Tag: fashion

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Around Town With HughE

Neiman Marcus KOP x Jen Su Jet Set

Jen Su is a media personality, known for her work in radio and television, as well as her singing career. She has covered red carpets worldwide including the Cannes Film Festival, the Grammy’s as well as NY Fashion Week and can be found at many of the elevated events here in Philly. Last week she hosted a fashion show at Neiman Marcus, featuring their hottest looks as well as some of Philly’s favorites from the Fashion Incubator, who is hosting FashCon Philly Friday at Moore college.

Golda Collings, GM Neima Marcus, Jen Su and Kris Flynn, Philly Mag

Jen, dressed in an off-the-shoulder violet silk gown with ostrich feather sleeve by Christian Cowan, talked about her life journey as a TV news anchor and fashion
correspondent. “Sometimes you might see my Instagram and think that my life on the red carpet is so glamorous,” said the Philly native on stage. “There’s actually so much stress behind the scenes, from all the credential and travel logistics, to getting the interviews, to filing the stories as quickly and accurately as possible, so I sometimes forget to savor the moment.”

Melissa Leonard and Gregory Jerome
Karen Cox and Donna Coghlan
Fashion designer Nancy Volpe Beringer and Deborah Van Cleve

Jen Su does much more than red carpet events, she’s a philanthropist as well. “I’ll also be involved in the upcoming CHOP: The Runway on May 19th – bringing together fashion and philanthropy.” “But I feel eternally grateful,” added Jen . “After my son was airlifted to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) when we lived overseas in 2017, he endured 3 years of chemo and treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Today he is
cancer-free and CHOP saved his life. I’m inspired by the resilience of these young kids.”

Paul Rimar, Conrad Booker and

Philly designers included Nancy Volpe Beringer of Project Runway and Philadelphia Fashion Week; Elmira Vandenberg , Designer in Residence of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI); Priscilla Carvalho of Priscilla Couture; Jeanette Limas, of PFI, Philly Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week; and Conrad Booker, a PFI alum and Board Director who has been published in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and the New Yorker.

Jee Mint Cao, Gina Lizzo, Main Line Today and Jaimi Blackburn, Fearless Restaurants

The who’s who of the Philly fashion scene was in attendance sipping on champagne and gourmet lite bites, with DJ Eddie Tully on the decks. This Saturday Tully is spinning at his quarterly Matinée Dance Party at VINYL

Philly Fashion Week’s Kevin Parker; Philly Fashion Incubator’s Elissa Bloom; Fox 29’s Drew Anderson; GM of The Bellevue Carissa Dalske; wedding dress fashion maven Deborah Van Cleve; NYFW fav Ramillionaire (above)

Jet Set with Jen Su, was a joyful fusion of high-fashion whimsy and effortless travel glam. Featuring 12 striking looks, the collection showcases iconic names—Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana—interwoven with cool-girl labels like IRO and La Pointe. Think: cobalt blue power suits, butter yellow flowing dresses, sequined separates, and flirty florals with peplum flair. Whether you’re boarding a yacht or brunching in the city, there was something for everyone.

Jane Levin, Elissa Bloom, Priscilla Carvalho, Janet Workman, Tracey Evelyn Reed, Diadem Abayoda, Caitlyn Ellerbeck and Sheilisa McNeal of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator

What are you doing Friday? Jen Su will also be one of the featured speakers and moderators joining the “godmother
of New York Fashion Week” Fern Mallis, celebrity designer Milan Harris (Milano Di Rouge), and other top fashion personalities at this Friday’s (April 11) highly anticipated Philadelphia Fashion Incubator’s FashCon Philly, a fashion industry conference at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. Tickets and info on fashconphilly.com.

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Home and Garden Show & Craig Conover

The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA for three days only from Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd. Attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces. The event offers opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.

Over 300 exhibitors will present a wide variety of products, ranging from home decor and furniture to garden and landscaping items, as well as kitchen and bath essentials. Plus, a vibrant marketplace will allow you to take home something special! If you love turning to HGTV, DIY, and TLC home improvement shows for the latest tips and tricks, you can meet with gardening to home design experts here in person!

Join us to welcome Craig Conover Southern Charm on Bravo and co-founder of Sewing Down South, a rapidly growing Southern lifestyle brand. Craig will be presenting on Friday, February 21st at 6:00 PM and Saturday, February 22nd at 1:00 PM.

