Come fly with me: It was a picture perfect Thursday night at the Allegheny County Airport’s Jet Voyager Hangar in West Mifflin, where a sold-out crowd of more than 720 partygoers arrived to celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh’s 50th anniversary. The hangar has become the newest local hotspot for events that want to stand out from the crowd. “This is our 50th year, and we wanted to do something spectacular,” said Jan Glick, CEO of BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh. And spectacular, it was. Guests were greeted by aerialists pouring champagne from the sky, entertainment by Three Rivers Entertainment All Star Band, strolling supper by Common Plea Catering, and a dessert smorgasbord courtesy of Bella Christie and Little Z’s. But what made this year’s event unique was that everyone was encouraged to pack his or her suitcase because one lucky winner and a guest would be flown to the Big Apple immediately following the event by private jet for an all-expense paid weekend getaway. Talk about flying high! Another drawing would send others to Nemacolin Woodlands and the Omni Bedford Springs Resort by limousine. Now that’s traveling in style.

#SEENJetSetters: Event chair Kate Lambert, board president Seth Corbin, Kenny Ross (who was one of the founders of BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh in 1965) with wife Claire, Richard and Nancy Zappala (who was the very first Big Sister in 1973), Tom Hardiman, James and Ilene Ross, Tony and Karen Ross, Benjamin and Joanne Simon, emcee Jared Leland with wife Erin, Derek and Rebecca Mousseau and Ned Schano. Erin Baker attended with husband Allegheny County Councilman Tom Baker, who said that being a “Big” changed his life. “I have been a part of my ‘Little’s’ life for over 14 years now. It has been such an enriching and amazing journey for us both.”

First Published: September 14, 2015, 4:00 a.m.