Charity happens at galas: March 11 – 31, 2013

Thursday, March 21:  Porch Light Documentary Film Screening and Panel Discussion will be held in Drexel University’s Geary Auditorium, New College Building located at 245 No. 15th Street in University City in West Philadelphia. This Inaugural screening of the “Porch Light Documentary” by Academy Award filmmaker Nigel Noble begins at 6:30 p.m. The panel discussion about the role of public art within public approaches to behavior health and wellness includes Dr. Jacob Tebes, director of Prevention and Community Research and director of the Consultative Center at Yale University; Dr. Arthur Evans, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services; and Jane Golden, Mural Arts Program’s Executive Director. To learn more and RSVP, visit http://muralarts.org/programs/porch-light or call 215.685.0739 or e-mail sara.ansell@muralarts.org.Thursday, March 14:  The Porch Light Exhibition Gallery Talk and Reception will be held in the Trust Building at 249 Arch Street in Old City Philadelphia. Meet and mingle with Porch Light artists, community participants, community partners, and city leaders starting at 6:00 p.m. The evening’s speakers include Mural Arts Program’s Executive Director Jane Golden and Dr. Arthur Evans, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Light refreshments will be served. To learn more and RSVP, visit http://muralarts.org/programs/porch-light or call 215.685.0739 or e-mail sara.ansell@muralarts.org.Thursday, March 14:  The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts its 37th Anniversary Heritage Gala in the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia. The gala starts with a reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. followed by dining and accolades, entertainment and dancing. About 600 of Philadelphia’s cultural, business and political leaders typically gather at this premier event. This year, Mary Wilson, founding member of the Supremes; Dr. Walter & Beverly Lomax, philanthropists; and Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church will be honored. Event sponsorships range from $350 - $10,000 and benefit the museum. To learn more about supporting the museum, visit www.aampmuseum.org or call 215.574.0380.View the list »
Wednesday, March 13:  The Women’s Initiative 2013 Gala celebrates its 10th anniversary. Proceeds from the gala more specifically support United Way’s Girls Today, Leader Tomorrow program, which helps at risk adolescent girls develop core values that protect them from negative influences and support their success as adults. Festivities take place in the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building at 100 E. Penn Square from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Center City Philadelphia. This year’s gala honoree is Mary Stengel Austen, president and CEO of Tierny. She has been a part of the United Way family for several years, most recently serving as Chair of the 2011-2012 Campaign. Event sponsorships ranged from $3,000 - $25,000. Visit http://unitedforimpact.org/ to learn more about giving to United Way.

Charity & Volunteerism newsletter

Eat, drink, and be merry at charity happenings during the rest of March in Greater Philadelphia and beyond. Celebrate dynamic women during Women’s History Month, help uplift the impoverished, and enjoy art, music, fun company and more. Click the icon below to see a few of this month’s events. Keep in mind, they are subject to change. So, please contact organizers for updates.

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  • Wednesday, March 13:  The Women’s Initiative 2013 Gala celebrates its 10th anniversary. Proceeds from the gala more specifically support United Way’s Girls Today, Leader Tomorrow program, which helps at risk adolescent girls develop core values that protect them from negative influences and support their success as adults. Festivities take place in the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building at 100 E. Penn Square from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Center City Philadelphia. This year’s gala honoree is Mary Stengel Austen, president and CEO of Tierny. She has been a part of the United Way family for several years, most recently serving as Chair of the 2011-2012 Campaign. Event sponsorships ranged from $3,000 - $25,000. Visit http://unitedforimpact.org/ to learn more about giving to United Way.
  • Thursday, March 14:  The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts its 37th Anniversary Heritage Gala in the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia. The gala starts with a reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. followed by dining and accolades, entertainment and dancing. About 600 of Philadelphia’s cultural, business and political leaders typically gather at this premier event. This year, Mary Wilson, founding member of the Supremes; Dr. Walter & Beverly Lomax, philanthropists; and Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church will be honored. Event sponsorships range from $350 - $10,000 and benefit the museum. To learn more about supporting the museum, visit www.aampmuseum.org or call 215.574.0380.