Another celebrity attending the show is Christopher Knight, former child actor known for his role as “Peter Brady” on the iconic TV show The Brady Bunch. Today, Christopher is the owner of Christopher Knight Home, a popular online home furnishings brand. He will take the Philly Home + Garden Show stage on Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 AM and on Sunday, February 23rd at 1:00 PM.

The Barking Lot + Doggy Fashion Show IS RETURNING

Make It, Take it Workshops presented by Little.Tall.Rulers: At the Make It, Take It Workshops, you can craft something special for your home for FREE! Work with local designers, artists, and crafters to explore the latest DIY trends. Ask a Garden Expert: For advice about getting started in the garden, visit the “Ask a Garden Expert” booth in the Garden Hall provided by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners!

AND SO MUCH MORE!! I’ll be there Saturday taking photos…

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!

Admission is $12 for adults at the event, $10 for adults online until February 20th, and free for children under the age 12. Parking is free at the Philly Home + Garden Show. For all show information and tickets, visit PhillyHomeandGarden.com.

Photos and copy provided by Jenna Communications.

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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

Rizzieri Aveda School

Celebrates 100 Years of Beauty

Rizzieri, a game-changer in beauty culture in New Jersey and beyond, is excited to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Since launching their first cosmetology school in 1924, the Rizzieri family has established a benchmark for education, quality, and growth in the beauty industry, fostering the development of countless talented stylists and barbers across the country. The Rizzieri Aveda School offers training in cosmetology, skincare and nails.

Founded by Franco Cipriotti in 1924 and now helmed by his award-winning celebrity stylist grandson,

Frank Rizzieri, and Mayor Michael Mignogna of Voorhees Township

Frank Rizzieri, Rizzieri began as Maison de Paris in Philadelphia, later relocating to New Jersey and
becoming the revered Rizzieri Aveda School and Salons & Spas. Franco’s dedication and resilience laid a
strong foundation for the family business that continues today.

Meg Biondi DiFilippo, Shante Moore, Isabella Rizzieri, Danielle Menta, Victoria Sceia and Suzanne Moctezuma

On Sunday, September 15, 2024 the Rizzieri family commemorated the 100 year anniversary with a celebratory party at their Voorhees NJ school. Inviting current students and staff, alumni, partners, and friends Rizzieri Aveda School in Voorhees, NJ. Guests included Congressman Donald Norcross who presented a recognition from the state.

Madeline Cassey, Josslyn Kinner and Hannah Vernna
Ashley Voit and Karen Kline

Kelly King and Jenae Blocker were excited to see one of the models who featured hairstyles over the past 100 years.

Emily Sanders, Shara Harding, Chase Anderson and Alexa Tenabruso
Alexa Guarnieri, Tori Snow, Jessica Davis, Jillian Dawson and Chloe Fetterolf
Josie Zacamy, Adriana Prisco and Isabella Cifelli
Robbie Nelson, Tom DeGrandis and Karen Wilkin-Donachie
With a century of experience and innovation behind them, the Rizzieri family remains committed to continuing their legacy of excellence and looks forward to many more years of serving their community and advancing the beauty industry.
Frank Rizzieri and family thanked friends and family for their support over the years.

“As we celebrate 100 years of the Rizzieri legacy, I’m reminded of how our family’s passion for beauty and education has paved the way for countless professionals in this industry. My grandfather laid the foundation with a vision for excellence, and over the decades, we’ve continued to innovate, expand, and elevate beauty education. This centennial milestone honors not only our history but the incredible students, staff, and partners who have been part of this journey. We are excited for the next century of shaping the future of beauty.” – Frank Rizzieri

With a century of experience and innovation behind them, the Rizzieri family remains committed to continuing their legacy of excellence and looks forward to many more years of serving their community and advancing the beauty industry, with their 2 salons – Rizzieri Salon & Spa and school, Rizzieri Aveda School.

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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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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.  

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Great Stages Gala Marian Anderson Celebration

Senator Vincent Hughes, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Marian Anderson’s niece Ginette DePreist (who was married to Anderson’s nephew, noted muscian James DePreist) and Matias Tarnopolsky president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association at the dedication of the Marian Anderson Hall

The Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall was renamed Marian Anderson Hall at a re-dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon, which was declared Marian Anderson Day in the city and the commonwealth.

