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Hope Takes Flight
View the Photo Gallery for Hope Takes FlightAimee Obidzinski/For the Tribune-Review
View the Photo Gallery for Child's play
Aimee Obidzinski/For the Tribune-Review
View the Photo Gallery for the rest of the Fanfare photos
Aimee Obidzinski/For the Tribune-Review
To the mix, include hosts Elsie and Henry Hillman, Pittsburgh's first couple and good citizens supreme, and Australia's great white shark, golf legend Greg Norman. "To all the men here tonight," Henry joked, "how would you like to look like Greg and play golf like he does?" That Henry. Not only did Greg park his Gulfstream 5 on the tarmac near a few other ultimate boy toys whose owners had jet-setted in for the party, but the dreamboat donated every vintage pour from his Greg Norman Estates vineyard in Napa Valley.
Passports provided 880, um, passengers with seat assignments, while uniformed crews led them from cocktails to the dinner space. The sounds of normally blase jaws dropping was deafening. Clouds swirled on white drapes lining the walls and Don Sebesky's 45-piece New York orchestra was playing "Come Fly With Me" full stick. My, my, my, we certainly were airborne, Auntie Em, and I knew we weren't in Kansas anymore.
In this setting, anything was possible. Lined up like jets on a runway, long tables were smartly covered in amethyst, coral, emerald or amber silk and topped by matching filigree hurricane lamps. Even the carpeting was color-keyed to each setting. Servers attired as flight attendants delivered a killer menu that looked beautiful and tasted even better. And the classy tableware changed with each of the five courses. What we had here were 30 chefs creating miracles in a nonexistent kitchen. A Bobette's feast exquisitely orchestrated by Bob Sendall of All in Good Taste Productions who also designed the high-and-flighty ambience.
What the party didn't have was turbulence: nary a single speech (videos on, yessss, waterfall screens sent powerful messages) nor an ear-splitting musical note during dinner ... and guests left their checkbooks at home. But, if you were tempted to bid on a NYC weekend and dinner with Mr. Big (be still my heart!) from "Sex in the City" ... or on jewelry, furs and luxe trips, why, you could log on to eBay at the computer terminals in the cocktail tent that had been transformed into a lounge to rival that of the Concord!
Dinner theater at its finest had a troupe of aerial artists performing spectacular adagios through space and floating above the crowd without a net. There were seamless performances by Broadway's Jerry "Law & Order" Orbach, Billy Porter, Marcus Lovett and Michele Pawk. Then, to surprise "Moo" (what Elsie's grandkids call her), another waterfall screen lifted and out stepped singer-guitarist Matt Fisher (Audrey and Tim's talented lad) in from Los Angeles to strike up his band. You can't have too much of a good thing, gentle reader, when it's this fabulous. And a flight bag overflowing with first-cabin goodies was another gift at journey's end.
What would you give to find a cure for cancer? Mark Pasquerilla (Crown American of Johnstown) gave $1 million ... as did the Wheeler Brothers (automotive equipment manufacturers in Somerset). Dozens of guests wearing medallions donated $10,000, and others parted with $500 a tix to continue funding the excellence in research and patient care at HCC. Many in the crowd are living proof of battles won at our world-class cancer center. Where an honor roll of medicine men are stretching the art of healing to a future without cancer. Amen and amen.
Leading the way on wings of hope were co-chairs Mikell and Bill Schenk with Pamela and Markos Tambakeras; the Wheelers: Joan and H.W., Debi and Harold with Barbara Wheeler Davies; actor Chris "Mr. Big" Noth; Dotty and Nick Beckwith; UPMC Cancer Centers' director Dr. Ron Herberman and deputy director Dr. Stan Marks with Harriett and Ellen; Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg and Nikki; Helen and Henry Posner; Tricia and Bill Kassling; Bonnie and Tom VanKirk; Susan and Mike Boyle; Sally Levin and son Robert; Jan and Dick Pagliari; Jackie and Dr. Jeff Shogan; beautiful Ellen Goodman; Debbie and Joe Hardy; Jane France and Chris Allison; Rosalie Barsotti and Tony Poli; and Drs. Thelma Snyder and Marc Liang with their parents and lovely lass Julia who bicycled across Europe this summer to raise over $12,000 for UPCI cancer research.