  • Thursday, March 14:  The Porch Light Exhibition Gallery Talk and Reception will be held in the Trust Building at 249 Arch Street in Old City Philadelphia. Meet and mingle with Porch Light artists, community participants, community partners, and city leaders starting at 6:00 p.m. The evening’s speakers include Mural Arts Program’s Executive Director Jane Golden and Dr. Arthur Evans, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Light refreshments will be served. To learn more and RSVP, visit http://muralarts.org/programs/porch-light or call 215.685.0739 or e-mail sara.ansell@muralarts.org.
  • Thursday, March 21:  Porch Light Documentary Film Screening and Panel Discussion will be held in Drexel University’s Geary Auditorium, New College Building located at 245 No. 15th Street in University City in West Philadelphia. This Inaugural screening of the “Porch Light Documentary” by Academy Award filmmaker Nigel Noble begins at 6:30 p.m. The panel discussion about the role of public art within public approaches to behavior health and wellness includes Dr. Jacob Tebes, director of Prevention and Community Research and director of the Consultative Center at Yale University; Dr. Arthur Evans, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services; and Jane Golden, Mural Arts Program’s Executive Director. To learn more and RSVP, visit http://muralarts.org/programs/porch-light or call 215.685.0739 or e-mail sara.ansell@muralarts.org.
  • Friday, March 15:  The HEADstrong Foundation presents The Lime Light Gala, an evening to continue Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori’s fight against lymphoma. Nicholas is gone but his fight to end lymphoma marches on with a cocktail party and silent auction followed by dinner, awards presentations, and dancing. Bringing the entertainment are Magician MaIcom “Puck” Puckering, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent 2012;” recording artist Jessy Kyle, 3-time Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor, and rocking Bounce band. This is a black-tie optional event running 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing located at 201 So. Columbus Boulevard (aka Delaware Avenue) in Philadelphia. Tickets and sponsorships range from $227 to $5,000. For more information, visit http://headstrongfoundation.org/lime-light-gala/ or call 610.461.5987.
  • Friday, March 15:  The Second Annual Benefit Banquet for IOCC includes music and silent auction at 7:00 p.m. in the Panathenian Grand Ballroom of the Adephia Restaurant located at 1850 Clements Bridge Road in Deptford, N.J. Tickets and sponsorships range from $55 - $5,000 to benefit the emergency relief from the International Orthodox Christian Charities and Development Worldwide. For more details and to register, visit https://9586.thankyou4caring.org/philadelphia-benefit-banquet.
  • Saturday, March 16:  Hop on an indoor bike to Be Brave N’ Fly for the Max Cure Foundation. Spin to raise money for and awareness of pediatric cancer issues 11:00 a.m. PST, 1:00 p.m. CST, and 2:00 p.m. EST. This is an inaugural event at the Flywheel Philadelphia, 1521 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia as well as across the nation in more than 10 Flywheel studios on more than 500 bikes. Check www.flywheelsports.com for locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Gold Coast, Dallas, Boca Raton & Miami, Fla., Englewood & Millburn, N.J., East Hampton & Manhattan Upper East Side, and SLU Seattle. Participation in Philadelphia from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. costs $75. Visit http://philadelphia.flywheelsports.com/ or call 215.600.1281 for more details. All participants will start and finish the class together as a national team riding for a cure. Children can show their generosity to Max Cure by donating their old sneakers into Dunk Your Kicks recycling bins. Learn more about both events at http://maxcurefoundation.org/.
  • Saturday, March 16:  Bésame Brew honors 40 years of the Jazz on Vine music series at 6:00 p.m. in the Painted Bride Arts Center located at 230 Vine Street in Old City Philadelphia. Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours headlines this charitable evening funding more great music to come at the Painted Bride. The Fresh Cut Quartet will accent the night’s silent auction, raffle, live painting by DAN ONE, salsa dance instructions, dinner, and drinks. Jazz karaoke is also featured. Tickets for the full evening cost $100 each. Papo in concert at 9:00 p.m. costs only $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door. Members pay $18.75 each in advance concert tickets and $22.50 at the door. For more details, visit www.paintedbride.org/jaa-on-vine/besemebrew/.