The announcement to change the name of the hall was made in February following a generous donation of $25 million to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. by Leslie Anne Miller and her husband, Richard B. Worley, who are well-respected figures in the arts community. However, rather than retaining the naming rights, they decided to honor Anderson by renaming the hall after her.

In the evening the Great Stages Gala started with a black-tie donor reception on the Academy of Music stage at 6 PM prior to the 8 PM concert in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

This is the 2nd annual Great Stages Gala, a new celebration created last year which unites the traditions of the Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ball with the Kimmel Cultural Campus Gala (now known as Ensemble Arts Philly ).

Marian’s great great niece Isabella DePreist Sullivan and great niece Jennifer DePreist (her father was James DePreist)
Baird and Anne Standish
Vivian Rowe and Patsy Rowe
Albert Zuger, Alpha Zeta Metals and Sasha Suda, director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Damien and Suzanne Ghee
Sharonda Robinson, LaFawn Davis, Sherise Bright and Vicki Baker
The Schaeffers, Katie, Adele and Tony
Barbara Adams, Michelle Wherry, Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) and Karen Bachelor, DAR
Steph Humphries, Dani Rose, Anne Ewers, Isabel Lowrey Brouhard and Nicole Smith
Brittany Webb and Mari Shaw, who I just saw at the Wilma Theater the evening before on opening night of Hilma.

around 7:45pm, guests headed over to the newly named Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, accompanied by a drum line from Camden NJ.

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation standing in from of Marian Anderson outfits loaned to the Kimmel Center for the celebration.

The influence of the Philadelphia-born contralto Marian Anderson, an extraordinarily talented singer and one of America’s most exceptional artists, cannot be emphasized enough, particularly considering the profound impact racial discrimination had on her career. Despite her undeniable abilities, Anderson’s path was significantly affected by racial prejudice.

At 8:00 PM that evening, GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Golden Globe® award–winning and Academy Award®–nominated artist, actor, and producer Queen Latifah hosted the Great Stages Concert honoring Marian Anderson. The celebration will be the first concert to take place in the newly named hall.

The evening featured performances by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra

with soprano Angel Blue, actress and singer Audra McDonald (not pictured here), soprano Latonia Moore, and jazz pianist Marcus Roberts.

Richard Worley, Former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams and Leslie Anne Miller.

After the concert, there was a speakeasy after party held in the Perelman Theater

Musical artists Ramon Jones, Dani Allen, Aaron Lewis, Laurin Talese and Kourtney Johnson were on hand to close out the night of fun.
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About Last Night: The Fabulous Franklin Institute Gala, Stylish Scientists and Supporters

Jim Dever, Bank of America and Dr. Lynn Dever were co-chairs of the event, which attended by a record number of guests, and raised over a million dollars.

Last night, the Franklin Institute celebrated its 200th year, The Franklin Institute Awards pays tribute to our namesake and America’s first citizen scientist, Benjamin Franklin, by honoring the greatest minds in science, engineering, and industry, through their boundless creativity and passion for discovery.

2024 Franklin Institute Awards Laureates
David A. Weitz, Ph.D., Harvard University
Lisa Su, Ph.D., AMD
Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Paula T. Hammond, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Janet F. Werker, Ph.D., O.C., FRSC, The University of British Columbia
Paul D. N. Hebert, Ph.D., FRSC, O.C., University of Guelph
Robert M. Metcalfe, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
Joanne Chory, Ph.D., The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Mary C. Boyce, Ph.D., Columbia University

Morgan and Nick Morris of Manhattan

Spring Gala Season is in full bloom, with events happening nearly every night, all for a good cause.

Beverly Deavens and Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross

Since its inception, The Franklin Institute Awards Program has honored the most influential scientists, engineers, and inventors who have significantly advanced science and technology. The roster of more than 2,000 laureates includes luminaries such as Nikola Tesla, Marie and Pierre Curie, Orville Wright, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, and more recently, vaccine pioneers Kizzmekia Corbett, Drew Weissman, and Katalin Karikó. Notably, 125 of these laureates have also received the Nobel Prize.

Jackie and Eric Kraeutler
Hugh Stravick, Senior Vice President, Client & Community Relations · PNC and Kristin Stravick

Hugh and I have a special bond, cause I think we’re the only two in Philly with the same name, who see each other regularly; and on occasion we see Hugh Lavery. SVP of Govt Affairs, Jefferson Health.

