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If your taste runs to the razzle-dazzlement of a luxe night with Oscar-worthy bijoux as a drawing card, the Diamond Dazzler is your kind of party. "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," purred Marilyn on the sound system as black-ties red-carpeted their way past a swirl of lights to the entrance of the Museum of Art. And four handsome doormen

in white tuxedos ushered them into the glam-what-am gala that previewed the Carnegie's three-day Gem and Mineral Show.

A record crowd of cafe society's 600 took in the stage show, complete with a Lorelei chanteuse in pink taffeta, before moving through the lobby walkway arched in twinkling branches and white bouquets of calla lilies, orchids and hydrangeas. In a well guarded alcove, women queued up for souvenir pix of themselves bedecked in a million bucks of fire and ice. And you thought diamonds were forever.

The eve's crown princess was Miss America 1999, the drop-dead gorgeous Nicole Johnson Baker, armed by hubby Scott of WTAE-TV, who lent her two crowns (she won the first as Miss Virginia) to the show. Now at home in the North Hills, Nicole is a national spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association and, um, a glittering community asset.

Big rocks were on a roll Thursday night to benefit the Museum of Natural History. All manner of rare specimens were displayed in the halls of Sculpture, Architecture and Music foyer. We saw offerings to fill everything from a small jewelry box to a walk-in safe. While women with the "I have to have it!" look were slipping on rings and things that make the road less traveled a little less bumpy.

But it was the star-quality gems, those that go so well with basic black, that caused the greatest stir. Bailey Banks & Biddle's objects of desire, like the "Incomparable," the largest (407.48 carats) flawless diamond that raised more than a few eyebrows not immobilized by botox. Though it's not up for grabs, I was told it could be had for $20 million. And a Brinks truck. The Incomparable shared space with ice-packed works of remarkable beauty at yet another $25 million in the Founders Room ... and it was guarded by offensive tackles with biceps the size of breadboxes. Right. A ring here, a necklace there, and pretty soon it adds up to real money.

Diamonds to event planner Dee Weinberg for orchestrating the sparkle plenty ambience and to floral gem Michael Jacobs who ramped up the silver screen wattage with his inventive designs and stunning monochromatic arrangements. He also draped cocktail tables in platinum and topped them with over-sized martini glasses dripping crystals. While models swanned by in killer bijoux, Pam Palmieri kicked back the crowd with a terrific cabaret show. Parkhurst catered the so-so graze that had too-too few chairs for a polite bite.

Led by gala chairs Carolyn and Bill Byham with daughter Tacy, here come the glitterati: co-chairs Karen and Ed Linder, Catherine and Mark Loevner with daughter Caroline, Jenifer and Mark Evans, Vicky Lee and Otto Chu, Dee Bold, Christine and Malcolm Ferguson, Marsetta and Dick Schweiger, and Gerri and Mike Weiss; CMNH director Bill DeWalt; PNC's Holly Buffinton with Vic Bove; Bailey Banks & Biddle prez Charles Fieramosca in from Texas (PNC and BBB were presenting sponsors); Nadine Bognar; Don Palmieri; Susie and Gregg Perelman; Judy and Dr. Ron Linaburg; Ann and Ron Wertz; Barbara Barry in a fab sable fling; Marsha and Scott Deaktor; Joanie and Sam Kamin; Cecile and Eric Springer; Issie and Lee Foster; Jean and Brooks Robinson; Kevin and Kristen McMahon; the Trib's Ed Harrell and Kraig Cawley; Jack and Eleanor Schano Feeney; Nijole; Garth Massingill and Jim Stevenson; Pam and Ken McCrory; Lynn and Joe Smith; Mary Kay and Oliver Poppenberg; Judy and John Woffington; Meg and George Cheever; and Jay Verno whose pix made women look like a million.

Plus such other gem dandies as Ranny and Jay Ferguson; Carnegie prez Ellsworth Brown and Dorothy; Judy Grauer; Julie and Burton Morris; Jane Roesch; Jen and Scott Lombardo (he created the A/V special effects); Barb Mendlowitz; Carol and Myles Berkman; Minnette Bickel in a divine necklace by Erte with her sister Sophie Taylor of Raleigh; Judy Collins; Bonnie Walker; Linda Miller; Sally and Ned Randall; Jean Anne and Brock Hattler; Rose and Dr. Mike Kutsenkow; Susan and Stuart Beckerman; Barbara and Bruce Wiegand; Kirk Johnson and Henry Krakovsky; Gladys Burstein; Marilyn Donnelly; Marie Louise and Kevin Vaughn; Joe Massaro; Janice and Ernie Meade; Russ Kemerer and Beth Wainwright; Dianne and Alan Frank; Sondra Carlson and Mike Wolff; Barbara McKenna; Marsha Berger and Kevin Silson; Mary McVay and son Tim in a black velvet smoking; Dolly Ellenberg; Betsy Wotherspoon; Dave Hairhoger; Len Spampinato and fiancee Rose Dempsey; Dr. Laura Pallan and John Tippins; and Ronald Wardezak with Susan wearing a wowsa strapless gown.

