The Philadelphia Film Society celebrated the opening night of the 25th Philadelphia Film Festival last night with a party at the AKA Washington Square, where they honored M. Night Shyamalan with the inaugural Lumiere Award. After the party, the guests headed to the Prince Theater for the opening night film, LA LA LAND. The Philadelphia Film Festival runs from October 20th through October 30th.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Last year Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar launched a unique shopping experience for the guests staying at their Center City hotel called “Shop Like a Local,” a curated shopping guide by fashion blogger Ian Michael Crumm featuring fun Center City shops for guests to check out. This year, Hotel Palomar collaborated with one of the shop owners — local designer Bela Shehu, creative director of NINObrand — to create NINObrand X Hotel Palomar capsule, a collection of easy-to-wear clothing for affordable prices. It launched on October 1st. The collaboration and this year’s “Shop Like A Local 2016” celebrated with a party last week at Hotel Palomar inviting many of Philly’s young fashionistas. Five percent of sales from the NINObrand x Hotel Palomar capsule collection will be donated to Career Wardrobe.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation hosted the  Third Annual Blitz, Bow Ties And Bourbon – On Monday, Oct. 24 at Finley Catering’s Union Trust on 717 Chestnut Street. Guests enjoyed a  cocktail party where they had a chance to mingle with Philadelphia Eagles Malcolm Jenkins, Jordon Matthews, Connor Barwin, Nolan Carroll, Chris Maragos, and Jon Dorenbos  as well as Eagles alumni Harold Carmichael, Mike  Quick, and Gary Cobb, Tra Thomas and Bobby Williams.  Guests were able to buy an official Philadelphia Eagles football and the players were happy to sign it, as well as pose for photos. There was a silent auction, as well as a live auction where signed Eagles jerseys were auctioned off. Proceeds from the event are committed to youth development in underserved communities through providing programs and initiatives that emphasize education, character, life skills, health and recreation.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The Young Friends of the Academy of Music held their annual Halloween party at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Center City on Friday, October 28th. Co-chairs Lynsie Solomon and Scott Johnson welcomed nearly 200 fashionably dressed guests — some wearing fancy masks — to the event in the Petite Ballroom. The attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and delicious Insomnia Cookies during the party. There was also dancing and a deejay. Proceeds from the event benefit the Academy of Music Restoration Fund. The Academy of Music’s 160th Anniversary Ball and Concert will be held on Saturday, January 28th, 2017.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The Philadelphia Art Alliance (PAA) hosted a dinner on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 “Fall at the Mansion” to honor two Philadelphians whose work as civic and cultural leaders and have made a difference for artists and cultural institutions across the city: Elisabeth Agro and Betsy Hummel. PAA celebrates its 101st year on Rittenhouse Square, serving the arts and artists in Philadelphia. The evening began with a cocktail party where guests enjoyed lite bites by Chef Pierre Calmels, who has a French bistro Le Chéri, inside the Philadelphia Art Alliance, and their new exhibit A Curious Nature which runs through December 4. There was a short program extolling the virtues of the two honorees, followed by a special live auction MC’d by Nicole Cashman. Then guests enjoyed a delicious dinner by Chef Calmels.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The annual Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Hope Gala was held Saturday November 5, 2016 at Vie. The event raises money to benefit more than 3,500 children and adults with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive differences served by Devereux in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  Robert Q. Kreider, President and CEO of Devereux, welcomed nearly 500 guests to “A Night in Havana” which featured live and silent auctions, dancing to the popular band London Bridge, and a mojito and cigar patio. There was also an after party with New York City based DJ, Jasmine Chess where the young friends danced well past midnight.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The 40th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, presented by the Museum’s Women’s Committee, kicked off their annual event Wednesday night with a preview party at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the show is being held through Sunday, November 13th. The money raised at the event is used to purchase works of art and craft for the permanent collections, fund conservation projects and support exhibitions and programs for the museum. The Craft Show presents the work of approximately 195 of the most dynamic craft artists in the United States and is considered one of the premier exhibitions in the field.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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White House Black Market presented Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s 25th Anniversary Butterfly Ball at 801 Market Street on November 12.  Nearly 700 guests attended to support the organization, which honored several notable people. This year’s Going Beyond Award was presented to cancer survivors Jenny Burkholder, Ayanna Z. Kalasunas and Judy Weinstein, three women who have used their personal experience with breast cancer to help and inspire others. Honored with the Founders Award was Jennifer Simmons, MD for her work in the field and with LBBC. Andrea and Abraham Morris were recognized with the Impact Award for their support which has played a critical role in LBBC’s evolution. The night started out with a cocktail party, before guests adjourned to the ballroom for a sit-down dinner catered by Jose Garces Events. After dinner it was desserts and dancing with CTO Midtown Express. Co-chairs for the gala were Donna Noce Colaco and Frank Colaco, Emily and Greg Dodge, Lisa and Michael Goldenberg and Joan Martin.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Saturday afternoon the Linda Creed Foundation held their annual fundraiser luncheon at City Ave Hilton. Proceeds from the “Life is a Song Worth Singing” go to the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, which provides more than 325 mammograms, more than 200 diagnostic tests and breast health information to more than 5,000 women to help women and their families survive the financial crunch that often comes with cancer treatment. The afternoon began with friends, family and supporters of Philadelphia songwriter Linda Creed, who died of breast cancer in 1986, mingling, shopping at the various pop-up shops, bidding on silent auction items, and participating in a live auction during the luncheon with prizes ranging from trips to a dinner for 12 in New York City with Mario Batali. During the luncheon Paula Johns sang two of Linda Creed’s biggest hits — one being “The Greatest Love of All.” Both song were arranged by Emmy Award winning producer Bill Jolly, playing the piano.