Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation's Diamonds and Denim party a smashing success, despite the splashing
When a party can be heard from four blocks away, it's inevitable that you're in for something good.
On the evening of June 20, nothing — not even a downpour of epic proportions — could sway 460 guests from braving the elements in favor of attending the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation's Diamonds and Denim on Market Square.
“I swear, next year it's ‘Garnets and Galoshes.' I'm not even kidding,” said development coordinator Sam Badger.
With an army battening down the white-tented hatches, Luxe creative director Martin Potoczny barely broke a sweat as the show rolled on, seemingly without a hitch.
“We just do it,” he said. “You just have to roll with it.”
Elsewhere, a few intrepid explorers finally made it onto the dance floor, including a blue-booted Kathe Patrinos, whose footwear became the envy of all.
“Every time I wear suede shoes, it rains,” lamented Andrew Fouts.
Having been promised an evening of no speeches, no live auctions, and nothing but a good time, stragglers weren't about to let any efforts go to waste. DJ Zimmie turned it up, the sky finally cleared, and they danced until they could dance no more.
“Whatever is going on in there, I want in,” said one passerby.
On the list were honorary chairs Karen and John Staley, V, co-chairs Athena Sarris Simms andIan Simms and Tinsy Labrie, host committee chairs Molly and Kevin O'Brien, prez Greg Barrett and Dr. Kelly Gates, Veronica and Lou Guarino, Debbie andMike Barbarita, Michael Herald, Bridgette Pavlik andBill Kolano, Rebekah andGeorge Mazariegos, Laurel andLyle Odelein, Nancy and John Traina, Colleen and Denny Travis, Dr. Peter Counihan and Dr. Mary Sheehan, Jamie andJames Scott.
The event raised $200K for the Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation.
Kate Benz is the society columnist for Trib Total Media and can be reached at kbenz@tribweb.com, 412-380-8515 or via Twitter @KateBenzTRIB.
