CCD Celebrates 25 Years Making Philly Beautiful
CCD Celebrates 25 Years Making Philly Beautiful
On May 5, 2016, an anniversary celebration was held at Dilworth Park for the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation. The event was held on a gorgeous spring evening, under a gigantic tent in the shadow of the beloved City Hall.
Impressive set up with check in tables and coat check. I love that they even included trees and flowers to enhance the area (great signage by Replica Creative too)
Gorgeous tent and decor for the 25th Anniversary Gala. Brulee Catering served a delicious dinner starting with a watermelon salad. Light Action produced the lighting, and lighting is everything. Gala Clothes set the tables.
During the cocktail hour guests could peruse the extensive silent auction, which featured experiences, dinner and this cool Bacon Brothers Signed Guitar w/CDs.
Plus Connor Barwin donated a signed jersey. Earlier in my evening I saw him at the Fathers Day Gary Papa Run (June 19) Eagles Celebrity Bartending gig at Brent Celek’s eatery Prime Stache in Old City.
Jeff Guaracino, President & CEO of Welcome America Inc. and Nicole Cashman, President & CEO, Cashman & Associates (Congrats Nicole as her firm was announced as one of the companies handing a DNC party. She’s doing the media party.)
Senator Anthony H. Williams, City Councilwomen Helen Gym, and Congressman Brendan Boyle
Carla Showell-Lee, SEPTA’s Director of Media Relations and Former Mayor Rev Wilson Goode
Beck Davis, Customer Service Director at Center City District and David Wagaman, Owner Of Capriccio At Cafe Cret and Logan Cafe in Sister’s City. Every Thursday there are wine pairings 5PM to 8PM at Sisters Cities Park and Logan Cafe (BTW you can rent Logan Cafe out for parties, they do catering.)
For complete updates, please go to www.SisterCitiesPark.org
Joseph Coradino, Chief Executive Officer of PREIT, Former Mayor John Street, Joseph H. Jacovini, Dilworth Paxson LLP, Anne Kelly King, Chief of Staff for Councilman Mark Squilla, Romy Diaz, Jr. Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at PECO and Councilman Mark Squilla
Former Gov Ed Rendell (currently busy as Chair of the DNC2016 Host Committee) with Paul Levy, Executive Director of CCD. Both men have worked tirelessly on many projects to make Philly not only beautiful, but functional and fun. The projects created a foundation for many of the unique projects that are executed in present time like the Rail Park. Missing from the party, but very much responsible for executing one of the most anticipated act of the Center City District, was Mayor Michael Nutter, who partnered with the Gov and CCD to created Dilworth Park.
Michael Garden, board of Friends of the Rail Park (1 year annivesary party for Friends of the Rail Park on June 9 #BAMFest: A Fundraiser for Friends of the Rail Park at Brick and Mortar) and Kate Raines (wedding photographer https://plate3.wordpress.com/)
Newly elected State Representative in the 202nd legislative district Jared Solomon (in my former life as a paralegal, Jared and I both worked at Kohn, Swift & Graf ) and Laura Burkhardt, Publisher of Where Magazine.
Angela McCafferty, Chief Operations Officer – Bittenbender Construction, LP, Emily Bittenbender, Managing Partner at Bittenbender Construction, LP – Bittenbender Construction, LP (Bittnebender is working on Love Park, which should be done in 2017, can’t wait) , Christine Hough Langan, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
Tara Alexander, and Curtis Alexander, President at Urban Jungle. His business is all about creating sustainable green urban environments is the driving force nurturing Urban Jungle. –
The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus opened up the gala
as emcee Ukee Washington, CBSPhilly, danced along to the music, before started the evenings program.
Paul Levy told the story of how Center City District came about when Ron Rubin wondered why the street was so dirty outside of the Bellevue Hotel, which he owned. Rubin was trying to lure retailers to his newly required hotel, and with the help of Mayor Wilson Goode in 1989, he was able to find a temporary solution. Then they turned to Paul Levy. PhillyMag wrote an excellent article on it in 2013
Julie Coker Graham is the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is a real success story. Working at Hyatt Hotels for 21 years before heading over to the PHLCVB, first as Senior Vice President, Convention Division then Executive Vice President and now sitting at the head of the table. She was running in from a DNC2016 Meeting.
The CCD wants you to join them every Wednesday from 5-7pm, June 1 – September 28 for $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers* for Center City Sips. check out their app here
Mayor Kenney
LightAction Production created a magical evening. They also had a light show projecting on City Hall to the delight of people walking and driving by City Hall as the party continued under the grand, see through tent.
Congratulations Center City District on your 25th Anniversary, and every day for a job well done.
