2014: Qatar Airways Philadelphia Launch Gala

January 25, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

With the conclusion of 2020, brought the end of a decade 2011 – 2020, and wouldn’t it be a good time to recap some of the best of the best parties, and events I covered over the past decade. The glamour, fun, outrageous times, the charities, the fundraisers, the night life. I yearn, as you all do for the end of the pandemic, when we will all be able to dance again. It is not lost of me of those who won’t be able to join us, and they are always on my mind and in my prayers, whether they passed away from Covid19, violence or something else. Thank you always for your support, and the support of the many businesses, charities and our communities. Looking forward to better times in the future, towards a more perfect union. – HughE

I always keep those people in my prayers whether they’ve passed from Covid, violence or other means which cut their lives short. I need to say that so I can move forward, as I was stuck for awhile wanting joy in my life. I had to really seek guidance to move forward in this space. Thanks for always supporting me and my content.

Qatar Airways Philadelphia Launch Gala

In the past decade several airlines have held fabulous parties to launch their new runs from Philadelphia. One of the more elaborate was held on Thursday, April 3, 2014, as Qatar Airways hosted the grandest of galas to celebrate the launch of their new non-stop service from Philadelphia International Airport to Doha, Qatar.

Venue: The Ritz-Carlton
Food: 10 Arts
PR: Cashman & Assocs.
Guests: 300 invited, hospitality, scenesters, political, media

Maria Papadakis (now Konopka) was the Emcee

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, hosted a glamorous gala last night at the Ritz-Carlton to celebrate the launch of new, non-stop service from Philadelphia International Airport to Doha, connecting the Philadelphia region to Qatar Airways’ network of more than 130 destinations worldwide.

The red carpet was rolled out for the exclusive guest list, which included the who’s who of Philadelphia’s society, city officials, business and tourism executives, media personalities and international dignitaries.

**Lauren D’Orisio, Nigel Richards, Mike Jerrick** and **Nicole Cashm**an. (Cashman & Associates handled the Pr)

Laura Burkhardt, greets a member of the Boyz II Men at the step and repeat. (A step and repeat banner ie press wall is a publicity backdrop used primarily for event photography, printed with a repeating pattern such that brand logos or emblems are visible in photographs of the individuals standing in front of it.)

**Erik-Newman, Mary Dougherty, Jim-Cuorato** and **John Saler**

Jeff Guaracino, Liza-Cartmell, and Paul Z

After a cocktail hour in 10 Arts, where white-gloved servers passed around delicious hors d’oeuvre and cocktails as guests enjoyed a cirque du soleil performance, the nearly 300 guests were led to the ballroom one floor below, for dinner, music and the program, which ended with a performance by Philly’s own Boyz II Men.

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Vault: Cancer Support Community Gala

August 4, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Since the Pandemic my business of chronicling events in Philly has stop, so as I mentioned last month I will on occasionally re publish events I’ve covered, mostly pulling from my PhillyMag columns most were published in the pages and not online for public consumption. It’ll be like seeing them for the first time online, except for this one which was published online. We’ll call these: Another in a series of charitable gala’s I’ve covered as PhillyChitChat.

The Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia celebrated it’s 17th Annual Evening in the Park on the grounds of their headquarters Thursday night May 7, 2015, The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park. Guests enjoyed fabulous food and cocktails by Brulee Catering, a live auction led by Jeff Hammond who helped raise nearly $75,000 from the very generous crowd, and a silent auction, all to benefit CSCGP.

Event co-chairs Barbara Blair and Betsy Rubenstone greeted the guests and spoke about their lives which have been touched by cancer, and have benefited by the programs at CSCGP. Honorees last night included: Wendy H. Rosen, Dr. David M. Mintzer, The Stuetz Family, and Susan Tressider. Stephanie Stahl, CBSPhilly (above) spoke about the impact CSC has on the community, as Kelly Harris, CEO gave an impassioned address sharing with the guests about all the wonderful, caring programs available at Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia (all free), especially the programs directed at children going through cancer, or a parent going through cancer. The programs connect them with others, as well as any counseling they need. We’re so lucky to have an organization like this in Philadelphia.

