Laura Domenic from Pittsburgh Filmmakers and Kelly Pezze from Bethlehem Haven were among the guests last Sunday at Lunafest 2008, a traveling festival of nine short films by and about women. Lunafest is funded by Luna Whole Nutrition Bars, and all proceeds are donated to a local charity. The event at the Regent Square Theater was presented by Pittsburgh Filmmakers to benefit Bethlehem Haven, which helps homeless women to become self-sufficient.

Philanthropist Richard Rauh was joined by conductor Marvin Hamlisch during a reception in honor of his parents, Richard S. and Helen Rauh, following Friday's performance of the love songs of George Gershwin by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The Richard S. Rauh Garden Room at Heinz Hall was dedicated to permanently acknowledge the senior Mr. Rauh's pivotal role in the orchestra's history. He was responsible for the formation of the first board of directors in 1927, serving as secretary for 27 years. He also chaired the Symphony Campaign of 1952, the most successful fund-raising campaign in the orchestra's history. The Rauhs also were friends of Mr. Gershwin, who entertained at their home when in Pittsburgh.

Richard Burkland and chair Kitty Hillman hosted a cocktail reception last Wednesday at the Cork Factory to kick off the Carnegie Museum of Art Ambassadors, a group of 80 Pittsburgers who are spearheading the 55th Carnegie International Gala Benefit and Preview for "Life on Mars." Curator of Contemporary Art Douglas Fogle and CMA director Richard Armstrong welcomed the guests, who included gala chairs Janet Hunt and Mardi Royston, Pittsburgh Ballet executive director Harris Ferris and CMU Dean of Fine Arts Hilary Robinson. The two-tiered event will be held on May 2, with dinner party tickets at $350 and late-night party tickets at $75. For an invitation or information call 412-578-2552 or e-mail Ci08gala@carnegiemuseums.org

The Renaissance City Choirs, Pittsburgh's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered chorus, held its annual black-tie benefit Saturday at the Priory on the North Side. The evening featured dinner, dancing and both a silent and live auction. From left: co-chairs Cookie Gibbs and Deb Hall with artistic director Andres Cladera and board president Pamela Cochenour.