Although dinosaurs took a back seat to diamonds at the gala, the show added even greater luster to an institution long considered a gem among the world's natural history museums.

Village Voices

"The best dressed, most stylish suburban ladies in Sewickley, PeeeAaaa," were back in show biz again with Saturday's C.H.A.O.S in Vegas Ball, at the Flamingo, aka the Edgeworth Club. CHAOS, as in the Child Health Association of Sewickley ... a fave charity that's donated more than $3 million over the years to child-related causes in our region. Except the dudes in this musical spoof called the village, "Sickly."

What we had here was a cleverly constructed, wittily delivered riff on vintage Vegas that takes a group of veddy proper ladies to Sin City for a national cookbook convention. Of course, it's an inside joke, but a really funny one. Would it help to tell you that playwright Diane Tito brought down the house in a Judy Garland number and that her guy, Dick,

was cast as the don's son, Fredo Corleone? I thought so.

Credit where credit is due: Dolores Manuel directed the show, Joe Domencic was music director and a host of community-spirited citizens worked behind the scenes to support this totally volunteer production.

Tix were priced at a tres-affordable $75, which delivered 428 black-ties to the veddy proper club that was aflutter in pink feathers, flamingos, dice and blackjack cards. The only thing missing was the relentless ka-ching of one-armed bandits.

Afterward, high rollers tucked into a fine dine then took to the dance floor to boogie to Airborne, where we spotted ball chairs Merri Corbett and Lisa Burrows with Lee and Chip; CHA prexy Bonnie Megan and Larry; Doe and Tom Samuels; Marcia and David Gordon of Orr's; Comcast's Doug Sansom and Nancy; Gaynor Grant and Dan in his Highlander regimental kilt; Joanna Littlefield; Lisa and Dennis Pegden; Holly and Jay Miller; Susan and Phil Jones; Janet and Gary Chace; Linda and Dr. Mike Orsini; Kelly and Mike Mortenson; Pricilla and Reg Henry; Beth Tarasi and Tony Sinatra (they're engaged!); Mary and Larry Werner; Lauren Kugima and Don Reinhardt; Judy and Robin Hetzel; Carol and Kevin Weir; Betsy and Sam Halcomb; Mary and Wayne Murphy; Susan and Greg Kaminski; and Reed and Petals' Lori Cisco, who did the eve's posies.

"You gotta have pearls to be one of the girls."

Family Reunion

Saturday night and the "clan" gathered at the Pittsburgh Hilton ballroom for the Family House 20th Anniversary Dinner. In true FH spirit, 17 generous supporters underwrote the event, so that 550 former and current guests, volunteers and other "family" friends attended absolutely gratis.

With three East End locations, FH welcomes weary, anxious folks who travel to our city with loved ones in need of life-saving medical care. Since transforming a former Oakland frat house into an oasis of comfort and compassion in 1983, the guest list totals 75,000 -- and counting.

Building the perfect house always starts with a strong foundation, and FH rests on a rock-solid base of men and women who tirelessy devote their time, talents and deep pockets. Credit visionaries such as Joel Ettinger (with Joan), transplant surgeons Drs. Tom Starzl and Bartley Griffith (and Deni); and Dr. Robert Capretto (and Jackie) for making FH a reality. Longtime volunteers Mary Struk, Sophie Vargo, Ruth Blain, Jane Ellis and Gerry Silverman earned well-deserved recognition for 20 years of service. Not far behind in the staying-power department were 15-year vet Ann Curran and 10-year honorees Ruth Lindner, James Beggs, Marjorie Taylor and Ann Schwartz.

