The Colors of CAPA

Cool art and hot jazz combined for the second annual "Nothing Black and White at CAPA" gala Monday at the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Downtown. Carol Brown was honored for her role in securing the land for the school by honorary chairs Francois Bitz (who donated it) and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust president Kevin McMahon. Etta Cox and Al Dowe served as artistic chairs for the celebration, which boasted performances by the students.

Interfaith Caregivers

Dr. Ken Melani, president and CEO of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, was honored for his outstanding commitment to community service during a reception Wednesday at the Hilton Pittsburgh sponsored by Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Among those honoring him were co-chairs Joe Guyaux, David Malone and Dr. Stanley Marks, IVC president Stanley Parker with Jessica, executive director Suzanne Smith and emcee Jon Burnett of KDKA.

Crushed Grapes

They were having a vine time during the third annual Crushed Grapes Wine Tasting Event to benefit Sisters Place Inc. Thursday in the upper lobby of the US Steel Tower. Among the more than 300 sipping to support homeless women with children were emcee Andrew Stockey, Bruce Bales, Jill Locnikar Bradley, Jim and Anne English, Mary Kirk, Kathleen Connolly and Brian Parker.

-- Patricia Sheridan

Night at the Fights

This is one benefit that really packs a punch, which is why "Night at the Fights" continues to sell out. Thursday night's fifth annual bout in the ballroom of the Omni William Penn benefited the Neighborhood Academy and the Neurofibromatosis Clinics Association. Putting on the after-dinner show was the Iron City Pro Boxing League. Leo Castagnari, director of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and Joe Piccirilli, of Pittsburgh Brewing, represented two of the corporations that sponsored the event.

-- P.S.

Steelers Style

A sold-out crowd greeted the gridiron greats of Heinz Field on Friday as 32 hometown NFL stars touched down on a Hilton Pittsburgh runway for the annual Steelers Style Fashion Show. With co-captains Alan Faneca and Kimo von Oelhoffen leading the pack, the players were the stars of the show in attire from their personal wardrobes. "I thought it was fabulous," said beaming chairwoman Greta K. Rooney, herself fabulous in Yves St. Laurent. Others at the benefit for The Cancer Caring Center and UPMC's Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute were Jennifer Antkowiak, Anji Corley, Dr. Tom and Joy Starzl, Bill and Kaye Cowher and Rebecca Whitlinger. Funniest moment: When Anthony Guarino, uncle to the owner of Louis Anthony Jewelers, won the raffle for a pair of his-and-hers Rolex watches donated by Henne Jewelers.

A Passion for Wine

Seafood, roasted meats, vegetarian delights and imported cheeses all provided by Asiago helped fuel the tasting of wines from Niebaum Coppola, Francis Coppola's vineyards, at Saturday's A Passion for Wine event held at PPG Wintergarden, Downtown. Pierre Larouche, Kevin Glavin and Carl Dozzi served as honorary chairs for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefit, which featured one-of-a-kind wines signed and donated by celebrities and collectors.

The Crystal Ball

The Butler Health System Foundation held its annual Crystal Ball Saturday at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry, attracting a sparkling crowd of 380 to An Evening of Lighted Elegance. Terry Helfer chaired the gala, which included the auction of decorated Christmas trees and dancing to the Latin swing of Dr. Zoot. Proceeds being generated by honorary chair Jean Purvis, Dr. Tom and Judy Figura, BHS CEO Joe Stewart with Deborah, Doug and Carolyn McClaine, Dr. Alex and Stacy Bell and others went to support women's services.

Cure-A-Palooza

It was adult entertainment of the G-rated variety at the American Cancer Society's annual Cura-A-Palooza "Passport to a Cure" Saturday night at the Hilton. As the sounds of House of Soul entertained, a Texas Hold 'Em poker game was going on in the back corner of the ballroom, while a performance artist who painted to music did his thing. Nibbling dishes from around the world were event chair Joe DiVito Jr. with Karen, board chair Sig Peterssun, Mike and Kim Neal and Jim and Judy Schwartz.

-- P.S.