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The Philadelphia Chapter of Little Smiles hosted their 10th Annual Little Smiles Gala at the Crystal Tea Room on Saturday night November 19, 2016. Little Smiles partners with local hospitals, shelters and other like facilities, and works directly with nurses, social workers and caregivers to fulfill personalized requests that create smiles on the faces of children in need as well as suffering from a debilitating illness. The Little Smiles organization grants the special requests and then in most situations, has the caregiver deliver the surprise whether it be an iPod, computer or monthly candy runs delivered by volunteers and sports players. Saturday night several of the children escaped from their situations and were treated like stars on the red carpet. First they were primped and pampered like stars at Strands 25, then whisked to the event in Secrets Limousine to walk the red carpet, sign autographs, and receive their own cute little golden statues. After a cocktail hour, guests adjourned to the ball room for a short program during dinner, as well as a lively auction by Jeff Hammond. During the program a former “star” Raquel Baskin, told the guests how much it meant to her when 10 years earlier she was battling cancer and picked as a “star” at the very first Little Smiles Gala. Now in remission, she spends her time giving back to the organization that meant so much to her in her time of need. Her dad, Glen Baskin, is even a board member.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Last week “Jurassic World: The Exhibition” opened at the Franklin Institute. Based on the blockbuster movie, the exhibition immerses its audience in scenes inspired by the beloved film. Last night the Franklin Institute held a party to celebrate the United States debut of the exhibit. Attendees had a chance to explore the Isla Nublar park, complete with informational exhibits, guides and life-size animatronic dinosaurs. There’s even a room where you can watch dinosaurs eggs being incubated and hatch. The exhibit runs through April 23, 2017.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Our Closet held their 3rd annual “Fashion for All” at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia, on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. The event was a benefit for Our Closet, powered by JFCS. Executive Director Jill Aschkenasy founded the organization in 2011, and it provides clothing free of charge to people in need through “pop-up shops” around town. Each pop up store is set up like a real store with different departments, dressing rooms and volunteers to assist in finding just the right outfit for each person. They can choose up to five articles of clothing . At the event on Wednesday, the lunchtime benefit started with a cocktail party, with passed hors d’oeuvres, before guests headed to the 3rd floor to enjoy a Nieman Marcus fashion show curated by Ana Maria Pimental, Neiman Marcus’ Accessories Fashion Director. Co-chairs of the event were Janice Blumenthal, Jamea Campbell, Haley Lesser, Sandi Slap and Shannon Zeller.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season opened last Friday with a celebration which kicked off the first of 10 performances which continues through December 18. Friday night’s concert was dedicated to military and the first responders from the Philadelphia area. The night started with a dinner for friends and supporters of the Philly Pops at The Prime Rib, hosted by Frank Giordano, Philly POPS President and CEO. Then at 7pm guests headed over to The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for a short program honoring the military and first responders, where at the conclusion the children of the service people received bikes which were donated by Amazon and entertained by ACFD Sandpipers Pipes & Drums.  At 8PM POPS Music Director Michael Krajewski lead the Philly Pops in entertaining the crowd of service people with songs of the holidays including O, Come All Ye Faithful, We Need a Little Christmas, Go Tell It on the Mountain, and many more seasonal favorites.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Chef Brian Duffy of Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, partnered with local brewing company, Flying Fish Brewing Co opens Flying Fish Crafthouse in the Brewerytown neighborhood in Philadelphia.  Formerly the Acme Markets warehouse, the new eatery is located on the first floor of the newly opened luxurious apartments The Fairmount at Brewerytown developed by McSpain Properties (Dana Spain and Sean McGovern.)  On Sunday night there was a VIP celebration to mark the opening. Guests enjoyed delicious selections from the menu which compromises of comfort food like handcrafted burgers, mac & cheese, specialty fries and sandwiches;  a curated menu of only the best American craft beers, and top-shelf liquors and wines.  The restaurant serves dinner and a late night menu, and eventually will serve lunch and brunch. Chef Duffy is also a big military supporter, so active military, reserve and veterans, as well as first responders with ID will receive a 15% discount every day at The Flying Fish Crafthouse. At the VIP party donations were collected which were going directly to Philadelphia Veteran’s Comfort House, a local non-profit.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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‘The National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) honored Philadelphia real estate developer Ron Rubin at their annual Only in America Gala, which was held at the Hyatt at the Bellevue, December 13, 2016.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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More than 1,500 revelers rang in the New Year at the Hyatt Bellevue on Saturday night at the Glitter City Gala. Guests walked the red carpet in shimmering sequin dresses, itty-bitty minis, black-tie, suits, and velvet jackets. Afterward the revelers headed into the ballroom to enjoy an evening of dining and dancing to The Rockets as well as Philly’s best DJs (DJ Sojo and DJ Joe Broscoe) on multiple party floors. At midnight a “Liberty Bell” dropped and confetti cannons showered the room to bring in 2017. A portion of the proceeds went to PAWS, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House .