On hand to reminisce were FH director Cindy Roth; ex-director Pat Siger with Alan; past, present and future board chairs Bill Copeland (with Joan), Hoddy Hanna (and Mary Anne), emcee Stacy Smith of KDKA, Ted Struk, Gayland Cook (and Janet), and David Lovejoy (with Susie); Ruth Anne and Ralph Papa; Jeanne and Al Vallano; Rosanna and Philip Spina; James Duratz; Kathie and Stan Geier; Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll; FH chaplin Rev. Leslie Reimer; Anne and Jim Noland; Kirk Johnson; Scott Deaktor with wife Marsha and mother Marsha; Vange and Nick Beldecos; Beverly Mermelstein; Christine Brickner and Dr. Jim Luketich; Marie and David Navikas; Joanne Sarver; Carey and Chris Miller; Ginger and Howard Schwartz; and Rebecca and Gregory Greenleaf.

One happy family.

-- John Altdorfer

League Leaders

If you looked up their batting averages, they'd all be hitting 1.000 as community role models. Whether they walked the beat to keep streets safe or helped innercity kids beat the odds in school, five outstanding citizens and organizations received the MVP treatment during Thursday's Urban League of Pittsburgh Ronald H. Brown Leadership Banquet at the Westin Convention Center ballroom.

Everyone talks about embracing diversity, but these honorees know a thing or two about overcoming adversity to raise up the quality of life for the city's black residents. The leadership lineup featured former Pitt police officer Deborah Walker; the late James Henry, former Hill House director; the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation; PNC Financial Services; and Equitable Resources. Named after the first African-American to serve as Secretary of Commerce, the award symbolizes the spirit of cooperation and equality.

Among the 700 black-tie movers and shakers were UPL prez Esther Bush; board chair Victor Roque and Marcia; Lois and Lester Cain; Margaret and Charles Washington; Janet and Greg Spencer; Pitt's Dr. Larry Davis; Claudette and Dr. Harold Lewis; emcee Patrice King Brown of KDKA; Erv Dyer with mother Jean; Chris and Dr. Jean Meggerson- Moore; Olga George; Dr. Aaron Mann; Nancy and Milt Washington; George Miles with daughter Tammy Brown; Gladys and Arthur Edwards; Eric Springer; Stephanie Cipriani; Dr. Gail Edwards; Colleen and David O'Brien; Jackie Mullins; Marcia Martin; the Revs. Sherry Brooks and Sharon Washington; Leslie Cousan; Natalie Hill; Jennifer Minter; Marissa Viccaro; and Linda and Dave Larotonda.

Leading the way.

-- J. A.

Legal tender

Twenty years ago, the late great Frieda Shapira was honored with the American Jewish Committee's impressive Human Relations Award. Tuesday night at the Omni William Penn, her son Daniel Shapira, a community leader and top corporate litigator, took home the same award. "The Shapira family has spent its life fighting for the causes that AJC stands for," he told us. As the Fates would have it, the family found Frieda's speech among her papers, and it was the basis for Dan's remarks.

The guest list was a roll call of crusaders who raised $100,000 to combat bigotry and racism. Most especially the Shapira clan: Dan's wife Barbara, Karen and David, Drs. Edith Shapira and Mark Schmidhofer; Cathy and benefit chair Sy Holzer of PNC; keynoter David Shribman; Rabbi James Gibson; Ann and Al Rogal; David and Judy Ehrenwerth; AJC/Pgh. prez Mark Frank and chair Harvey Zeve with Lynne and Florence; Stuart Hoffman; Bernie Marcus; Estelle Comay and Dr. Bruce Rabin; Lou Astorino; Eddie Lewis; Cathy and Stu Burstein; Nick Lane; Hannah and Marvin Kamin; Roz Litman; Bette and Hal Bigler; Barbara and Rick Halpern; and Gissa and Rudy Weingartner.

Frieda was the gold standard of good deeds and, to understate things considerably, she was one of a kind. A fact not lost on her friend Bill Strickland of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild. That evening he unveiled an exquisite new hybrid phalaenopsis, now and forever known as the Frieda Shapira orchid.

Frieda, you would've loved it.

Essence of Caring

You can't dress up the harsh realities of homelessness. Yet Thursday's "Time is of the Essence" benefit at Sak Fifth Avenue styled a fashionable fund-raiser for Bethlehem Haven -- the Uptown refuge where homeless women and children find hope and help.

Don't think that the Haven is just another soup-and-shelter setup, because getting people off the streets is only the start. Returning them to the world as responsible, healthy, productive citizens is the endgame. From start to finish, residents receive much-needed medical, dental and emotional care. They work to end crippling addictions. And they learn skills that will help them earn jobs and self-respect. With a track record that's nearly perfect, the Haven is a model of success.

