SEEN | Natalie Bencivenga Documents Pittsburgh Social Life

October 18, 2017 11:06 AM

7-day Forecast

American Middle East Institute celebrates 10 years

The anniversary was marked with special guest, Steve “The Woz” Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.

2 days ago

From left: Summer Reed and Miyah Knight at the Cultural Trust's Chocolate Bar event at the Benedum Center.

Chocolate Bar event a sweet benefit for the Cultural Trust

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts was a delight for the senses on Saturday night as 800 guests indulged in chocolate everything!

2 days ago

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank CEO Lisa Scales and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Executive Editor David Shribman.

Off the Record XVII: This Is Us???

A party to support the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank kicked off the “Off the Record XVII” performance at the Byham.

2 days ago

Animal Friends CEO David Swisher, left, and Humane Animal Rescue CEO Dan Rossi pose with Della, a German shepherd mix.

Wags, Whiskers & Wings gala

About 750 people raised $550,000 at Humane Animal Rescue’s first gala since merging the Animal Rescue League and Western Pa. Humane Society.

2 days ago

Leaders for Literacy: From left, Don Block, Gisele Fetterman, Lisa Hurm and Gary Singery.

#SEENintheCity: Literacy luncheon; A Night on the Town and a Taste of Africa

Check out even more great events happening around Pittsburgh that will brighten your day with the good work being done in our community.

2 days ago

From left, Mary Morrow, Gisele Fetterman and Keri Harmicar.

Happy Birthday, Free Store 15104!

The Free Store Braddock turned five on Thursday night with a (naturally!) free birthday celebration!

1 day ago

From left: Garret Gibson, Kate Lambert, Jan Glick and Howard Swimmer.

Event raises funds for Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh

Posh party welcomed 600 guests to LUXE Creative Studio TWO in Point Breeze on Saturday night.

1 week ago

From left: Travis Williams, David Morehouse, and Art Rooney II.

Magic of Mentoring benefit held at PPG Paints Arena

More than 1,000 guests filled the covered ice rink for the party, which featured photos in front of the Stanley Cup Championship banner.

1 week ago

HEARTH hosts The Art of Wine & Food

More than 400 guests came to the Children’s Museum on the North Side to support HEARTH on Thursday night.

1 week ago

From left: Natalie Price, Carol D'Achille, Joy's daughter, Adriana, (held by) Christie Taggart, and Steven D'Achille, right.

Women of Joy luncheon held at Slate Studio

The luncheon in the Strip District Thursday benefited the Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation.

1 week ago

From left: Sylvia Fields and Andrea Stanford.

Athena Awards held at the Westin Convention Center

The 27th annual awards luncheon, presented by Allegheny Conference on Community Development, was sold out.

1 week ago

Jon Stryker and Jane Goodall pose with her award during the 20th anniversary Save the Chimps Gala held in New York City's Meatpacking District.

#SEENinNYC: Save the Chimps

Pittsburgh-based event production company, LUXE Creative, lent its talents to the Save the Chimps event on Tuesday night in New York City.

2 weeks ago

From left: Ed Gainey, Tracey Evans, and Jay Costa.

Meet Me at the (Wilkinsburg) Station

It was the place to be #SEEN on Saturday, the fundraiser supported renovation of the Wilkinsburg train station.

2 weeks ago

From left: Event chair Greg Jordan, hostess and CEO of Allegheny Health Network Cynthia Hundorfean and Highmark CEO David Holmberg.

AHN Spotlight Gala held at Stage AE

First event for Allegheny Health Network, he gala drew 500 supporters to the North Shore on Wednesday night.

2 weeks ago

From left: Armando Ocando, Ron Alvarado, and Pedro Cortes.

Hispanic Heritage Month Gala held at the Westin Convention Center

Nearly 400 guests who came to celebrate their heritage had thoughts of loved ones in Puerto Rico since the hurricane devastated the island.

2 weeks ago

Dr. Vonda Wright, left, with Sidney and Terri Sokoloff.

Savor Pittsburgh event benefits Magee-Womens Research Institute

The 12th annual Savor Pittsburgh event to benefit Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC was held at the Petersen Event Center Thursday night.

2 weeks ago

Sandy Bettor, Nancy Weiland, David Osmond and Joan Campasano Hoover.

#SEENintheCity: Women on the Move luncheon

Check out even more great events happening in Pittsburgh in the online-only #SEENintheCity!

2 weeks ago

Dr. Vonda Wright and her husband Peter Taglianetti at the season opening gala for the Pittsburgh Opera at the Omni William Penn in Downtown Pittsburgh.

63rd annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball held at the Omni William Penn

The Pittsburgh Opera held its much beloved ball, which was a smashing success, Downtown, on Friday night.