Of course, clan Hillman was there: Audrey and Tim Fisher with their four kids, Lea Simonds with Harley Trice and her son Henry; as were County Exec Dan Onorato and Shelly; Audrey and Tom Hilliard; Mountaineer Racetrack's Ted Arneault; Becky Snyder; Holly Buffinton and Vic Bove; Rachel and Dr. Shalom Kalnicki in from NY; Sandy and Richard Cohen; Diane and Hal Waldman; Judy and Dr. Ron Linaberg; Debbie and Mike Barbarita; Ranny and Jay Ferguson; Mary Jane and Carl Grefenstette; Val and Rick Johnson; Diane and Cliff Rowe; Louisa Rosenthal; Jean and Dr. Sam Jacobs; Chris and Dr. Jim Luketich; Tom Grealish; Bonnie and Bob Cindrich; Stephanie and Tom Flannery; Susan and Barney Guttman; Joanie and Sam Kamin; and Gayle Tissue.
More who's: Elizabeth and Mike Zamagias; Bonnie Anton; Clyde Jones; Ann and Bill Newlin; Shelly and Jeff Lipton; Drs. Ellen and Loren Roth; Nancy and Ed Byrnes; Dr. John McSorley; Tracy and Dr. Ken Melani; Fran Wymard; WTAE's Sally Wiggin and Joe DeNardo; Susan Santa-Cruz and Art Stroyd; Barb Mendlowitz and Jim Zern; Dave Malone; Deborah and Eric Hessinger; Dr. Devra Davis; Liz Concordia; Mernie Berger; Mary Knowles McClintock; Lowrie Ebbert; Kim and Curt Fleming; Annie and Dick Rivers; Dave DeSimone; Barbara and Kent George; Kathe and Jim Patrinos; Jean Ferketish and Bob Thomas; and Linda and John Carlin.
Here's a bottom line that belongs at the top: The eve raised over $4 million, plus another $118K net-net from the online auction ... and a star was born.
| Child's play |
Holy hogwarts, Harry, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood has just gotten bigger and more fun. Saturday's tales of the city brought us to the Grand Opening Gala of the architectural wonderment that's now the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Like the museum itself, the black-tie radiated joy in every direction. It was also an evening when Pittsburgh's most fashionable women were on display and when no one had left her jewels in the vault. Apres-cocktails, when 630 guests experienced some of the creative, please-touch activities that capture a child's imagination, the party gamboled on to the Buhl Planetarium and an adjoining tent for dinner that was catered by the Duquesne Club.
While the tent was a dreamy white-on-white confection with the fashionables supplying the wattage, the Buhl was an explosion of colors. With gleeful pizzazz, Tim Condron's floral designer, Bill Chisnell, fashioned illuminated globes from white puzzle pieces that floated over glass columns in primary colors. Cloths were cherry red and streamered with ribbons. Smashing.
Led by Susie Perelman, divine in a black strapless number by Oscar, and Tim Komen, the eve was a celebration of CMP's dazzling transformation and a toast to board chair Anne Lewis, even more beautiful in a black Badgley-Mischka with beaded sleeves. An unstoppable force, Anne paved the way for the expansion that put CHP on the map as a major player during her six-year watch. And everyone adores her. Three cheers, too, to lovely Carol Berkman, wearing a black Carolina Herrera gown, and to Henry Gailliot who co-chaired the staggering $28 million capital campaign.
This set never heard of the sandman, and a second wave of partygoers hit the scene past beddy-bye for dancing under the Planetarium dome. A peek-a-boo at the guest list: CMP's radiant director Jane Werner and Bob Rutkowsky; Anne's hubby Eddie Lewis with sons Ben and Andy; Doreen Boyce who orchestrated the purchase of Buhl Planetarium; project architects Julie Eizenberg and Hank Koning of Santa Monica; Charena Swann; Dana and Franco Harris; Joanna and Dave Littlefield; Elin and Jim Roddey; Jackie and Dr. Bob Capretto; Ann McGuinn; Ina and Larry Gumberg; Denise and Jack Nairn; Becky Snyder, a knockout in black Nina Ricci; Jane and Jerry Voros; Mardi and Jim Royston; Rob Glimcher and Megan, dazzling in a bling-bling diamond/sapphire necklace.
