vice President of Football Operations at the National Football League. Troy’s wife, Tommi, is an in-demand chef, Co-Founder and COO of Vincent Country, host ofStay A While PodcastandStay A While Cooking Show, motivational speaker and writer. For more information about the Vincents, visit their website.
This is the 14th annual Dish It Up, and women chefs will bring their finest culinary skills to compete for best dish of the night, selected by a panel of celebrity judges. This year’s judges include: Chef Kiki Aranita of Poi Dog Philly and 2018 Dish It Up Purple Dish Award Winner; Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and FYI Philly Co-Host; Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive host/news anchor for WHYY Radio; David Spadaro, Host of Eagles Insider;Marilyn Johnson, editor and food critic for Philly Grub; Eddie Keels, publisher, Philly Current Magazine; Chef Barbie Marshall, finalist of Hell’s Kitchen and Hell’s Kitchen All-Stars with Gordon Ramsay; and Kae Lani Palmisano, TV host of Check, Please! Philly on WHYY.
Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and FYI Philly Co-Host and Eddie Keels,publisher, Philly Current Magazine;
Marilyn Johnson, editor and food critic for Philly Grub and Chef Barbie Marshall, finalist of Hell’s Kitchen and Hell’s Kitchen All-Stars with Gordon
Rebecca Foxman, Anita Hirsch and David Wesolowski of Fox + Son
Women Against Abuse becomes the family who don’t have any. Breaking free from an abusive relationship is scary and difficult. During the process, some survivors begin rebuilding while living at Sojourner House, a transitional housing program; many others receive their community based support paired with housing assistance through their Safe at Home program. WAA supports survivors through their Economic Empowerment program, as they pursue employment, educational and financial goals to remain safe and free over the long haul.
Meredith Maciolek and Heather Derussy
The 2022 Signature Purple Cocktail, originally created especially for this event by the late well-known mixologist Katie Loeb, was featured in her memory with the help of her mixologist colleague Meredith Maciolek, and Heather deRussy,
Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive host/news anchor for WHYY Radio and Kae Lani Palmisano, TV host of Check, Please! Philly on WHYY.
Diana Widjojo of Hardena
Chef D from Sonny’s Cocktail Joint + Wine Dive created a delicious goat cheese pastry puff
Keisha Usher-Martin and Elsa Lara
Tiara Parker and Aikeem Joyner
Walnut Hill College
Nolwenn Laniyan and Nicole Gaskin-Laniyan
Diana Widjojo of Hardena
Adam Geer, Board Member of Women Against Abuse, Sybil Murphy and Kenneth Murphy
Rev. Bonnie Camarda, The Salvation Army, Anastasia Zuccaro, Einstein Healthcare Network and Bill Ryan, Einstein Healthcare
Estelle Richman, Stephen and Sandy Sheller, The Sheller Foundation
Participants in this year’s Purple Dish Award and Purple Dessert Award
Chef D – Sonny’s Cocktail Joint & Wine Dive; Rebecca Foxman – Fox and Son received Honorable Mentions for her Garlic Knot Cheese Curds; Diana Widjojo – Hardena Bar Philly; Julie Kline (r) – La Colombe won with her spicy sweet carrot dish ; Melissa Fernado – Sri’s Company Philly; and Victoria Tyson – Vicki’s Kitchen – Angela Cicala – Cicala at the Divine Lorraine; Justine MacNeill – Fiore who won with her delish purple pop!! Maddie Knowles – Maddie Bakes, Jessica Boese – Nothing Bundt Cake and Marie Stecher – Walnut Hill College.
Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center hosted it’s annual fundraising gala, Mission Possible! 2022 on April 28 th . A sold-out crowd, of more than 300 guests, is expected to raise awareness of child abuse and support the organization’s mission of achieving healing and justice for child victims.
The event was held in April, which is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual observance to raise awareness for the importance of preventing and reporting child abuse.
Jimmy Wayne,
a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist whose songs and story highlight his
mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.
This year’s entertainment and featured guest speaker was Jimmy Wayne, a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.
Congratulations to our Event Honorees, Trish Gorman and Garrett Snider, who were recognized for their years of dedication, volunteer service, and leadership at Mission Kids!
Barbara Vetri (her daughter Risa Vetri Ferman co-dounded Mission Kids) ,, Abbie R. Newman, R.N, J.D, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center, Pat Ciarrocchi and David Fineman
Philadelphia Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker and Aren Platt, Board Member Broad Street Ministry
Thank you to our Host Committee Honorary Co-Chairs, Meredith L. Seigle and Robert Mongeluzzi, as well as our Event Co-Chairs Pauline & David LeVan and Marianne Dean, our Emcee, Jeff Hammond and our entire Host Committee for their hard work the past several months and dedication to making this event so successful!
Noelle Palazzo Burg, HughE Dillon, Lauren Conlon, Sue Jacquette, Kristin Daly, Kristyn Aldrich and Scott Brown participated in the CITRs Dancing for Character Charity Dance last month. The amateur dancers took time from their busy schedules as ace real estate brokers, student, moms, and entrepeneurs to learn to dance at the Danza Dancing Studio in order to seem like “stars” on the dance floor, and I’d have to say all of us succeeded.
Clay Hamlin is the CEO and co-founder of CITRS, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Character. Its mission is of comprehensive character development. CITRS partners with school districts and youth organizations to develop character-centered environments where students thrive ethically, socially and academically and provides resources and tools to educators and organizations to help urban youth be successful in life.
The event was held at Cescaphe’s Vie on North Broad. They always do a great job with production and food.
Brendan & Tessa Petersen,Michael & Suzanne Bracci
Molly & Joe Dickerson
Karen Cox and Jen Su with Illustrator Denise Fike
Josianne Legare and Stacy Distefano
Chris Smith,Heidi Kivi,Maureen Burling,Stephanie Jacquette, Layla Peterson
Nichole Davis Moore, Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid Penn Vet and ,Nichelle Davis Ahmaddiya, Chief Operating Officer of CITRS
Fundraising is a hard thing to do. Kudo’s to Lynsie Feinberg on the tremendous job she did producing this event. She did an excellent job while managing so many movable pieces, and a pandemic as the planning for this event began in 2019..
Lauren Conlon
Stephen and Sylvia Fineberg
Chris Smith,Heidi Kivi,Maureen Burling,Stephanie Jacquette, Layla Peterson
Thanks to this crew for coming out to support me, as well as a few others who were camera shy, and those who donated and couldn’t be there. I appreciate it so much.
Thanks to PhillyChitChat team member: Andre Flewellen for photographing the event. It was sooooo hard for me not to shoot an event I attended, but he of course did a fantastic job capturing everyone and the elements.
There was a Tie for Winning Dance: Noelle Palazzo Burg and Sue Jacquette,
Teal Butterfly is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness about the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer by educating the public through community events and social media campaigns