3 weeks ago

From left: Event co-chairs Katie Brahm, Sarah Tuthill, Tara Balonick, and Kristin Hilton.

River Rocks Enchanted Garden event supports Aspinwall Riverfront Park

Always one of the best parties of the season, River Rocks did not disappoint this year with a fabulous “Enchanted Garden”-themed event.

3 weeks ago

Marty Hozak with his mother Virginia Hozak and his sister Ellen Dillon.

Hi-Ho Silver! Fall Festival celebrates 25 years of InVision

The festival at beautiful Hozak Farm near Clinton catered to people of all abilities.

3 weeks ago

Alana Yoffee of Squirrel Hill is a young fashion designer. She wears a dress she designed and made.

#SEENRisingStar: Alana Yoffee

Get to know up-and-coming designer Alana Yoffee and her eye for turning discarded items into fabulous wearable art.

3 weeks ago

The Bishop’s Tea: From left, Anne Parisi, Jacinta O'Connell, Bishop David Zubik, Edyce Rizzi, and Heather Ziccarelli.

#SEENintheCity

So much to do, so little time! Enjoy this week’s online-only #SEENintheCity!

3 weeks ago

World-renowned pianist Lang Lang, left, and 14-year-old prodigy Maxim Lando perform during the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's gala on Saturday night in Heinz Hall, Downtown.

Rhapsody in Blue gala raises funds for the Pittsburgh Symphony

The Symphony held its gala on Saturday night in Heinz Hall with pianist Lang Lang and 14-year-old prodigy Maxim Lando.

1 month ago

From left, Dr. Stanley Marks, Jack Mascaro, and Jeffrey Romoff.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center hosts gala at PPG Paints Arena

More than 875 guests attended the popular event on Thursday night.

1 month ago

From left: Richard Reed, Patsy McKinney and Meg Cheever.

Harvest Celebration held at Frick Environmental Center

A sold-out crowd of 150 guests came to support the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s education programs.

1 month ago

From left Adnan Hilton Pehlivan, Harish Saluja and Sally Wiggin.

Silk Screen Gala held at the Fairmont Pittsburgh

More than 400 film-enthusiasts attended the Friday night event to support the Silk Screen Festival.

1 month ago

Animal Friends Black Tie & Tails Gala

A combined 850 guests at the gala and shindig raised $809,322 and honored 60-year employee Eula Houston.

1 month ago

United Way CEO Bob Nelkin, keynote speaker Brenda Combs and event co- chair Tracy DeCock.

16th annual Women's Leadership Council Breakfast

Nearly 1,000 supporters of United Way and the Women’s Leadership Council attended the event at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh hotel, Downtown.

1 month ago

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, left, Valerie Kinloch and Larry Davis.

The Center on Race and Social Problems 15th anniversary

Larry Davis welcomed friends to his Highland Park home to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Center on Race and Social Problems.

1 month ago

From left TaShay Akrie and sisters Nasha Robinson, Renee Robinson and Joan Blakeman.

Night of 1,000 Marilyns!

The Andy Warhol Museum had its FUN-raiser, Night of 1,000 Marilyns on Saturday night, welcoming a crowd of 500 to the North Side’s museum.

4 weeks ago

From left: Jim and Kathe Patrinos with Kevin McMahon.

Rock 'n' Soul Gala raises funds for the Cultural Trust

The Cultural Trust held its annual gala on Friday night, Downtown on the stage inside the Benedum Center.

1 month ago

Diner en Blanc participants celebrate inside Highmark Stadium

It was a festive gathering of more than 800 people who enjoy good food, good company and are willing to follow a very strict dress code.

1 month ago

Gina Carroll, left, Kate Caffrey, Sara Donley and Erika Kyle.

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank hosts Fly Away Bash

Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks, dancing and an unforgettable giveaway while benefiting an important cause: The Backpack Program.

1 month ago

Rob Cochran, left, and Helen Hanna Casey with her husband Steve.

34th annual Family House Polo Match held at Hartwood Acres

The event benefits Family House, a place to stay for patients and families who travel to Pittsburgh for medical treatment.

1 month ago

From left: Sandy Thomas, David Roger, Carolyn Duronio and Grant Oliphant.

Reed Smith Celebrates 140 Years with festive cocktail party

Started in 1877, Reed Smith grew from just a few lawyers working together to the global powerhouse it is today.

1 month ago

From left: Event Chair Ian Stewart with Kathleen.

Wines Under Glass event held at Phipps

Nearly 300 guests who found sipping and socializing to be the perfect pairing during the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens benefit.

