Pittsburgh Social Scene, A Year in Review 2016

Highmark Presents, "Lights! Glamour! Action!" entered it's 16th year as the major fundraiser for the Pittsburgh Film Office. This year's red carpet gala , held on February 28, surpassed them all. With a new venue, The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, guest walked the 362 foot red carpet while being chosen for the "Glam Cam".

Guests enjoyed candy and popcorn stations, a martini bar, and games while the Oscar's were televised live on big screens. Event planners Theresa Kaufman and Shari Zatman executed the event to perfection.

VIP guests included Russ Streiner, PFO’s chairman of the board of trustees, with his wife Ramona, Dawn Keezer, Director of The Pittsburgh Film Office, John and Gisele Fetterman, Tony Amen and Miss Pennsylvania, Elena Laquatra. To learn more about the Pittsburgh Film Office visit http://www.pghfilm.org

 

The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh was the setting of the 24th annual JDRF's Promise Gala.  On Saturday, April 9, nearly 700 guests attended the sold out event, which raised more than $1.3 million. 

The ballroom doors opened to display the stunning setting of a midnight garden motif by Tolo Events, decorated in shades of cobalt blue and silver. 

Hens and Chicks, provided exquisite arrangements in a pale pink and lavender palette. This years Honorees included William Caroselli, Edwin Beachler, John McTiernan and Craig Coleman, being recognized for their dedication to JDRF's mission. 

What makes this evening such a success are the volunteers. Debbie Levy supports this event along with her husband Phil and her three sons. Her son Jonathan 17, was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age 12. The entire family participates and volunteers for all of the JDRF fundraising events.  

 Over 40,000 people are diagnoses with T1D each year in the United States. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. JDRF is working toward turning type 1 diabetes, into “Type None” diabetes, with a ultimate goal of finding a cure.
To donate and learn more please visit www.westernpa.jdrf.org 

 

 

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Patron Party   for the 18th annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon was the perfect preamble for the main event which was held in Frick Park on May 7th. 

Graciously hosted on, Thursday April 14, at the exquisite home of Ramsey and Mike Lyons, guest enjoyed appetizers and an expansive array of desserts catered by the Duquesne Club.

Joining Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy CEO Meg Cheever, were Hat Luncheon co chairs Emily Mack Jamison, Ramsey Lyons, Charlene Petrelli, Kiya Tomlin, and Christy Wiegand. Approximately 80 guests enjoyed the beautiful weather and freshly bloomed spring flowers. 

Proceed from the Hat Luncheon benefit the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy , founded in 1996 to counteract and improve deteriorating conditions of the city parks. To donate and learn more please visit http://www.pittsburghparks.org/

 

 

 

 

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 18th annual Spring Hat Luncheon With sunny skies and temperatures near seventy degrees, 650 guests convened at Frick Park for the 18th annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Spring Hat Luncheon on May 7, 2016. 

The luncheon, traditionally held on Kentucky Derby day, took place on May 7. The 600 acre city park also hosted the first Pittsburgh Hat Luncheon in 1998. The sold out crowd mingled with mimosas admiring each others hats, which grow increasingly more intricate and elaborate each year.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy CEO, Meg Cheever spoke of the 158 Pittsburgh public parks which benefit from the Parks Conservancy. The Parks Conservancy is celebrating it's 20 anniversary this year, and to date has raised more than 92 million dollars. Over the course of the last 18 years, over 11,000 people have attended the Spring Hat luncheon which from it's inception has been sponsored by PNC.

To date, 14 major capital projects have been completed by the Parks Conservancy , including restoration of the Frick Park Gate House and the Frick Environmental Center, scheduled to open in a few months. To donate and learn more about the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, please visit www.pittsburghparks.org

 

 

9th Annual Emmause Kentucky Derby Gala  

The Doubletree Hotel ballroom was the setting for the 9th annual Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala, on May 7, 2016. 

Over 200 guests mingled during cocktail hour while viewing silent auction items and participating in Derby games, including Triple Crown Treasure and Run for the Roses Race.  