This shopping-for-a-cause soiree was hosted by BH board member Miryam Knutson and SFA GM Larry Bruce. Grazing stations on every floor and an Absolut-ly fab martini bar encouraged browsers and buyers to explore, and Saks generously donated 10 percent of the evening's sales.

The tony clientele included BH director Marilyn Sullivan; board chair Linda Antonelli; Dr. E.J. Donnelly; Ceci Sommers; Mary McDonough; Miss Pennsylvania Candace Otto with parents Bill and Audia; Veronica and Lou Guarino; Nachum Golan and Steve Hough; Beth Kuhn; Brian Buzzelli; Izazzu's Gino Chiodo with Marshall Leebov; Jody Lange and Tom Conrad; Kirstin Olsen; Linda Henry; Marcia Gruver; Lynn Phillips; and Michelle Martorella with son Louis and mom Marlene.

Be thankful.

-- J. A.

Star Power

Carolyn and Bill Byham (think Byham Theatre, WQED's Carolyn M. Byham Studio and see Page C1) of Development Dimensions International were guests of honor Tuesday night at a chic and stunning cocktail soiree Nadine Bognar gave at the The Duquesne Club.

The very philanthropic Byhams will be giving star shine a big push as celestial honorees of the Point Park Starmakers Gala, a very black tie on Saturday, March 27, at the Pittsburgh Hilton. Behind the scenes, Mosiac Media prez (and agent to stars Jim Carrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Will Farrell) Jimmy Miller of L.A. and Ellen Golonski will be guiding

the do with assists by Marsetta Schweiger and Dee Bold. You should also know that Dee was this year's starmaker and her fans filled the Hilton ballroom to overflowing.

Dubbed "Starmakers" for PPU's role as a launching pad in orbiting its Conservatory of Performing Arts' students -- like those who entertained at cocktails -- to showbiz fame.

Joining our ever-gracious hostess were PPU's prexy Dr. Katherine Henderson with Tracy and board chair Tom Golonski of National City; former honorees Jan and Dick Pagliari; CoPA department chair Ron Allen-Lindblom; Carol Word and Bill Trueheart; Fran and Jim Abraham; alum Billy Hartung; Sandy Bettor; Richard Rauh; Joanie Kamin; Nancy Zelonka; Angie Longo; Shirley and Ron Barash; Janice Friedman; Tom McMillan; Scott Morgan; Ayanna King; Carol and Paul Meese; Tom O'Shea; Maura Minteer; Susie and Augie Bennardo; Kim Jackson; Charlie Quillin; and Lynda Burkel.

Expect star treatment on March 27.

Quick Takes

Cotillion Calling. Put a black-tie around March 6 in your palm pilot for the Easter Seals Cotillion that will be jammin' and jumpin' to the Roger Humphries quintet at the Omni William Penn ballroom. Original "Snoopy" and "Cat in the Hat" artwork as well as vintage vinos will highlight the silent auction. Robin Fernandez hosted a cocktail mix-and-mingle on Tuesday at his downtown Bossa Nova to announce the eve's jazzmatazz, where we spotted benefit chairs Janice and Ernie Meade with Betsy and Tom Teti; Jackie Shogan; Jill and Roy Cheran; ESWP prez Larry Rager; Herb O'Dell; Rosi and Dr. Rory Cooper; Carmelle Nickens; Marion and Santo Berasi; Diane Faust and Dr. Barry Lemberski; Sharon Stockey; and Ben Del Prince.

Radioactivity. It was a Tuesday night of news, jazz and NPR at WDUQ's benefit eve in the Omni William Penn. Station manager Scott Hanley imparted news that WDUQ will beef up its signal, drummer Roger Humphries and his quintet supplied the cool vibe and NPR's Liane Hansen delightfully name-dropped a few of her fave interviews as host of "Weekend Edition Sunday" to such guests as Sally Levin; Eric Mendelson; Diana and Bob Bowden; Pam Golden and Ronnie Bryant; Natalie and Judge Larry Kaplan; Ward and Shirley Olander; Ron Somer; Joe Bosick; Lynn and Steve Silberman; Wendell Freeland; Fran Egler; Tony Mowod and the many faces fronting the familiar on-air voices.

More Fanfare headlines

• The Monster Mash
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• Sucker Punch
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• Fanfare: Touch Down
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• Fanfare: Wild Things
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