1 month ago

Peggy Smyrnes-Williams, left, Carole Kamin, Dr. José-Alain Sahel, Linda Melada and Dr. Art Levine.

#SEENintheCity

In this week’s online-only edition of #SEENintheCity, the Ladies Hospital Aid Society hosted its annual gala on Thursday night.

1 month ago

Stars of the Silver Screen

The Andy Warhol Museum hosted a rooftop shindig on Tuesday night on top of the Theater Square Garage to celebrate stars of the silver

1 month ago

Embe Wise perform the during the Biergarden Luau.

Endless Summer Luau at Hotel Monaco

Pittsburgh got a taste of the Pacific Islands at Hotel Monaco Aug 27 during the Endless Summer Luau to benefit Ronald McDonald House

1 month ago

Haji Muya with his wife Zahra Sheikh and son Omari Muygaza, 2, Thursday, August 31, 2017, at their home on the North Side, Pittsburgh.

#SEENAmericanDream: Haji Muya

Haji Muya, 26, resides in the North Side. Originally from Kenya, he grew up within a refugee camp before moving to Pittsburgh in 2004.

1 month ago

Julius Boatwright, founder of Steel Smiling.

#LetsMakeASEEN: Steel Smiling

Steel Smiling is an organization with a new approach in supporting those in underserved communities who live with mental health issues.

1 month ago

Riverlife Party at the Piear co-chairs Chip and Lynn Desmone.

Party on the Pier: War of the Roses event benefits Riverlife

The war on Friday night was fought sip by sip at the Rivers Casino on the North Shore.

1 month ago

Billy Porter performs at Allegheny Parks Foundation's first Twilight Picnic for the Parks on Saturday at Hartwood Acres Mansion in Indiana Township.

Twilight Picnic for the Parks twinkles late into the night with Billy Porter concert

The inaugural event to benefit the Allegheny County Parks Foundation raises $465,000.

1 month ago

PGH Rewind event chairs, Bethany Miller, left, and Mark Cibulka.

Rewind with the Cultural Trust

PGH Rewind, a first-time event for the Cultural Trust at the Trust Arts Education Center, had guests feeling nostalgic Saturday night.

1 month ago

REO Speedwagon lead singer Kevin Cronin and party hostess Debbie Hampson at the HM3 Independence Fund's Celebrity Care Fest.

HM3 Independence Fund concert plays host to KC and The Sunshine Band

Over a thousand music lovers poured onto the expansive grounds of Patrick and Debbie Hampson’s home for the 2017 HM3 Celebrity Care Fest.

1 month ago

At Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team's (PAART) annual fundraiser at the County Airport in West Mifflin: Pug-mix Mitch was looking for a home.

Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team raises funds at County Airport event

More than $165,000 was raised under a tent on the tarmac of the County Airport to benefit Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART).

1 month ago

Ballet Under the Stars: Lucy Payer, 4, of North Hills, dances with Iceburg the penguin during Ballet Under the Stars.

#SEENintheCity

There are so many events in the city, we can’t fit them all in the paper! Check out more in the online-only edition of #SEENintheCity.

1 month ago

Did the butler do it? James FitzGerald, far right, dashes from the room where PICT Classic Theatre's Alan Stanford appears to have met his demise in a mingle-and-mystery fundraiser Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the Craft House, 8 Alice St., Crafton.

Historic Crafton house sets scene for PICT mingle and mystery

The century-old home is the setting for "Murder at The Craft House: Who Killed Alan Stanford?," a fundraiser for the 2017-18 season.

1 month ago

From left: Alexander Hill, Jennifer Yates, Danielle Katz and James Snyder.

Big Give event raises funds for The Children's Trust

Funds raised from the 400 attending advance research at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

1 month ago

From left: Quintin Bullock, Kate Hancock, and Kannu Sahni.

Health and Wellness Weekend held at the August Wilson Center

The evening also was a benefit for the K. Leroy Irvis Scholarship Fund, which benefits NEED, the Negro Emergency Education Drive.

1 month ago

ABOUT SEEN

Natalie Bencivenga's SEEN documents Pittsburgh social life in all its diversity. Beyond the galas, the glitterati and the glamour, it chronicles the way we live today and the people who are engaged in making this community a vibrant place to live.

A Pittsburgh native who has a master's degree in social work, Ms. Bencivenga ran her own online lifestyle magazine for five years. She is broadening the reach of SEEN by expanding the kinds of events the Post-Gazette covers. She also heavily uses social media to engage readers so that even if they can't be at the party with SEEN, they'll be part of the party.

If you have any events that should be featured in SEEN, contact Ms. Bencivenga at nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1582. Follow her on Twitter @NBSeen to keep up with #wheresNataliePG.