Philadelphia Magazine said it all: “Perfect weather for a party in the park.”

Last night, Historic Philadelphia hosted its fifth annual fund-raiser “An Evening in Franklin Square,” with cocktails and dinner, and silent and live auctions. Here is Lisa Deats, Mayor Michael Nutter, and Historic Philadelphia Inc. President and CEO Amy Needle. Photo by Jeff Fusco.

WOMEN’S WAY honored maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns at the 36th Annual Powerful Voice for Women Awards on May 9, 2013.  Christy attracted some wonderful attention for this important organization, including appearances in TIME Magazine, the Today Show, and the Philadelphia Daily News. 

Christy Turlington Burns Honored at 36th Annual Women’s Way Powerful Voice Awards in Philadelphia
The Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, 05/09/2013. © Paul Froggatt / PR Photos

Kathy Matheson from the Associated Press wrote a great article about a terrific small organization in Philadelphia, Red Paw.  Read the version posted on The Washington Post’s site here.  There are some great photos by Matt Rourke, too.  Donate to Red Paw here. 

(Matt Rourke/ Associated Press ) – In this Thursday, March 28, 2013 photo, Red Paw founder Jen Leary poses for a portrait at their adoption facility in Philadelphia, with kittens displaced due to fires. The emergency relief service Red Paw has paired with the local Red Cross to care for animals displaced by flames, floods or other residential disasters, with the goal of eventually reuniting them with their owners.

The Mural Arts Program is partnering with the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health to shed light on issues related to mental health through a series of profound public art projects. Several events this month are being highlighted to celebrate this work. KYW Newsradio’s Cherri Gregg covered the story here.

© 2012 Mural Arts Program / Betsy Casanas
APM Health Clinic, 3263 N. Front St. Photo by Steve Weinik for the Mural Arts Program

Caroline Stewart, now writing The Circuit column on WHYY’s Newsworks, featured the 14th Annual Black-Tie GayBINGO in her recent column. “The Crystal Tea Room hosts many events throughout the course of the year, but none so memorable or glamorous as Black-Tie GayBINGO night.”

Bingo Verifying Diva Carlota Ttendant with June Jarema (Photo courtesy of Jeff Holder for AIDS Fund)

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is again producing two fireworks shows for New Year’s Eve: the SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront at 6 pm and midnight on December 31. The iconic Lisa Thomas-Laury is getting us in the mood!

The Fairmount Park Holiday Gingerbread House Display at The Shops at Liberty Place was mentioned in an Associated Press article about holiday gingerbread creations by Beth Harpaz. 

Smith Playhouse photo by Anthony Sinagoga

The second annual Fairmount Park Holiday Gingerbread House Display at The Shops at Liberty Place opened on November 14. The Gingerbread House Display is a preview event for the annual Historic Houses of Fairmount Park Holiday Tours, December 1 – 9, 2012. Check out the article by the Gloucester County Times with some great photos. 

Laurel Hill Mansion made out of gingerbread at the Fairmount Park Holiday Gingerbread House Display at The Shops at Liberty Place. Staff Photo by Tim Hawk.

Fox 29 covered the Mural Arts Program’s beautiful new murals created by Phillip Adams and Willis Humphrey in cooperation with Warrior Writers. Gorgeous and evocative celebration of our troops. 

Representatives of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and muralists and designers unveil a new mural designed, created and dedicated to post 9/11 veterans.

Tom Avril and Tom Gralish from the Philadelphia Inquirer did a beautiful job covering the 26th Annual AIDS Walk Philly.  “AIDS Fund officials said the event raised $375,000, matching last year’s total, to support a variety of local organizations that provide education, counseling, meals, hospice care, and other services.”

Sisters Jane Minyard (left) and Valerie Minyard (right) of West Oak Lane wear buttons from their years of AIDS Walks, in memory of their brother Drew Maynard as they walk together on Kelly Drive during the 26th Annual AIDS Walk Philly October 21, 2012. (TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer)