Charity
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Three Philly Restaurants Compete in James Beard Foundation’s Mushroom Blended Burger Project
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler The James Beard Foundation is challenging restaurants and diners nationwide to reach for a better burger this summer – a blended burger – which adds at least 25 percent earth-friendly mushrooms into the patty. The Blended Burger Project kicked off on May 29 with more than 350 restaurants participating across 45 states, from fine dining to chain operators. “A ‘Blended Burger’ is a much more sustainable and plant-forward opportunity for chefs to menu the iconic burger,” said James Beard Foundation vice president Kris Moon. “We are excited to see so many restaurants of all types take part in the Blended Burger Project.” We came, we…
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Hot Time in the City at Laurel Hill Cemetery’s ‘Soulstice’ Fundraiser
Photos, story by Sharon Kozden I couldn’t be at Stonehenge in England for Summer Solstice 2017. I could, however, celebrate in Druidical-style, spending several hours during a perfect summer evening on Saturday, June 24 at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The fundraiser, labeled a “Soulstice,” was presented by their Young Friends group, the “Antemortem Society” and was staged in the cemetery’s oldest section, the Medallion Garden. Surrounded by headstones, vaults and crypts at sunset, the atmosphere became predictably and preternaturally mystical. I could not have chosen a better venue for my Stonehenge-desired experience. The Young Friends group certainly knows how to throw a party! Pathways were lined with miniature candles, luring party-goers to…
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Garces Foundation Gala Urges to Think Local, Give Local at Lowes Hotel
Story by Jennifer Ferrell, photos by Renee DiPietro “America is immigrants.”- Chef Jose Garces The Think Local, Give Local Gala hosted by Philadelphia’s very own restauranteur and Iron Chef, Jose Garces, gave patrons an opportunity to aid in the Garces Foundation created to benefit Philadelphia’s immigrant community. As a child of immigrants hailing from Ecuador, Garces’ created a foundation that provides health and education services to the underserved immigrant population under his employment. To celebrate this worthy cause, the gala, held at the Loews Hotel in Center City, boasted delicious tastings from numerous Philadelphia restaurants while attendees bid silently on food themed items whilst sipping Tito’s Homemade Vodka and tasty wine.…
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Celebrating the Kentucky Derby, West Laurel Hill Style
Story by Tiffany C. DuBois, Photos by Eric Morales When one thinks of the Kentucky Derby, you think of mint juleps, good food, bowties, women’s fashion and hats. Especially the hats. West Laurel Hill’s derby day had all this and so much more. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. West Laurel Hill is a well know cemetery located in Bala Cynwyd. It is the site of many notable burials and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It also has an arboretum and an outdoor sculpture garden. So, how do you throw a derby party in the middle of a cemetery? Not to worry,…
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Simon’s Soiree, a Heartfelt Evening for a Great Cause at Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel
Story, photos by Jill Beckel This year’s Simon’s Soiree was an elegant, heartfelt affair. The soiree is held annually to benefit Simon’s Fund and this year’s 8th Simon’s Soiree was held at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in February. Simon’s Fund aims to provide free heart screenings at schools and raise awareness for undiagnosed heart conditions. Per their website, “The organization provides free heart screenings to children, advocates for life-saving legislation, hosts awareness events, and promotes research. Its mission is to save a child’s life… and then another, by raising awareness of conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death.” The evening opened with a cocktail hour and open auction with all proceeds earned going…
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Smart and Sexy Day Making Women Feel Fabulous with Career Wardrobe
Story, photos by Tyra Gardner Smart and Sexy Day at Career Wardrobe was held at the end of March with Guest Speakers Karima Renee, The Philly Bra Lady and John Wind and Robbin Cook, John Wind Maximal Art. Karima conducted a workshop titled Bra 101 Bootcamp where she educated women on the importance of wearing proper undergarments. “For 5 years, I wanted this moment and it’s finally here, I’m officially becoming an Ambassador for Career Wardrobe,” said Karima. John Wind and Robbin Cook conducted a workshop titled Accessorizing for Impact where they educated women on the importance of proper accessories and clothing when conducting a career search. This event had 15 participants…
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Glamsino Night Gets Glitzy for Action Wellness at Hotel Palomar
Story, photos by Tiffany DuBois On a wonderfully clear and crisp night, people of all backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gambler lovers attended Glamsino Night at Hotel Palomar in Center City, Philadelphia. Attendees were greeted by the lovely Kate Marlys of Philly PR Girl whose offices are in downtown Center City along with Action Wellness, formerly of ActionAids, which now raises funds for any cause that impacts people, not just those with aids. Hotel Palomar was the primary donor, donating the space, food and beverages and bringing in the Gaming Association with black jack, roulette, crabs, and money wheel tables, along with the people who showed you how to play the…
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Alex’s Lemonade Stand Spring Family Festival Blossoms at National Constitution Center
Story, photos by Tyra Gardner Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer, has teamed up with the National Constitution Center and Northwestern Mutual to a host a Spring Family Festival in the heart of Old City Philadelphia. The lemonade stand themed festival took place on Saturday, April 15 at the National Constitution Center. This is the first year having this event. “ I would like this to be an annual event here held during the Spring,” said Liz Scott. Inside the National Constitution Center, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation kicked off their summer events season with a wide array of kid-friendly and lemonade…
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An Evening of Drag, Cabaret-Style at the William Way LGBT Community Center
Story by Jennifer Sharpe, photos by Philadelphia Gay Mens’ Chorus One fabulous evening of in March, the second floor ballroom at the William Way LGBT Community Center transformed into a dimly-lit cabaret club, festooned with feathers, sequins and plenty of gold lame. This evening was the Philadelphia Gay Mens’ Chorus (PGMC) Annual Drag Cabaret fundraising event. Held officially for the past 3 years, but unofficially for at least twice as long, this event has grown from its humble beginnings in various neighborhood bars to the glitz and glamour, standing-room only event we see today. This annual event raises funds in the thousands of dollars, managing to increase its amounts every year. A raucous and…
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West Laurel Hill’s Kentucky Derby Party Adds Privileged Perks
Story by Tiffany DuBois, photos by Philly PR Girl Back in the olden days, the Kentucky Derby was an activity that only the privileged classes enjoyed. It was refined and extravagant in nature. VIP’s got their own seating areas, and the servants fetched whatever they wanted. The derby was originally organized by Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, after he returned from Europe and witnessed first-hand famous races in England and France. When he returned to his home in Kentucky, he organized the Louisville Jockey Club for the purpose of raising money to build racing facilities outside the city. The track…