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Headliner Lil Jon performs at The Fillmore.

It was a glamorous night at the Fillmore on Saturday, January 7, 2017, as the 23rd-annual Hair of the Dog took over the enormous entertainment complex. The popular gala, founded in 1995 by Dan Cronin and Rob Molinaro (who co-own Chorus Communications, a major sponsor of Hair of the Dog) as a gathering of friends to celebrate the New Year, has grown into one of the must-attend events for people of all ages in the winter social season. Guests enjoyed an open bar, food by Wolfgang Puck Catering, and performances by Grammy Award–winner Lil Jon, Mr. Hollywood DJ with guest Lrry Live, VASSY, Rozes, Clef & Canberra, and DJ Freezie. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Bianca’s Kids, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that focuses on granting wishes to foster and needy children in New Jersey and around the U.S.

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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Steve Gibson, David Gibson (an Alex’s Hero), and Kim Gibson

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for children with cancer, hosted the 11th Annual Lemon Ball on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. More than 900 guests attended the gala, which this year raised more than $840,000. The evening started off with cocktails while guests bid on silent auction items, then moved to the ballroom for a program, live auction, and dinner. ALSF honored Penn Wynne Elementary School, the school that Alex attended, with the Alex Scott Crystal Cup. The Carpino family, of Swedesboro, N.J., was honored as Stand Host of the Year. Longtime ALSF supporters Mary and Molly Hollway, of Bloomington, Minn., were honored as Volunteers of the Year. To honor Alex’s milestone 21st birthday on January 18th, guests who donated more than $5,000 during the live auction received a plate of Liz Scott’s famous lemon cookies (which are featured in the new ALSF cookbook, Alex’s Table) and bottle of champagne to toast Alex.

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Ducis Rodgers, Action News Sports Director, Ellen and Michael Barkann

Simon’s Fund held its annual gala, Simon’s Soiree, on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in honor of Darren and Phyllis Sudman’s son Simon, who died suddenly of a heart defect in January 2005 at the age of 3 months. The family later learned that children aren’t regularly checked for heart defects, and began the nonprofit to provide EKG tests for students in schools. Simon’s Fund has raised more than $1 million and provided free cardiac screenings to more than 11,000 kids.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @HughE_Dillon and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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More than 1,500 people packed Dilworth Park last night for the 2017 Best of Philly Soirée. Guests enjoyed samplings from many of this year’s Best of Philly restaurant winners, including Blue Duck Sandwich Co., Butcher Bar, Shake Shack, Slice Pizza, and Vedge. DJ Adrian Hardy kept the dance floor packed as the night went on, with…

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