WHIRL EVENT COVERAGE

All WHIRL event photos on display in the online photo store!

Polotini

Pictured: Carrie Conboy, Laura Penrod Kronk

Family House’s Polotini party, sponsored by Hefren-Tillotson, got guests excited about September’s Family House Polo Match at Hartwood Acres. Held at Saks Fifth Avenue, 300 guests sipped on “Polotinis,” and noshed on bites by La Crème Catering and Panera Bread as they perused the chic fashions — with a 20 percent discount to benefit Family House! WHIRL’s Jack and Christine Tumpson emceed as celebrity models took to the catwalk, their hair coiffed by Salon Vivace’s John Vella. The event raised $20,000 for Family House, an organization devoted to providing a home away from home for patients who travel to Pittsburgh for medical treatment of serious illness. “The theme was all about giving back,” says Christie Knott, executive director of Family House. “The event really delivered the message of our mission. It was a great success.”

Spoil Me Spa Party

Pictured: Geri Mataya, Madison Bredice, Karen Pisano

It was a night of professional pampering when Spa Uptown hosted a Chicks and Chat happy hour. Women gathered for networking, pampering, and drinking fine wine at the spa, and received advice on everything from hairstyles and coloring to facial care. The event even poked some fun at the hairstyles the women used to wear — there was a “Worst Hair” prize awarded for a picture of the transgression. “Geri Mataya and her staff did such a fabulous job. The spa is beautiful, it’s a little-known gem in the city,” says Beth Slagle, co-founder of Chicks and Chat. The organization hosts six to eight networking events a year, with this particular event attended by about 65 ladies.

 

 

Watches & Wine 2009

Pictured: Chad Rickicki, Bill Bennett, Paul King, John Henne

It was possible to sip every second at the Watches & Wine 2009 event at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The event, co-sponsored by Henne Jewelers, Simpson & McCrady, Fifth Third Bank, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Grossman Yanak, and Ford, treated 100 guests to wine and hors d’oeuvres, and a presentation by Henne Jewelers’ “Chad the Watch Guy.” The team at Henne Jewelers says the museum was a great location for the event. “The Carnegie Museum really stepped up to show people that they aren’t just a museum, but also a great venue for entertaining clients and hosting cocktail parties,” says John Henne, owner of Henne Jewelers.

Ladies Hospital Aid Society Annual Meeting and Fashion Show

Pictured: Janine Booth, Dawn Tomczak, DeeDee Troutman, Heather Dinkel, Miyoshi

Compassion and fashion went hand in hand for the Annual Meeting and Fashion Show presented by the Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. Models donned exclusive styles from e.b. Pepper, Maxalto, Occasions, and Jos. A. Bank Clothier on the runway, and WTAE-TV’s Sally Wiggin completed the ensemble by commentating the fashion show. Boutique shopping, lunch, and the organization’s annual meeting put the final touches on the afternoon.


A Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon

Pictured: Peggy Harris, Gina Pferdehirt, Robert Hill, Jan Curti

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh celebrated its 140th anniversary this year with a celebration of eight extraordinary women. The women, recognized at A Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon at the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh, were honored for their leadership and contribution to the community. The 650 attendees helped honor Deborah Acklin, Sally Wiggin, Valerie McDonald Roberts, Addie Brose, Olga Welch, Dr. Ellen Roth, Joyce Rothermel, and Sylvia Hill Fields. “They are women who have shaped our community and improved the lives of others — they are innovators, visionaries, and advocates,” says YWCA chief executive officer Magdeline Jensen.


Celebrate Summer
with Martin + Osa

Pictured: Trina Orlando, David Hall,
Nicole Barley

In support of the fight against cystic fibrosis, three of this year’s Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest honorees, WHIRL Publishing’s Nicole Barley and KDKA-TV’s David Hall and Trina Orlando, hosted a special “Sip and Shop” event with Martin + Osa at Ross Park Mall. DJ Nugget spun the hits while guests shopped and enjoyed summer cocktails, including M+Ojitos and white wine, along with light bites cooked up by La Crème Catering. Martin + Osa gave guests an exclusive 20 percent off discount to shop the store, donating $1,500 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

 

Lunch with a Legend

Pictured: Guy Junker, Steve Levy, Jeff Harrison, Stan Savran, Barry Melrose

A capacity crowd of more than 100 filled Morton’s Steakhouse for the fourth installment of Lunch with a Legend. ESPN Radio hosts Stan Savran and Guy Junker emceed the lunch, which featured Barry Melrose, an 11-year NHL veteran and ESPN analyst, and Steve Levy, a nationally recognized host of ESPN SportsCenter. The quartet discussed the Pittsburgh Penguins, who at the time, were gearing up to play the über-important game seven against the Washington Capitals. Cassidi Kim, sales and marketing manager for Morton’s, predicts the crowds will keep growing as the event gains popularity.


Pink Frolic Ball

Pictured: Stephen Schwartz, Mary Rogers, Van Kaplan

Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera Guild was tickled pink to present Stephen Schwartz with the Richard Rogers Award for Lifetime Achievement. Schwartz, who is a CMU alumnus, lyricist, and songwriter, celebrated the evening at the Omni William Penn Hotel with more than 350 guests at the Pink Frolic Ball, themed “Legally Pink.” Guests enjoyed dancing to the sounds of Dreamscape, and WTAE-TV’s Mike Clark emceed and introduced the presentation of the award, which was awarded by Richard Rodger’s daughter, Mary Rodgers Guettel. The ball raised funds to benefit the CLO’s programs and activities in order to keep musical theatre alive and vibrant in Pittsburgh.



Hoops for Hope Gala

Pictured: Jacqueline & Jamie Dixon

The American Cancer Society and men’s and women’s basketball coaches from the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, and Duquesne University teamed up to host the second annual Coaches vs. Cancer Hoops for Hope Gala. The Senator John Heinz History Center was the setting for the “Hoop it Up” themed-evening, which was a slam-dunk for 300 guests, including University of Pittsburgh alumnus, Rick Gradisek, who was honored at the gala as “Fan of the Year.” Fine food, cocktails, live music by Sputzy, dancing, and live and silent auctions helped garner nearly $120,000 for the cause.



Celebrate Life,
Celebrate Art

Pictured: Ron Booth, Nachum Golan,
Christopher Hahn, Steve Hough

The Carnegie Museum of Art recently played home to the 21st annual Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art auction and reception for Persad. The auction raised money for Persad’s Free Care Fund, which benefits the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. Celebrity Auctioneer Lynn Cullen hosted the event, which featured the works of more than 200 artists. Cristina Battaglia and Joe Seletyn co-chaired this year’s event and oversaw a committee of 25 volunteers who handled everything from acquiring the art to planning the logistics of the event.


Legends for Charity Pittsburgh Gala

Pictured: Mike & Kiya Tomlin, Cheryl DeLeonardis, Jan & Dave Wannstedt

 At the Second Annual Legends for Charity Pittsburgh Gala, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was able to help families reduce the burden of medical bills and promote research in children’s cancer and other diseases. The sports-star-studded gala, held at the Oakmont Country Club and sponsored in part by Med Health Services, was emceed by WTAE-TV’s Andrew Stockey and chaired by national chairperson, CBS Sports’ James Brown. University of Pittsburgh Panthers football coach Dave Wannstedt and his wife, Jan, served as co-chairs. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin with his wife, Kiya, served as honorary co-chairs. Approximately 170 guests helped raise more than $120,000 to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

All WHIRL event photos on display in the online photo store!