Lifestyles

Butterfly Ball

Given wings we can all fly. There's simply no better way to describe the inspirational heroes of The Woodlands Foundation who see the dawn of every day as the perfect opportunity to turn possibilities into realities.

We love nothing more than to fine-tune our attitudes to the glass-is-half-full side, and on Saturday, 315 friends learned a thing or two about the true definition of breaking free of any cocoons that we allow to limit our God-given capabilities during The Woodlands Auxiliary's Butterfly Ball at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township.

"I promised my 3-year-old daughter that I wouldn't cry because I have a lot of mascara on," laughed honoree Laura Karet, who along with husband Tom graciously accepted accolades for their commitment to strengthen and enrich our community.

Pre-party, the black-ties and their beauties uncorked their weekend by unwinding with the requisite red and white, all the while taking a moment or two to admire the easy-on-the-eyes that were fluttering by. "He had his tux made over in Singapore ... doesn't he look gorgeous?" asked Auxiliary prexy Bette Norris of her husband, Tom.

Those boys sure clean up nicely, don't they?

After slicing into a menu that concluded with a grand finale of a roll-your-eyes-deelish chocolate marquis papillon (you win this round, O wickedly weak willpower), checkbooks were ready and willing for the live auction that included an America's Cup Yacht Adventure in San Diego for sailaholics and a Bloomingdales spree for shopaholics.

More than 6,000 children and young adults with disabilities and chronic illness benefit annually from the programs offered at this home-away-from-home nestled on more than 30 acres in the North Hills; 6,000 reasons to remind us that its never enough to simply spread our wings, we have to spread our wings and soar.

Raising $100K during this flight of fancy were co-chairs Kathy Drambel (with Bill) and Kate Srigley (with Kevin), honorary chair Annie Hanna Engel (with Gus), director Peter and Gail Clakeley, Hoddy and Mary Anne Hanna, Sydelle Kessler, Charles Gray, Joe and Michelle Belechak, Christopher and Sarah Stockwell, Danny and Barbara Shapira, Doug and Dr. Mary Jo Clark, Patrick Sweeney and Maggie Sitko, Jeffrey and Heidi Gerlach, Jenny Kelly, Drew and Karen Morrison, David and Colleen O'Brien, Aaron and Linda Savin, Gary and Jane Duty, Brian and Linda Heery, Jeff and Laurie Troutman, Reza Liaghat and Sandy Ruse, Jim and Mary Kay Dinderman, Troy and Dana Potteiger, Mark Hardy, and emcee Andrew Stockey of WTAE with Paula Work.

Still Kicking!

It isn't every Thursday where you can casually mention to your friends, "What am I doing tonight? Oh, I'm just going to go spend the evening dining with the Radio City Rockettes."

Just another weekday, dahling! Instantaneous bragging rights were enjoyed by more than 130 of us as we kicked up our heels with Katie Russell and Kristin Altfather at the Fox Chapel chateau of Anne Lewis for a special donor reception in honor of Child Watch of Pittsburgh, the tireless advocators for area at-risk youth.

Naturally, one could only assume that guests would be lining up for a chance to raise a gam or two, although general consensus seemed to revolve on leaving that up to the pros. "I can only dance a jig! I could never kick up my heels like that," laughed director Christopher Smith.

Start practicing Fanflairs; a special performance of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will take place at the Benedum on November 11 to benefit this noteworthy cause.

Getting a leg up on things were chair Susan Crookston, prexy Judith Horgan with Steve Pavsner, Tiger Batlas, Georgia Hernandez, Mark Elek, Ray Stoner, Liz Zeszutek, Caroline Degnan, Matthew Borgia and Andy Reamer with Ruth Ann Dailey.

Vision of Hope

The fashion flock flew the city coop in favor of the Pittsburgh Field Club on Thursday to join the lovely ladies of the St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind for the Vision of Hope luncheon. Co-chairs Renee Cunningham and Diana Bills were amongst 225 toasting their Hope-tini's in anticipation of the 2009 Medallion Ball that will waltz in this November, honoring young women for their efforts to serve others through community services.

