Blind Vision of Hope Luncheon: An Afternoon in Tuscany
When and where: Thursday at St. Clair Country Club.
Party for a Purpose: It was a sold-out event with auction items aplenty, including fun getaways and the “back by popular demand” Designer Purse Auction. (Givenchy, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Trina Turk, and Coach were raffled off to support the cause). Guests enjoyed Tuscan-tini’s while listening to music by Rick Purcell.
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Frick Art & Historical Center New Orientation Center’s Grand Opening
The Place and Purpose: Nearly 200 supporters of the Frick Art & Historical Center celebrated the grand opening of the museum’s new Orientation Center Thursday evening.
The Party: Festivities began with cocktails in the courtyard next to the new center and featured remarks by Frick Board of Trustees Chair Cary Reed; Frick Trustee and Campaign Chair Chip Burke; Frick Director Robin Nicholson; and Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett, who announced the state was giving the Frick a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant award. The funding will be used for the construction of a new education and community center — which defines Phase II of the museum’s $15 million expansion project. Following remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Orientation Center’s entrance.
#SEEN: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, David and Susan Brownlee, David and Barbara Burstin, Joel and Mia Bernard, Patsy Burke, Former Frick Director Bill Bodine, The Frick Collection (New York) Director Ian Wardropper, Jon Traficonte and Kristen Giannattasio of Schwartz/Silver Architects, Boston, and Karen Loysen of Loysen + Kreuthmeier Architects, Pittsburgh.
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Hillman Center for Performing Arts: 10th Anniversary Celebration
Party for a Purpose: More than 200 guests gathered on a sunny Thursday afternoon to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel. The event celebrated the facility’s transformational effect on the school’s arts program and showcased a sample of the performers who grace its stages each year. Guests enjoyed performances in the Richard E. Rauh Theater featuring Shady Side Academy students, a Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra string quartet, the Hill Dance Academy Theatre and the Afro-American Music Institute. Mr. Rauh, a Shady Side alum, was the featured speaker while alumnus Henry Hillman and his wife, Elsie – for whom the building is named – were guests of honor. Afterward, guests enjoyed ice cream with students on the outdoor plaza.
#SEEN: David Roger, Tom and Linda Cangiano, Sarah York Rubin, Rick Munroe, Floyd Cephas, Betsy Watkins, Mike and Slo Casey, Britton and John Wean, Judy Granato, Wendy Todd, Jodi Palamides, Kate Vavpetic, Amy Nixon and Ellen McConnell.
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KDKA’s 31st Annual Spaghetti Breakfast
When and Where: Friday at Heinz Hall Garden Plaza
A Burgh Tradition: People got up quite early for a bowl of noodles, with the crowd forming around 5 a.m. to enjoy piping-hot plates of penne pasta, sausage, bread and all the fixings served by KDKA personalities and local dignitaries. “This is a one-of-a-kind event and I love that KDKA started it with John Cigna and that it continues with John and me,” Larry Richert said.
Pasta with Benefits: The event supports The Little Sisters of the Poor, which collected monetary and canned food donations. This year, Pittsburgh artist Johno will auction off three prints of his paintings to support the charity. Two of the prints are featured on Sarris Candies boxes and the third is appropriately titled “Tomatoes.”
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Attack Theater’s Season 20 Kick-Off
All the details: Attack Theatre kicked off its 20th anniversary season on a warm Saturday night at Anna Singer and Don Kortlandt‘s scenic Mount Washington home. Roughly 90 guests joined in the celebration, which included a dance performance with a surprising aquatic finale in the backyard pool. Attack Theatre board member and long-time supporter Jamee Todd took to the pool’s edge as a surprise live auction challenge. To a cheering crowd, she dove into the glowing water and into the arms of Peter Kope, the theater’s co-artistic director. Guests also enjoyed food by Ladyfingers and La Tavola, and a gorgeous rooftop view of Saturday night fireworks.
#SEEN: Pam and Ken McCrory,Laura and Kevin Horner, Artist and Owner of the Pittsburgh Coliseum Tina Brewer, William Modrak and Dr. Elliott Kramer, Anne Billet and Vince Lackner, Jon Seeley and Dean Hastings, Sean Gray, Kate Freed and Jack Brice, Rubén Graciani and Matt Pardo, Mary McFadden, Gary Hunt, Nancy Simpronio, Fran Abraham, Jeff Wigton, Attack Theatre Co-Founders and Artistic Directors Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza, Attack Theatre Executive Director Rebecca Himberger with Stephan Piotrowski.
First Published: September 22, 2014, 4:00 a.m.