As the Kentucky Derby played on several large screens throughout the venue, the attention moved from hats and fashion to watching the race, with excitement building as Nyquist, remaining undefeated ,crossed the finish line.

Special thanks were offered to the Gala Committee, Amy & Paul Gunsallus, Erin Lucas Hamilton, Ginny & Mark Koenig, Ken Kolenik, Lisa & Tim Noca, Lyn Null, Tim & Denise Sansonetti, and Frank & Norma Szamans. 

Emmaus was founded by Ken and Lorraine Wagner in 1989, dedicated to providing residential homes for persons with developmental disabilities.  To donate or learn more about Emmaus, visit www.emmauspgh.org

 

Jungle Bash, Call of the Wild, Pittsburgh Zoo Gala 

  It was a  perfect evening June 3, for the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Gala, Jungle Bash, Call of the Wild. 

The Zoo was transformed into an tropical paradise featuring hanging lanterns and exotic decor by Luxe Creative.Special guest Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, greeted guests during the VIP Cocktail reception in the Garden Tent. Mr. Hanna, a Tennessee native, moved to Pittsburgh to attend Kisky Academy. Pittsburgh has always had a place in his heart. 

Guest animals from the Columbus Zoo, included SP, (a sloth, rescued when someone attempted to sell her on ebay), Pequeno the Kinkajou, and Anchovy the Penguin. The journey through the zoo progressed to the Village with Salmon Poke, Thai Peanut Chicken Satay, and Strawberry Rhubarb Gazpacho, created by the Zoo's private caterer, Taste of the Wild Catering. Nearly 1000 supporters of the Zoo and Aquarium mingled over cocktails before setting off to view the animals, in the under the stars experience, along the way enjoying Fava Bean Hummus and Marcarpone stuffed Strawberries. 

The evening ended with a full buffet at the Plaza, including delectable desserts and entertainment. The final 6 acres will be developed by the zoo, through Wildlife Legacy Campaign. Set to unveil later this summer the newest exhibit, "Jungle Trails" will be the new home of ocelot, giant anteaters, fossas, pygmy hippos and capybaras. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is home to thousands of animals, featuring 400 species, including 22 threatened or endangered species. The biennial Gala is the Zoo’s most important benefit with all proceeds supporting the Zoo’s animals, education programs, and wildlife conservation. To donate to the Zoo and learn more please visit PittsburghZoo.org

   

Third Annual Diamonds and Denim on Market Square  

Market Square was transformed on Saturday, June 25, as nearly 500 guests convened for the third annual Diamonds and Denim to benefit the Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation
.

Delicious gourmet food stations were positioned around the luxuriously appointed tents as guest mingled and sipped on cocktails. The decor, by Martin Potoczny and Luxe Creative was nothing less than amazing. Beautiful white floral arrangements graced the elegant candle lit tables, with a soft gray palette of sofas, chairs, and tables.

 The evenings host, always gracious, Sam Badger, Development Coordinator, Corporate and Community Giving, insured everyone felt welcome. This annual event has evolved into one of the most anticipated functions of the year.

 From Sandi Nicholas' glittering sequin cocktail dress to Ashley Harris' denim dress, the interpretation of "Diamonds and Denim", resulted in a eclectic mix of fashion. DJ Samuel Andres, keep the crowd on the dance floor well into the evening. To learn donate and learn more about the Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation please visit www.chp.org

 

Presented by The Realtor's Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Foundation, “Fashion for a Cause” featured eleven top Pittsburgh designers, showcasing their work.

The event began with a VIP Champagne reception to Meet the Designers, followed by silent auctions, vendors and the main event, the fashion show.

From Alexis Meeker and Carson Wolfe's award winning duct tape design, to Beth Shari's romantic vintage lingerie, the eclectic mix of designs proved to entertain.
 
Always inventive, Bradford Mumpower's fringe style dresses were a favorite of the crowd. James Houk's evening wear designs, including the innovative “chain” dress, modeled by Diane Withrow, wrapped the show up in style.

The event was held to raise $5000 for Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, For more than 20 years, Emmaus has been providing permanent homes, respite care, in-home services, and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. anon-profit organization built upon a vision of people with and without disabilities sharing their live.