Prexy Annie Hanna Engel presented Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh client Frank Barnes with the Anne Freyvogel Hanna Scholarship before the members-turned-models took a turn on the catwalk wearing the kind of couture that made us thankful we had just cleaned out our closets ... naturally, to make room for some more.

We spotted Medallion Ball co-chairs Kelly Hanna Riley and Mollie Hanna Lang, Helen Hanna Casey, Mary Anne Hanna, Annie Cestra, Lynn Bainbridge, Roseanne Wholey, Julia Gleason, Judith Linaburg and Penny McKenna.

In the Huddle

"How do I balance my business and personal life? I don't. My wife does. She blows the whistle at home," laughed Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as he very humbly called the play-by-play on his personal journey both on and off the field for 250 of us as the guest of honor for Challenge the Champions.

Held at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts on Friday, ten seconds into the game, it became blazingly obvious that one needn't look any further than the sidelines to find a more refreshing display of graciousness and class.

"I don't know why I was so nervous to meet him when he's only three years older than my son!" commented Every Child director Susan Davis, who also announced her retirement from the organization she founded twelve years ago that remains committed to ensuring all children are raised in a loving and stable environment.

To say we left inspired is not saying enough.

Raising $50K in the huddle were board chair Sean Winters, Kiya Tomlin, Steelers assistant head coach John Mitchell, Carol and Joe Massaro, Linda Massaro, Dee Delaney, Judge Thomas Flaherty and Family Ever After awardees Sherry Jo Matt, Heather McBrier, Maria Ringeisen and Kelly Schweiger.

New Day Dawning

Talk about flower power! One look at the gorgeous signature orchid centerpieces in luscious bloom on our tables at LeMont, and we knew that Manchester Bidwell Corporation prez Bill Strickland would be making his entrance at any moment.

"I was really on him to be on time today," laughed his wife and honorary co-chair Rose as we joined Lydia's Place in chasing the clouds away on a particularly dreary Friday for A New Day Dawning.

Helping incarcerated and recently released women and their children rebuild their lives, board prexy Marilyn Caye and director Vicki Sirockman were amongst the 150 who came to show their support during this annual celebration of restoration, renewal and rebirth.

Also rounding out the who's who were awardees Mark Stabile, Carol Haley-Smith and Roberta Schick; guest speaker Dr. Susan Phillips; Mernie Berger; Alfred and Ardelle Hopson; and emcee Wendy Bell of WTAE.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday

Conversation w/Paul O'Neill & Henry Kissinger -- Gilda's Club, Heinz Hall, 412-338-1919

Tuesday

Hillman Cancer Center Gala, Monroeville Convention Center, 412-623-4777

Players 4 Kids Gala, Westin Convention Center, 412-766-9416

Oct. 8

Steelers Style Show -- Starzl Transplantation Institute & Cancer Caring Center, Heinz Field East Lounge, 412-622-1212

Art of Wine & Food -- HEARTH, Children's Museum, 412-939-2302

Oct. 9

Pink Ribbon Round Up, Lexus of North Hills, 412-487-8448

Oct. 10

Leading Ladies VI Celebration and Auction -- Oakland Catholic, Westin Convention Center Hotel, 412-682-6797

One Breath at a Time: Fire & Ice Gala -- American Lung Association, Rivers Club -- Oxford Centre, 724-933-6180

Art Alive -- Health Hope Network, James Gallery, 412-904-3036

Creating a Scene Gala -- Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 412-471-6070

Oct. 12

Opal Awards -- Women in Film and Media, Point Park University Lawrence Hall, 412-394-3353

Oct. 13

Hot Pink Pittsburgh -- Adaigo Health, Byham Theater, 412-253-8179

Oct. 14

Key to the Cure -- Gilda's Club, Saks, 412-338-1919

Oct. 16

Taste of the Gardens -- Botanic Gardens of Western Pa., J. Verno Studios, 412-444-4161

