Steps for Sarcoma smashes records for crowds, dollars raised
Braving steamy temps, throngs of sarcoma warriors, survivors, their families and friends – 1,300 strong – walked or raced through Wilson Farm Park in Chesterbrook on June 11.
The teams: Many in matching tees and led by people battling sarcoma on crutches, wheelchairs and with prosthetic limbs, about 30 teams turned out for the 5K chip-timed race and one-mile walk.
The hometown hero emcee: Conestoga ’06 star and Ewing’s Sarcoma survivor Mark Herzlich, 29, who will play his 7th season for the New York Giants this fall (with a steel rod in his thigh).
Gang Green: About 80 folks wore green t-shirts to honor the late Pat Maher of Devon, who tragically lost a four-year-battle with sarcoma last June at age 47. Ever valiant, Pat himself led his green-shirted team of St. Monica’s and Nova pals at the 2015 Steps to Cure Sarcoma.
The emotional takeaway: The deep wells of solidarity and support for families affected by this relatively rare bone and soft-tissue cancer. 200 people joined the first Steps walk in 2015. Last year, 700 showed up; this year, 1300. Wow.
The financial takeaway: A whopping $125,000 and counting – far exceeding the event’s $75K goal – for sarcoma programs at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine, Penn Veterinary Hospital and CHOP.
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Lower Merion Conservancy toasts its biggest ‘save’ yet at 22nd annual gala
Spirits were soaring as 250 supporters celebrated yet another notch in the Conservancy’s preservation belt: a new 43-acre easement that includes Villanova’s historic Red Rose Farm.
The party: Guests gathered at the Villanova estate, Meadowbrook, for light fare by Brulée Catering, live music by the Ken Ulansey Ensemble, and a silent auction.
The enlightened landowner and gala host: David Hoffman, owner of 18th-century Red Rose Farm and Meadowwood, who worked with the Conservancy to “save” his property in perpetuity.
The fine print: The easement means the land can’t be carved up and developed – even if the property changes hands. LM Conservancy also counts among its wins: easements protecting two historic facades and some 183 acres in Gladwyne, Wynnewood, Penn Valley and Bryn Mawr.
The bounty: $90,000 for the Conservancy’s work to preserve clean water, open space and historic buildings in Lower Merion.
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A see-and-be-seen affair at the horse show: Chapeaux for Devereux
Young Friends of Devereux chose the horse show’s new Devon Club for its new signature fundraiser, Chapeaux at Devereux.
The setting: Held on Clydesdales Friday, the June 2 party venue overlooked both show rings, making for some happy horse-watching.
The look: “Race Day attire” was requested for a best-dressed contest. Gents who forgot bow ties could score cool ones at Stoga-grad Samantha Leibowitz’s pop-up shop.
The Quadruple Crown Winner: Sweeping spring hat contests at Paramour, Radnor Hunt, Devon, Kathleen Kenneally won yet again, this time for her top-to-toe butterfly getup.
Fun fact: Devereux began 99 years ago in a Devon home that Helena Devereux rented for 12 students. Now in 12 states, Devereux serves and advocates for people living with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, special mental health needs and child welfare concerns.
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Riverbend hosts fabulous farm-to-table feast
Nature lovers meandered through the Gladwyne grounds of the environmental education center on June 4, sipping and supping at “Farm to Table: A Toast to Twilight.”
Along the way: In a new wood pavilion, 160 guests nibbled on charcuterie and slurped back-to-nature drinks from 13th Street Cocktails, the mobile bar company that’s suddenly everywhere. In the meadow, Alice Herrick of the Funicular Circus amazed with a high-wire show.
By the stone circle: Upper Merion middle school students talked about how they grew herbs on top of aquariums using waste and water from goldfish, part of Riverbend’s award-winning aquaponics program. (Look, Ma – no soil!)
On the hilltop: At community tables festooned with fresh flowers, guests feasted from food stations then raised their glasses for the twilight toast led by board chair Doris del Tosto Brogan and executive director Laurie Bachman.
The bounty: Some $43,000 was raised for camps, scouting, aquaponics and community outreach programs at Riverbend.
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Life’s Patina hosts lavish Ladies Night for Fred’s Footsteps
On a lovely June evening, friends of Fred’s Footsteps enjoyed an intimate, indulgent Girls Night Out at Willowbrook Farm.
The ladies: Each forked over $150 to attend the June 1 GNO, which was donated by Life’s Patina with help from cocktail and beauty sponsors. Only 75 tickets were auctioned off at the Party in the Yard, the Ardmore-based non-profit’s big charity gala.
The night: Pampering to the max – hands-on cocktail lessons, chair massages, mini-makeovers by Bloomingdales, bountiful food and drink stations, and, of course, shopping for vintage-inspired goodies at Life’s Patina’s summer barn sale.
The cause: Fred’s Footsteps carries on the legacy of community leader Fred DiBona of Bryn Mawr, who lost his fight with cancer in 2005 at age 53. Founded by his family, FF pays non-medical expenses for families thrown into crisis by a child’s serious illness, injury or disability. In 12 years, FF has doled out $4.5 million to 650 area families. Known for his big heart and loyalty, Fred – modest to the end – was president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross.
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Fruitful spring gala reaps $400,000 for JCHAI
Friends of Judith Creed Homes for Adult Independence, better known as JCHAI, partied at the National Constitution Center May 10.
The awards: The Louis J. Carter Award – given to someone without a JCHAI family connection who goes above and beyond to support the cause – went to the founder of the Brownstein Group, Berny Brownstein of Bala Cynwyd. Jordyn Dannenbaum received the Lisa Bratt Award for raising spirits with her sparkling personality.
The program: The debut of a Brownstein-produced video about JCHAI and its new building campaign. Blank Rome attorney Laurence Shtasel headlined the live auction.
The cause: JCHAI helps adults with autism and intellectual disabilities live and work in the community, giving peace of mind to their families. The Bryn Mawr-based non-profit provides apartment and group-home options, teaches life and vocational skills, and reinforces Jewish life and values.
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Bienvenue to The Cottage in Wayne’s Eagle Village
Fans and friends toasted the newest addition to the Valley Forge Flowers family, The Cottage, purveyor of “enlightened” French antiques and collectibles.
La fête: About 100 friends sipped wine and nibbled charcuterie and baguettes while perusing The Cottage on May 31.
Le magasin: Lets in the light. You won’t find an inch of dark wood or grandma’s dainty doodads in this au courant shop adjoining The Barn at Valley Forge Flowers. Owner Barbara King regularly flies a small team of local ladies to the south of France to forage for vintage accessory and furniture. (Sorry, she’s not hiring.)
Le café: Gelati, light fare, baked goods and, best of all, La Colombe coffee.
La charité: Main Line Animal Rescue was given a portion of evening’s sales.
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Love this! It would be great if you had information about these charity functions prior to the events so there would be the opportunity to attend!
Yes, that’s a swell idea. An events calendar is certainly on SAVVY’s drawing board!
What a vibrant and generous community have we! Thank you Caroline for your continued message of the blessings we share.
Yes, it always does the heart good to see so many share the bounty 🙂
I would love to get involved with the Steps for Sarcoma group. My daughter had Ewings Sarcoma 25 years ago and survived. I have been wanting to do something to help with research into that cancer for years. Can you put me in touch with that organization?
Yes, happy to connect you. (And very happy to hear that your daughter is a survivor!) Stay tuned.