As well as Mardi and Bill Isler; Nan and David "Mr. McFeely" Newell; Ann and Ron Wertz; Carol and Bill Byham; Ruth Anne and Ralph Papa; Joanne and Dick Beyer; Ann and Al Rogal; Sydelle Kessler; Susan Nernberg; newlyweds Rob and Cathy Lewis Long; Rita and Bob Randall; event planner Shelly Tolo who designed the sparkling soiree; Gregg and Ellen Weiss Kander; Eva Tansky Blum; Dara and John Henne; Bill Boyd; Natalie Moritz; Mary Beth and Chris Leech; Rachel and Horace Payne; Susanne Marsee and Mark Weinstein; Kim and Greg Steliotis; Charlotte and Eric Schmidt; Audrey and Chuck Reichblum; Beth Wainwright and Russ Kemerer; Susan and David Matter; Karen and Bill Tippins; Lisa and Grant Mason; and Claudia and Ray Steeb with daughters Tai and Larissa celebrating her 13th birthday.
So big.
| Blitzburg bonanza |
Black and Gold magic prevailed all weekend as the city's current football heroes romped on the catwalk and a pantheon of former greats gathered to reminisce about glory days during a one-two combination that benefited the Cancer Caring Center and UMPC's Thomas Starzl Transplantation Institute.
Friday kicked off with the Steelers Style 2004 Fashion Show at the Pittsburgh Hilton, where the hard-hitting lineup included couture co-captains Alan Faneca and Kimo Von Oelhoffen; rookie QB sensation Ben Roethlisberger; Antwaan Randle El; Joey Porter; Alan Faneca; James Farrior; Clark Haggans with Alicia Duran and Damon; and Jeff Reed. Stunning Greta Rooney (with Art III) once again diagrammed this runway romp and scored plenty of style points in an Yves St. Laurent ensemble and gold Manolo Blahniks.
With 800-plus fashionistas cheering, notables included Joy and Dr. Thomas Starzl; Kaye and Coach Bill Cowher; Drs. Mercedes and Amadeo Marcos; John Henne with sister Meg Henne Gibson; Dr. Barb Mistick; CCC director Rebecca Whitlinger; board chair Josette Janczak; Richard Bryant; Leslie and Tony and Quatrini; e.b. Pepper and Glenn Harlow; Lynne Molyneaux; Sandee Chicko; and Mark Susany.
Feasting on nostalgia set the theme for Saturday's Taste of the Steelers dinner at the Heinz Field West Lounge, where members of the 1979 Super Bowl champs served plenty of gridiron replays of the Steel Curtain and Franco's Army. The reunion huddle featured NFL Hall-of-Famers Dan Rooney (and Pat); Franco Harris, Joe Greene, Rocky Bleier, John Stallworth, Chuck Noll and Mel Blount, plus all-time faves such as John Kolb, J.T. Thomas, Randy Grossman and Dwayne Woodruff. Among the 560 fans were Ellen and Dr. Stan Marks; Ina and Larry Gumberg; Ruth Anne and Ralph Pappa; Gina Margiotta; Nancy and Doug Sansom; and Susan and Dr. Robert Niztberg.
-- John Altdorfer
| Totally camp |
Summer's a faded memory, and Old Man Winter's sneaking around the corner. But party wizard Bonnie Walker Chirigos waved a wand to transform the Omni William Penn's grand ballroom into a tropical Camp Fever during Friday's Variety the Children's Charity black-tie bash that honored Pitt basketball coach Jamie Dixon (with Jacquelyn) for his slam-dunk commitment to helping the Variety Club reach out to local youngsters with disabilities.
Beneath a canopy of twinkling green streamers that draped the room, 240 black-ties dined at tables tented with mini-lifeguard chairs, crossed oars, lanterns and other camp-y items, including signposts that pointed the way to the "swimming hole" turned dance floor. Sitting on the dock of the imaginary bay, Gary Racan and the Studio E Band created a big splash with endless waves of dance tunes.
During dinner, the CLO New Horizons troupe of disabled performers wowed happy campers such as Children's Institute CEO David Miles; Variety Club chair Dr. Ken Melani and Tracy; VC prez Christine Korbus and Tom; gala chairs Karen and David Wessel; director Celia Hindes and Stan; emcee Jon Burnett and Debbie; Ann Mary and Donald Oylear; Jodie and J.R. Kendrick with Tommy; Pam Handolovitch and Tilden Bennett; and Patty and James Carroll.
Fever pitch.
