John Heller/Post-Gazette photos Regis Philbin, left, and Dr. Robert Jarvik. Click photo for larger image.

The gala had a heart of laughter, thanks to America's favorite host, Regis Philbin. He flew in from New York to entertain 600 guests Saturday night at "Heart of Pittsburgh: A Gala to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of UPMC's Artificial Heart Program."

Although the evening at Heinz Field had a serious side -- Dr. Robert Jarvik, the inventor of the artificial heart, was there, along with the longest living patient to depend on one -- it was truly a celebration of life. Philbin and emcee Sally Wiggin have heart conditions, as did many of the guests.

The revolutionary work being done here by Dr. Robert Kormos, director of UPMC's artificial heart program and medical director of McGowan Institute, and the many physicians, engineers and researchers he introduced, was saluted with proceeds of more than $500,000.

Co-chairs Leslie Merrill McCombs and Cliff Rowe did an amazing job of making the gala so much fun. From cocktails through a heart-healthy dinner to a moving video to the sounds of the Three Rivers Orchestra, the evening ticked along smoothly.

But it was Regis who added the magic, singing a medley and bringing the crowd to tears with laughter as he auditioned Olga Romoff, Fran Borovetz, Kathleen O'Brien, Jessica O'Brien and Cate Linn to be his next co-host. He ended by giving red roses to the hilarious Mrs. Linn ("the first lady of petroleum").

Enjoying it all were County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl with Erin, Sy and Cathy Holzer, Greta and Art Rooney III, Judge Ralph and Janet Cappy, Steven and Stephanie Massaro, Bill and Mardi Isler, Tom Michaels, Curtis and Adrianne Aiken, Bill and Stephanie Spence, Jim and Kathe Patrinos, Bill Strickland, Jack and Kathleen Piatt, Dr. Kenton Zehr, Dr. Barry London, Dr. Dan Edmundowicz, Athena and Frank Sarris, and many more.

Lynne Lister, left, and Wallis Katz Click photo for larger image.

Totally Tiffany

The opening of "Louis Comfort Tiffany: Artist for the Ages" attracted two Holly Golightlys (Dianna Loevner and Sarah Jo Antonucci) and a crowd of 500 for the gala champagne reception, exhibition preview and Founder-Patrons Dinner Friday night at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

An elegant evening unfolded with drinks in the Hall of Sculpture, tours of the wonderful exhibit and a dinner prepared to perfection by Parkhurst Catering. Kudos to the Women's Committee, headed by Ranny Ferguson (with Jay), for the gorgeous decorations, including the hand-made Tiffany lamps that lit each table.

Lynne Lister (with Dr. John) and Wallis Katz (with Marshall) chaired the gala and headed a hard-working group of women who volunteer their time to make CMA events a success. The heavy hitters in black tie and Tiffany (David Kozloff's Tiffany penguin pin was a stand-out) included Carnegie Institute director David Hillenbrand with Georgianna, board chair Suzy Broadhurst with Jim, and CMA director Richard Armstrong, new CMA board chair Bill Hunt with Janet, exhibit curator Marilyn Johnson and co-organizer Elizabeth Agro, PNC's Joe Guyaux with Kathy, Elsie and Henry Hillman, and Tom and Gail Murphy.

Opening Blast

Arias of anguish, jealousy, betrayal and broken hearts -- it's opera season!

The curtain rose early Saturday for Opening With a Blast, the Pittsburgh Opera Association's 52nd annual Diamond Horseshoe Celebration. Dinner at the Westin Convention Center ballroom, dramatic in red, black and white, was followed by "Pagliacci" at the Benedum Center and a return to the Westin for Opera Blast.

	Dr. Saundra and William Stout with a mime. Click photo for larger image.

It was the first time for the three-pronged benefit, which attracted an extra 100 guests for the after-party with the sounds of Protege.

Co-chairs Dr. John and Dolores Barber and Dr. Peter and Gracia Sheptak, as well as honorary co-chair Nadine Bognar, were among those enjoying the crusted filet and sea bass. The Opera's general director Mark Weinstein thanked the 250 guests and introduced chairs Dr. Saundra and William Stout. Also introduced was new music director Antony Walker (with Penelope Mills).

Dr. Michael and Rose Kutsenkow were presented with the Minerva Award for their dedication to the opera. Then Marjorie Hughes picked the winner of the diamond horseshoe pin -- John Price and his lovely Russian bride, Svetlana.

Opera lovers wrapped up in the woes of a sad clown included artistic director Christopher Hahn, POA president Michel Franklin with Dr. John, board president John Traina with Nancy, Sheila and Milt Fine, Dr. Freddie and Hilda Fu, Dr. Bill and Cindy Swartz, Dorothy and Peter Zikos, and Dr. Joe and Rose Roarty. -- Patricia Sheridan