Howard and JoAnne Wurzak with Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan

Les Brun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SARR Group , LLC and Marcie Kennedy Board of Directors Chair of CSCGP

Dr. David Mintzer received the Ann Silverman Award for his outstanding meritorious service working with cancer survivors and their families. The award was presented to him by his patient Betsy Rubenstone who gave a beautiful, emotional tribute to him and his comforting bedside manner. Kelly Harris, CEO CSCGP (c)

One of the most inspirational award recipients of the night was the Stuetz Family, CSCGP Members, who received the Gilda Radner Award. Jenny, wife and mother of two small children thought she had beaten breast cancer two years ago, but then was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year. Today are living in the moment and won’t let cancer dampen their moods or their love. Jenny and Matthew Stuetz with children Jackson and Madison.

Paul Rosen, Wendy Rosen (received the Ridgeland Award for her extraordinary commitment on behalf of the CSCGP), Jill and Jon Powell.

Barbara Eberlein, Kathy Bernstein and Karen Jacobson

Even though all the world seems to be on pause, these charity organizations need our support. If you can help them out in any way, you’ll be making a difference in someone’s life. Hope you have an awesome day. Don’t forget your umbrella if you venture out. I’ll chitchat with you tomorrow where I’ll catch you up with what’s happening in Center City.

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From The Vault: Four Seasons Celebrates 30 Years

July 15, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Over the weekend I mentioned that I would be publishing parties previously published in print in Philly Mag which were never online, or listed in a file on my computer I call “Still to Blog.” PhillyChitChat as you know is a for hired party photographer and I create columns for the media. Once in while I have time and I will cover a non-client and I may or may not place the photos in the media, but most likely I’d place them on PhillyChitChat. In really busy times I would place them in a file called “Still To Blog”, and they never get posted. Through out the summer I’ll be posting these photos as well with tidbits and throw back photos of Philly folks.

The Four Seasons Hotel’s 30th Anniversary Party was celebrated at their former flagship location on 9/26/13. (It’s now The Logan Hotel):
The press release:
The Four Seasons Hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an ’80s-themed party in the courtyard . Enjoy food, wine, beer, including an exclusive Dock Street Brewing Company brew and a DJ spinning the hottest ’80s songs.

When: Thursday, September 26, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 1 Logan Square
Cost: Tickets are $50 for VIP tickets (three hours of access to the party) and $35 for general admission (one-and-a-half hours of access to the party).

The guest list was chock full of folks in the hospitality field. I remember it was a fun evening, and I loved the 80s theme as I had just celebrated my birthday a few months earlier with an 80s prom theme party. I’ll have those photos next Thursday on the 7th anniversary of my party.

This was a super affordable, fun party, one of which I imagine will be coming back in the new normal.

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After months of spreading love from afar, we are thrilled to announce that we will be re-opening our doors on Monday, July 27, 2020. Philly, it's time to say goodbye to the heart in the sky and hello to our staff and guest's hearts within ❤️ • "We were so warmly welcomed into the Philadelphia community as we opened this time last year. Our team is eager to re-open yet again with the same authentic polished service, and with the utmost care and precaution. We can't wait to see you!" – Ben Shank, General Manager • Reservations are now available and can be reserved through the link in our bio. #FSPhiladelphia #LeadWithCare #FourSeasons #SpreadLove 📸: @elevated.angles

A post shared by Four Seasons Philadelphia (@fsphiladelphia) on Jul 9, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

Speaking of the Four Seasons, welcome back to the new Four Seasons at Comcast Center. Last week they broke the news on their Instagram. Now I realize with the new Instagram it doesn’t always show the photo anymore so you need to click the link to see the photos. Here’s a little of what they wrote.