-- J.A.
| Class colors |
While Pittsburgh's jazz greats packed them in and knocked them out Monday night, it was the kids who supplied the sizzle in Nothing's Black & White
at CAPA, the second such fund-raiser for our High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Under the direction of Mindy Rossi-Stabler, students from every department segued in numbers with pros Kenny Blake, Ron Bickel, Etta Cox, Al Dowe, Jeff Grubbs, Roger Humphries and Justin Surdyn. All singing, all dancing, all jamming with a polish and passion that spoke volumes about their education.
"This is one of the greatest things that has happened for the Cultural District, and especially for the young people who love the arts," said Carol Brown, guest of honor and former prexy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Francois Bitz spoke from the podium about their collaboration that turned CAPA's dream of a new home into a nothing-short-of-spectacular reality. But you knew that. Then principal Mike Thorsen presented our Carol with her striking portrait, a surprise from the faculty and students.
At the jazziest little show in town, we spotted school superintendent Dr. John Thompson; PCT's Kevin McMahon; school board prez Bill Isler and Mardi; Dr. Helen Faison; Barbara and Dick Fisher; Richard Armstrong; Mary Lou and Ish McLaughlin; Nancy and Milt Washington; Jane Arkus; Sarah and Joe Wilson; Jane and Herb Burger; Barbara Mistick and daughter Tori; Matt Dooley; Mike's wife Kathy Thorsen with daughters Emily and Mary Kate; Susan Brownlee; Steve Casey; Bernice Martin; Marva Harris; Natalie and Jon Shirer; and CAPA parents hizzoner Tom Murphy, Nancy and Leon Zionts, and Erica and Frank Zappala.
Add Brown to the colors of CAPA.
| Pet sounds |
Who let the dogs -- and cats -- out? The good folks at Animals Friends, which turned the D.L. Lawrence Convention Center into the city's biggest canine and feline shelter during Saturday's Black Tie & Tails gala. Always willing to dig up some dirt for a good cause, AF staged a virtual groundbreaking for its new North Hills Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center after September's floods washed out the original ceremony. AF also welcomed the legendary Morris the Cat as honorary chairkitty, sharing the limelight with county treasurer John Weinstein, who, along with district attorney Stephen Zappala (with Mary), founded the Allegheny Abused Animal Relief Fund (yes, that's a wonderfully appropriate AARF).
Let's give a long leash to AF director David Swisher (with Patty) for establishing the center as one of the region's premier shelters for unwanted pets. Friends of AF included Lloyd Gluck, whose $1.5 million donation made plenty of dreams come true; AF board press Marlene Ashton and Jim; Del Monte's Barry Shepard with Susan; emcee Leslie Merrill McCombs and Randy; Lora and Perry Sigesmund; Barbara and Robert Fragasso; Katherine Krause; Laura Kronk; Sally Wiggin; Catherine and Mark Loevner; Sarah McKean and P.J. Maloney; Dawn and Chuck Osthoff; state dog warden Jim Brush; Stephanie Bernaciak and Steve Massaro; A.W. and Dick McCombs; Stephanie and Bill Spence; Mary McVay and Tim; Diana Baier; Susan and Stan Muschweck; and Karen and Jim Paras.
Bow wow and how.
-- J.A.
| Saturday night live |
Pittsburgh's party people couldn't catch their collective breath at Saturday's fast and furious round of 10 fund-raising fetes. Black Tie & Tails brought Morris the Cat to the Convention Center ballroom for Animal Friends, and A Taste of the Steelers huddled at Heinz Field's West Club Lounge for the 25th-anniversary reunion of Steelers greats from 1979's Super Bowl XIV. American Cancer Society's Cure-A-Palooza took to the auction block at the Hilton and Butler Health System Foundation's Crystal Ball lit up the Marriott North.
Meanwhile, in the PPG Wintergarden, Cystic Fibrosis uncorked A Passion for Wine, members of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association danced the night away at its President's Ball, the Concordia Club celebrated its 130th anniversary, Temple Emanuel gathered the troops for Amy's Army, the Union Project Unwrapped its holiday art sale at Bellefield Presbyterian Church and I-have-nothing-to-wear fashionistas headed to the ExpoMart for the National Council of Women's Designer Day Sale.
And the beat goes on and on. Lip gloss helps.
| Quick Take |
-- J.A.