Dara Oliver and Doug Oliver, PECO
Dr. Nina Radcliff, Board Certified Anesthesiologist Orange is the new black it’s better than that actually in sequins ! and Anthony Murray, my fellow bird watching friend.
Andrea Freundlich, Jerry Wind and Barbara Eberlein
Kimberly Doolittle, Esq and Lindsay Craig exploring the more than life size heart inside the museum.
Dr. Joan O’Shea, Neurosurgeon and Amany Mansour Awad, Founder, Board Member at Chemistry Rx |Founder and CEO at Bloop
Larry Dubinski is the President & CEO of The Franklin Institute greets guests as they arrive at the Franklin Institute

“The 200-year legacy of The Franklin Institute Awards stands as a shining example of our dedication to honoring those who have made significant strides in advancing scientific knowledge,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “In this milestone year, the Awards Program will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our 2024 laureates and serve as a reminder of The Franklin Institute’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of science and technology.

Bonnie Grant, PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Laura Swartz, Chief Executive Officer and President · World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and Donna Farrell, senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Independence Blue Cross

Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Nicholas Perugino (r) enjoying the pre awards reception.

Vishal Patel and Kernika Gupta – Director – Independence Blue Cross

Additional photos from the event can be seen on CBSPhilly, as well as Main Line Today in the June issue, and Philly Style Magazine in the July Issue.

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Opera Philadelphia Fetes David B. Devan

Opera Philadelphia President David B. Devan was honored during a special event at the 23rd Street Armory March 9, 2024, the longtime leader of Opera Philadelphia will step down in June 2024,  at the end of the season.

David B. Devan and husband Rev David A. Dubbeldam

Eddie and Rachel Eitches
David Levy and Frank Luzi, Founder & President at Luzi Media, who’s client is Opera Philadelphia, where he was the VP of Marketing for nearly 12 years

375 guests attended, raising over $700,000 for Opera Philadelphia’s New Works

Susan Long, Andy Szabo, Ivy and Gary Kaplan (the 2 NY Giants fans walked in the 2023 5k Eagles Autism Challenge. last year to celebrate their beautiful grandchildren, Ari, and Davina. This years walk is coming up May 18.)
Leslie Miller and Richard Worley, philanthropists who recently made an incredible generous gift to the Kimmel Center at Ensemble Arts Philly, which will be going toward renaming the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, currently, Verizon Hall.
The officially re-dedication of Verizon Hall to Marian Anderson Hall will take place on June 8, in the afternoon. That evening is the 2nd annual Great Stages Gala and concert, and the first performance in the newly renamed hall.
Jamie Ray-Leonetti
Anita and James Dupree
Susan Long, Andy Szabo, Ivy and Gary Kaplan

Thanks to team photographer Andre Flewellen for photographing this event for PhillyChitChat

Stephen Klasko and Sarah Marshall

Board chair Steven Klasko told WHYY ‘s Peter Crimmins, “He [Devan] literally created a company in step with Philadelphia, created a very urban, new wave opera company”, “We have become one of the leaders in adding new American operas to the repertoire.”

The very talented John Jarboe of The Bearded Ladies, emceed and entertained for his long time friend, and his friends.

The company created 18 new operas during Devan’s tenure, which have subsequently been produced over 330 times by other companies in 10 countries. Opera Philadelphia also created a series of highly produced operatic films as part of its pandemic-inspired digital service. The soundtrack for one of them, “Soldier Songs,” was nominated for a Grammy Award.

John Jarboe with an epic piano hat
Joshua Blue

Devan was serenaded by vocalists who’ve performed with Opera
Philadelphia including Will Liverman (’10 Days in a Madhouse’), John Holiday (‘We Shall Not Be Moved’), Daniela Mack (‘Carmen’), Ashley Marie Robillard and Joshua Blue (‘La bohème’)

Ashley Robillard
Stephen Klasko, Former president of Thomas Jefferson University flew into town from his Florida home, with long time friend Sarah Marshall, philanthropist and Board Member · USAFA Foundation, HelpUsAdopt.org, Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Philadelphia
Jan Shaeffer and Jane Pepper, Chairman at Longwood Gardens Inc., formerly the president of Philadelphia Horticultural Society

Devan’s last full production with Opera Philadelphia, will be Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ for his grand finale (April 26 to May 5).