Oct. 17

Cameos of Caring Awards -- Pitt School of Nursing, D.L. Lawrence Convention Center, 412-624-4586

Taste of the Steelers -- Starzl Transplantation Institute & Cancer Caring Center, Heinz Field East Lounge, 412-622-1212

Jewel Ball -- Early Learning Institute, St. Clair Country Club, 412-922-8322, ext. 26

Oct. 20

Savoring Sewickley, Sewickley Public Library, 412-741-3974

Oct. 22

Wines Under Glass Sparkler: Exotic Treasures at Phipps, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 412-441-4442, ext. 3966

Reach for the Stars -- DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, Omni William Penn, 412-924-1012

Power of Work Awards -- Goodwill Industries, Carnegie Music Hall, 412-481-9005

Jazz Explosion -- Sojourner House, LeMont; 412-441-7783, ext. 10

Community Heroes Awards -- United Cerebral Palsy, Westin Convention Center Hotel, 412-683-7100, ext. 2153

Oct. 23

25 Club Fall Luncheon -- Magee-Womens Hospital NICU, Duquesne Club

Oct. 24

Pointe in Time Ball -- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre; Hilton Pittsburgh, 412-281-0360

Oct. 29

Magic of Mentoring -- Mentoring Partnership, Heinz Field East Lounge, 412-281-2535

Oct. 30

Whales/Tohara Exhibit Reception , Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 412-622-3309

Fights and Feathers -- National Aviary, East Club Lounge -- Heinz Field, 412-559-3519

Nov. 5

Vegas on the Mon, LeMont Restaurant, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 412-395-2890

The Falbos @ The Phipps, Phipps Conservatory, Heritage Community Initiatives, 412-351-0535

Nov. 7

Black Tie 'n Tails -- Animal Friends, Circuit Center. 412-847-7000

Bone Bash Gala -- Arthritis Foundation, Pittsburgh Hilton, 412-566-1645, ext. 1105

Passion for Wine. PPG Wintergarden, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Nov. 9

Signature Chefs Auction, Westin Convention Center, March of Dimes, 412-505-2200, ext. 117

Nov. 11

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Preview, Benedum Center, Child Watch, 412-586-0880

Nov. 14

Bal Polonaise -- Polish Cultural Council, Westin Convention Center, 412-871-3347

Nov. 16

In the Pocket with Charlie Batch , J. Verno Studio, Best of Batch Foundation, 412-326-0119

Nov. 17

Courage House Luncheon, Heinz Field East Lounge, Holy Family Institute; 412-766-9020, ext. 219

Nov. 21

CHAOS Ball, Edgeworth Club, Child Health Association/Sewickley, 412-741-3221

Story Book Ball , Heinz Field East Lounge, Ronald McDonald Charities, 412-362-3400

Nov. 24

Max Starks Thanksgiving Food Drive, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank,

Nov. 27

Medallion Ball, Hilton Pittsburgh, Blind/Vision Rehabilitation Services

Dec. 2

Hope Has a Home, Westin Convention Center, Gateway Rehabilitation Center

Dec. 3

Holiday Trees Preview Party, Carnegie Museum of Art, CMA Women's Committee

Dec. 4

Westmoreland Society Gala, Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Ronald H. Brown Leadership Gala, Westin Convention Center, Urban League of Pittsburgh

Dec. 5

Season of Giving Gala, Oakmont Country Club, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh

Holidays with Marianne Cornetti, Butler Area Intermediate High School, Butler County Symphony Orchestra

Dec. 11

Portraits of the Past Gala -- Art Institute, 412-291-6200, ext. 7123

Dec. 13

Reindeer Ball, Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh Mercy Foundation

Holiday Party, Bold New Home, Pittsburgh Opera Association

Dec. 19

25 Club Holiday Ball, Duquesne Club, Magee-Womens Hospital NICU

Dec. 26

All Service Academies Ball, Soldiers & Sailors Museum, Academies Parents Associations

Dec. 31

Auld Lang Syne Celebration with Marianne Cornetti, Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh Opera

First Night Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Cultural District

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