  • Saturday, March 16:  The Friends of the Free Library Philadelphia BiblioBash Gala and Silent Auction celebrates 40 years of connecting people with their libraries. Delight in hors d’oeuvres by Jose Garces Catering, dance to live music in the Kimmel Center’s new Hamilton Garden, grab a drink at the open bar, and find treasures at the silent auction from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The Kimmel Center is located at 300 So. Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia. Register by donating $100 per person online. For more information, visit www.libraryfriends.info or call 215.567.4562.
  • Monday, March 18:  The 15th annual Coaches vs. Cancer Tourney Tip-Off Breakfast runs from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on The Palestra floor before the NCAA men’s basketball finals. Network with more than 600 corporate leaders and Philadelphia coaches at this event, emceed by Neil Hartman of Comcast SportsNet. This breakfast supports the work of the American Cancer Society. Tickets cost $75 each and a priority table for 10 costs $1,000. The Palestra is located on the University of Pennsylvania campus at 235 So. 33rd Street in West Philadelphia. For more details, click here or contact Monica Johnson at 215.985.5358 or monica.johnson@cancer.org.
  • Tuesday, March 19:  Dish It Up fundraiser to end domestic violence brings together food, fun, and fashion with some of the best female culinary talent in the city, local celebrities, The Purple Style Award, music, and more. The festivities will be hosted by Fashion Correspondent and Style Judge Jen Abrams and NBC 10 Meteorologist Bill Henley. Tickets benefiting Women Against Abuse cost $95 each. Learn more at http://womenagainstabuse.org/ or call 215.386.1280. The toll free 24-hour hotline number for women in need is 1.866.723.3014.
  • Saturday, March 23:  2013 Autism Awareness Symposium Luncheon hosts a powerful discussion sharing the latest research and the services available for those on the autism spectrum from early childhood through the transition into adulthood. Dr. David Mandell from CHOP is the keynote speaker, and proceeds benefit the hospital’s autism research and services. The symposium is hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Delaware in the Jamestown Ballroom of D’Ignazio’s Towne House Restaurant located at 117 Veterans Square in Media, Penna from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships range from $30 – 1,000. Click here to learn more about the symposium. Visit www.research.chop.edu/programs/car/ for more about the Center for Autism Research.
  • Saturday, March 23:  Beef & Bone Dinner to support German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue PA, Inc. offers lots of items on the raffle table, a great meal provided by Rescue volunteers, and entertainment by a DJ. It is a family affair from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company located at 170 Allendale Road in King of Prussian, Penna. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per child age 5 – 12.  Tickets will be sold at the door. Children under 5 enter free. For more information, click here or call 412.381.9959.
  • Saturday, March 23:  Red Carpet GayBINGO, keeping to its fun campy nature is themed “Who are YOU wearing?” GayBINGO is a popular event that raises money for the AIDS Fund, which helps people in the Delaware Valley living with HIV/AIDS. Red Carpet BINGO runs from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the University of the Arts, 320 So. Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia. Reserved seating costs $25 each and general admission to the balcony is $20 per person. For more information, visit www.aidsfundphilly.org/gaybingo/ or call 215.731.9255.
  • Saturday, March 23:  Food for Thought is a signature charity event featuring cuisine from more than 30 outstanding chefs and restaurants including Michael Deganis of Alla Spina, Dana Herbert of Desserts by Dana, Mitch Prensky of Supper to name a few. Their delicious food goes well with lots of dancing, great auction items, and the award presentation to the Community College of Philadelphia, all, to help ACHIEVEability support families breaking the cycle of poverty and overcoming impossible hurdles. The place to be is Urban Outfitters in Building 543 at the Navy Yard, 5000 So Broad Street in South Philadelphia from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. General tickets cost $200 each, $300 for a VIP ticket, and $100 for a young friends ticket (i.e. guests age 35 or younger). Sponsorships range from $2,500 - $20,000. Find more details at http://www.achieveability.org/ or call 215.748.8809.
