Stragglers found themselves pulling up to the valet just in the nick of time before the heavens opened and a torrential downpour unleashed itself as the Heinz History Center rolled out the red carpet for more than 400 during its History Makers Award Dinner held at the Westin on Friday.

"Today is my mother's 95th birthday....she should get all the credit, because without her, I certainly wouldn't be here today," mused Academy Award winning actor and Pittsburgh son F. Murray Abraham (26 years later and we're still swooning over his portrayal of composer Antonio Salieri in the movie "Amadeus").

HHC prez Andy Masich was first to turn the page before handing it over to co-chairs Ralph Papa and Bob Kelly, who also served as the evening's master of ceremonies.

"Welcome to our annual meeting. I'll try to keep it under 10 hours," he teased.

Carnegie Mellon prez Jared Cohon and pianist Patricia Prattis Jennings were among this year's graduating class (the soiree snagged $300K), joining an elite alumni of over-achievers that have been lauded over the past 18 years.

"It is so nice to have an introduction that doesn't start with 'All rise'" laughed the Hon. Cynthia Baldwin .

FanFare April 19

The Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast held at the Hilton, The Art Rooney Award dinner held at the Westin Convention Center Hotel Ballroom, Swan Lake Soiree Pittsburgh Ballet at Piatt Place Penthouse, Ladies Hospital Aid Society's luncheon featuring Bailey held at the Fairmont Hotel, American Cancer Society's Hoops for Hope benefit held at the Heinz History Center, Attack Theatre's Dirty Ball held in the Strip District, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Rainbow Gala, One Fine House Gala AGH Auxiliary at the Westin, Let them Eat Cake! Midwife Center at the Children's Museum

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