John Heller, Post-Gazette Chair Katherine Krause Click photo for larger image. Seen Photo Journal

Shades of pink warmed the Hilton Pittsburgh ballroom Saturday, casting a flattering glow onto the nearly 400 guests who gathered for the Civic Light Opera's Pink Frolic Ball. A special treat this year came courtesy of honorary chairs Frank and Athena Sarris, who donated $15,000 in dark, milk and white chocolate candies that bore the names of the major sponsors (PNC and Crawford Construction, in addition to the candy maker) and sufficed as hors d'oeuvres for the true chocoholics. Such a lavish spread made way for an equally lavish dinner -- filet mignon, jumbo shrimp and pink chocolate mousse cake -- prepared to perfection and served after a rousing performance by the CLO Mini-Stars.

Katherine Krause chaired the ball on behalf of the CLO Guild, with an assist from president Arlene Sokolow, board chair Dolores Bold and a hard-working committee. Dancing to Finesse were honorary chairs Joe and Kathy Guyaux and Rob and Diane Crawford, along with CLO executive producer Van Kaplan, board chair Lou Astorino with Jean, Dr. Michael and Norma Sobel, Dan and Debby Booker, Dr. Tom and Joy Starzl, Steve and Helen Hanna Casey and Dennis and Annie Hanna Cestra, Joe and Carol Massaro, Curt and Kim Tillotson Fleming, Linda and Toni Bucci, Maryann Boehm, Dennis and Diane Unkovic, Barbara Mendlowitz, Dr. Fred and Katy Sherman, Mr. Sam and many more.

Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette Chairs Gabriela and David Porges Click photo for larger image.

City Dreams Gala

Trips to Tuscany and Bilbao, a bottle of 1955 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and a private cabaret performance by Billy Hartung were among the items auctioned at Monday's 2006 City Dreams Gala to benefit City Theatre. Auctioneer Sam Berkovitz of Concept Art Gallery (with an assist from "Late Nite Catechism's" Sister) did the honors as more than 400 guests bid between bites of a wonderful dinner in Heinz Field's East Club Lounge.

Gabriela and David Porges chaired the evening and auction chairs were Jean Anne and Dr. Brack Hattler. City Theatre managing director Greg Quinlan (who became a first-time dad earlier in the day!) was joined by other guests including artistic director Tracy Brigden, Laurie and Robert Moser, Dan and Rebecca Frankel, Pam and Ken McCrory, Jamie and Bill Sarris, Elizabeth and Jeff Hennion, UPMC's Clyde Jones, Tom Hollander, Nancy and Doug Sansom from Comcast, Peter Karlovich and Steven Herforth, board chair Ed Harrell and others.

Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Bishop Donald Wuerl with Marcia and Stanley Gumberg Click photo for larger image.

Human Rights Award

Bishop Donald Wuerl was honored by the American Jewish Committee with the Community Service Human Rights Award for his wide range of ecumenical, interfaith and civic activities.

It seemed fitting that on the eve of his departure for Washington after 17 years of leading the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Wuerl was celebrated by an organization dedicated to eradicating bigotry and racism, defending religious freedom, protecting minorities and pursuing social justice. Wednesday's dinner at the Hilton Pittsburgh was chaired by Stanley Gumberg (with Marcia, son Larry and daughter-in-law Ina), and attended by a stellar crowd including board president Ted Goldberg, director Lisa Steindel, Mayor Bob O'Connor (with Judy) and college presidents Charles Dougherty of Duquesne, Mary Hines of Carlow and JoAnne Boyle of Seton Hill.