  • Saturday, March 23:  Always Bet on Youth Casino Night supports Valley Youth House of Greater Philadelphia and the Achieving Independence Center. Those organizations assist more than 1500 young people transitioning out of the foster care and homelessness systems. Casino night features games with professional dealers, a silent auction, music and great food from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. in the Comcast Center at 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Center City Philadelphia. General admission cost $95 per person and includes $50 in chips, $175 for a couple includes $100 in chips, $45 per young professional age 21 – 30 includes $25 in chips. Sponsorships range from $500 - $10,000. Learn more at www.vyhphila.org/casinonight/ or call 215.925.3180.
  • Saturday, March 23:  For 30 years West Chester University has raised scholarship dollars at the Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala. This year’s Midnight in Monte Carlo black-tie event features a silent auction, cocktails reception, elegant cuisine, and dancing along with casino games from 6:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. in the Hollinger Field House (University Avenue and South Church Street) at West Chester University, 700 South High Street in West Chester, Penna. Guests receive $50 in play money vouchers. Those entering the 2 WCU’s Texas Hold’em Tournaments, which are limited to 10 players each, will have $100 buy-ins. General admission is $175 per person. Sponsorships range from $1,500 - $10,000. The Pearl contribution level is $30. Learn more at www.wcufoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=309 or call 610.430.4127.
  • Sunday, March 24:  Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E. presents John Pizzi, one of the funniest and talented illusionist, comic ventriloquists in the area. His talents lit up America’s Got Talent, David Letterman and more. He and his crew will bring an afternoon (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) of excitement to Kingsway Regional High School located at 213. Kings Highway in Woolwich Township, N.J. The event is expected to entertain kids from 1 to 92. Refreshments are available during intermission. There are free gifts, a free raffle, and gifts to purchase. Proceeds help Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E. fight to end children in poverty, their maltreatment, and illiteracy. Tickets cost $15 per adult and $12 per child age 12 or under. For more details, visit http://www.tomaros-change.org/events.html or call 888.868.9313.
  • Sunday, March 24:  Annual Jeff Adukinas Photography Showing & Sale benefits the Colon Cancer Alliance’s Blue Note Fund, which gives one-time grants of $300 to colon cancer patients who are currently in treatment. Come look, buy, hang out, and enjoy the love, live music, food, and beverages from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Film Bros., 205 No. Market Street in Wilmington, Del. Admission is $10 per person. Access more details from organizer Operation: True Friend by clicking here.
  • Thursday, March 28:  Sitting home knitting is dandy but how about changing it up with Wine Down for Women? This event offers wine, snacks, networking, and laughter with the Crystal Blue Thong Society while raising funds for the Camden Women’s Shelter in honor of Women’s History Month. The place to be from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. is the Law Offices of Lynda L. Hinkle on the 2nd floor in Suite 407B at 901 So. Black Horse Pike in Blackwood, N.J. Find more information by clicking here.
  • Saturday, March 30:  A Child at Heart Charity Ball is presented by Hotep Inc. to benefit summer youth programs in the City of Burlington. Enjoy an evening of dinner, silent auction, dancing, and entertainment featuring vocal performances by Malik “Eddie Kane” Ellis and Ryan Corbin, and spoken work by IMD and Mystic Blue. The fun takes place from 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. in A Touch of Class by Candlelite at 636 No. Forklanding Road in Maple Shade, N.J. Tickets of $30 each must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit http://www.hotep-inc.org/Events.html or call 609.614.0669.
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, Philadelphia Charity Examiner

Gloria Blakely is a journalist, book author, and Philadelphia award-winner. A giver at heart, she makes it easy for other givers to have fun with their generosity.

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