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John Heller, Post-Gazette PBT school students clown for the guests. Click photo for larger image. |
More than 500 guests scurried into the Omni William Penn, where instant warmth was provided by a bevy of costumed PBT students welcoming them to the ball. Upstairs, a major silent auction highlighted by glittering jewels from Orr's kept guests busy during cocktails, along with a live auction of items including a cognac collection (won by Joe Murphy).
The prettiest ballroom in town never looked better than when the curtains were parted for dinner. Enormous arrangements of roses from Tim Condron Florist towered above the tables that surrounded the dance floor and set the stage for two classic and two contemporary performances by company principals. Then dinner was served -- a wonderfully prepared menu of bibb lettuce with pear, filet mignon Bercy or black pepper-crusted grouper and a molten chocolate cake served warm alternating with cherry tart Anglaise. A generous tray of Betsy Ann chocolates sat temptingly on every table, waiting ....
Eric and Melanie Werner chaired the ball, and Werner Company served as the major sponsor. A lively crowd studded with lots of fabulous gowns (including Diane Waldman's stunning corset number) stayed late, dancing to the Special Event Orchestra. Former chairs Steve and Peggy McKnight, Carol and Jim McCarl and Jan and Howard Engelberg were there, as were PBT artistic director Terrence Orr and his wife, Marianna Tcherkassky, board chair Jeanne Gleason (with Robert), Pat Wilde, Barbara and Jerry Chait, Charles and Hilary Tyson Porter, Lee and Issie Foster, Tim and Nancy Stack, Chris and Elicia Sutton, Tom and Ellen Golonski, Gary and Jean Gentile, Jeff and Jill Lenchner, Becky and Herb Torbin, Mary and Henry Ewalt, Janet and John Conomos, Michael and Elizabeth Zamagias, Rick and Loretta Russell, Dr. Barbara Zawadzki and Dr. Jerry Itzkoff, Bill and Ruthie King, Lisa and George Zimmerman and Charenna Swann.
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| Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Dana Marinelli, Tricia Swanson and Melissa Huber Click photo for larger image. |
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Shop to stop violence
Here's an idea. Open the Galleria after hours on a Sunday night, provide food and drink from Galleria and Waterfront establishments and turn a crowd of 650 (mostly female) shoppers loose with the promise of saving up to 25 percent on purchases.
That's the very successful formula for Shop to Stop Domestic Violence, a benefit for the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh sponsored by the Galleria and UPMC.
Co-chairs Pat Violi and Vickie Violi joined women's center executive director Shirl Regan, Ellen Gamble, Christina Astorino Del Sole, Pat and Janice Minert, Jaqi and John Conomikes, Carole Chesin and Theresa Kisha in raising more than $93,000.
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Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Jen McCrady, Paul O'Neill Jr. and Amber Brkich Click photo for larger image. |
It's a Big Deal!
When the chips are down, Gilda's Club will be around, thanks to fund-raisers such as Saturday night's "It's a Big Deal!" Texas No Limit Hold 'em Poker Tournament at Heinz Field. Feeling a royal flush coming on as players took to the tables was event chair Paul O'Neill Jr. (with Celine). His famous father, former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, and mother Nancy were there to help out along with board president Betsy Marcu (with her daughter Mandy).
"Survivor's" Amber Brkich tried her hand, while her dad, Val, worked the "buy in" booth. Betting for a better tomorrow and more fun today for people with cancer were Jen and Chris McCrady, Ranny and Jay Ferguson, Mike and Kim Neal, Pat and Alan Siger, Stacy Weiss and Will Carpenter, Lu and Syl Damianos, Curt and Dolly Ellenberg and Julie O'Neill Kloo with husband Juergen.
-- Patricia Sheridan
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| Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette James Lunn, executive chef of dejAVu Lounge and Restaurant Click photo for larger image. |
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Best Chefs Benefit
That new axiom, "a fork in hand is worth more in the mouth," did not go unheeded at the March of Dimes 10th Annual Best Chefs tasting and auction benefit. The ballroom of the Hilton Pittsburgh was a diner's delight, with 22 participating chefs and seven beverage distributors. Honorary chair J.T. Thomas presided over 700 guests, including the state director for the March of Dimes, David Raible, and co-chairs Ty Eggemeyer (with Leslie) and Dick Kennedy (with Kay).
Emcee Larry Richert turned the gavel over to auctioneer Doug Miller, who stirred up interest in 23 packages, including Winter at Nemacolin Woodlands. Bidding between bites were executive director Patty Holmes, Judge Tom and Lori Hardiman, Joe Bundick, Amber Koskey, Angie Longo, John and Beth McIntyre, Jake and Toni Zoller and the delightful Edna Thomas.
-- Patricia Sheridan
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Lake Fong, Post-Gazette George Morgan, Kevin McClatchy and Lloyd McClendon Click photo for larger image. |
Roasting McClatchy
"The Pirates had 72 fireworks nights last year. I'm not saying that is too much, but a family from the North Side moved back to Baghdad to get some peace and quiet," teased Tom Grealish. He blushed, but Kevin McClatchy never balked during Big Brothers Big Sisters 25th Annual Corporate Roast at the Omni William Penn Thursday.
As CEO of the Pirates, McClatchy was well-prepared to handle the curve ball comments. Other roasters stepping up to the plate to take their swings were Curtis Aiken, Lou Astorino and Pirate manager Lloyd McClendon. Emceeing the verbal fireworks were Greg Brown and Steve Blass. But it was McClatchy who had the final at bat, showing a film of McClendon's antics.
Enjoying the evening's lineup were honorary chair George Morgan, Kenny Ross, executive director Wally Jenkins, auctioneer Nellie Briles, Jayne Adair and Basil Cox, Bob Brooks, Aris and Laura Candris, Tom Chakurda, Pat DeMeo, Sy Holzer, Mary Means, Ron Violi, Bob O'Connor and Sophie Masloff.
-- Patricia Sheridan