Not all superheroes wear capes. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has been the proving ground of such superheroes as Dr. Jonas Salk, developer of the vaccine that defeated polio, and Dr. Thomas Starzl, who has trained most of the world's transplantation surgeons. The art of healing is poised to stretch belief yet again … this time within the spectacular new $130 million Hillman Cancer Center in Elsie and Henry Hillman 's hometown. Hosannas on high to this remarkable couple who started the fund-raising drive with their $10 million gift. Oh, yes, Elsie (a cancer survivor) also has been known to scoot about in a Batman cape. For a fave charity, mind you. Last week, the city celebrated UPMC's flagship treatment and "bench-to-bedside" research center as if it had won the lottery. Thanks to UPMC's commitment to creating the best of the best cancer centers in America, they've assembled an honor roll of nationally renowned cancer warriors to make it happen. The newest kid on the block, just across from Shadyside Hospital, is a shining beacon of hope in our community. You feel it in the joyous bronze sculpture of six life-sized figures reaching to the sky at the entrance. Once inside, you're drawn to artist Minette Bickel's truly captivating portrait of Henry Hillman above the front desk. That, and the light beaming throughout the gleaming atrium that separates the research and treatment pavilions. State of the art and, seemingly, state of the heart. As if you didn't already know it, Elsie is to fabulous parties what Michelangelo is to ceiling painting. Which brings us to Tuesday, when the Hillmans feted 250 swelegants whose generosity is noted throughout the center. It was a gladsome sight. The outdoor entrance was tented and tabled around the sculpture. There were so many big names in attendance and such glorious flowers everywhere, we didn't know where to look first. But let's credit the Duquesne Club for the divine victuals, Tim Condron for the outdoor gorgeousness and the Flower Barn's Tom O'Brien and George Griffith for the stunning bouquets in the atrium. The next night, the guest list swelled to 975 community leaders who showed for the ribbon cutting and a lookabout of the new spaces. Even the flushest of foodies raved about UPMC's buffets. And everyone was the last to leave. Certainly, the Hillmans' four proud children — Audrey Fisher with Tim, Lea Simonds , and sons Billy (wait til you see his two spectacular photo murals in the center!) and Henry Jr. — grandkids and their first great-grandchild, Ashley Rose Fisher , wouldn't dream of missing the opening. More who's: National Cancer Institute director Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach ; UPMC Health System prez Jeff Romoff and board chair Nick Beckwith with Dotty ; the legendary Dr. William Cooper (for whom the treatment pavilion is named) with daughter Mikell Schenck and Bill ; Loti Falk Gaffney; Irene Shea ; UPMC Cancer Centers' director Dr. Ron Herberman ; Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg and Nikki; Audrey and Tom Hilliard; Mark Pasquerilla ; and Tom Nimick . As well as Jan and Dick Pagliari ; Allegheny County CEO Jim Roddey ; hizzoner Tom Murphy; Helen and Henry Posner; Ellen and Dr. Stan Marks ; UPCI Council chair Sy Holzer and Cathy; Jackie and Dr. Jeff Shogan; Trudy and Larry Wagner; Janet and George Taber; Betsy and Paul Euwer; Tuck and Mary Knowles McClintock; Fran and Corky Cost; Mary Jane and Carl Grefenstette; Ellen and Jim Walton; Sandy and Henry Mordoh; Ina and Larry Gumberg; Helana Pietragallo; Mary and Ivan Novick ; Drs. Katherine and Tom Detre; Janet and George Miles; Mary Caroline and Tod Hunt; Cindy and John Paul; Ann and Ron Wertz; Jan Wagner; Charlotte and Henry Beukema ; and Fred Sargent . Then we spotted Sally Levin and son Robert ; Drs. Ellen and Loren Roth; Tricia Kassling; Mildred Posvar; Jane and Bob Hecht; Farley and Josh Whetzel; Nancy and Farrell Rubenstein; Aura Hulme; Drs. John McSorley and Kimberly Rau; Jean and Brooks Robinson; Kathy Beuchel and Fred Egler; Sherrin and Jim Knowles; Marcia Weiss; Olive Lee Gilliland; Lisa and Mark Laskow; Luis Fábregas; Babs Widdoes; Mernie Berger; Joanie Kamin; Sibby and Duff McCrady; Ranny and Jay Ferguson; Denise Nairn; Joel and Mia Hallett Bernard; Carol and Jack Shea; Marilyn and Jerry Peckich; Kim and Mike Neal; Sue Frantz; and Donna Thomas with Maria and Maury Burgwin . Rx in the city.

Song of Bernadette

Can the contents be bigger than the container• Absolutely. As tiny as Thumbelina with a girlie voice to match, Bernadette Peters , 54, really is a marvel … though that might not come as a thunderclap to those who recall her Tony Award-winning run as Annie in the Broadway revival of "Annie Get Your Gun." Add 12 more shows, 15 films and a recording career to her credits, which started rolling at age 3 when she sang with kiddie TV shows, and you have a picture of a true Broadway diva. Totally buff in a black Prada slink that set off her riotous blaze of ringlets, she graciously accepted the Civic Light Opera 's Richard Rodgers Award for her general greatness in musical theater. The lady is, to put it bluntly, a knockout. And whatever she's doing, it defies the passing of time. CLO's Jason Coll crafted a revue of Peters' roles with students from CMU, Point Park College and the CLO Academy that was all strut, steam, sizzle and spliced with a terrific video tribute. There was no holding back on the wining and dining, either. Guests tucked into a menu as fine as any the Westin has ever prepared and, with Ken Dainty in charge, the service was impeccable, too. For silver-screen glamour, floral wiz Michael Jacobs of Blooms centered long, white cloths with glorious, snowy-white bouquets of hydrangeas, calla lilies, roses and orchids that glowed atop every table. Richard Rodgers' daughter, Linda Rodgers Emory , in from NYC to present the award on his 100th anniversary, was in the final standing "O" for the star. As were such others as Ted Chapin , Rogers and Hammerstein Organization director; CLO chair Dan Booker and Debby with CLO prez/benefit chair Lou Astorino and Jean ; Mellon's Michael Bleier and Carol, celebrating their 36th anniversary; Steve and Helen Hanna Casey; Dee Bold ; CLO director Van Kaplan; Rose and Bill Strickland; Leslie Sargent; Laurie Burkhart; Connie Rockwell; Dottie Florence; Rita and Bob Randall; Bruce Crocker and daughter Amanda; Marie and Floyd Ganassi; Joanie and Sam Kamin ; and Dr. Elliott Kramer and Bill Modrak . Plus, Charlie and Pat Gray; Judy and Dr. Ron Linaburg; Christine and Dr. Howard Cohen; Frances and Joe Kane; Cultural Trust's Kevin McMahon; Susie and Charles Franklin; Patti Matty; Christine Delsole and brother Louis Astorino; Connie and Chuck Gregory; Fritz and Jim Mitnick; Rona and John Dane; Jamee and Tom Todd; Bonnie Chirigos; Jack and Eleanor Schano Feeney; Lin and Jim Getz; Joyce and Don O'Connor; Christine and Lanny Frattare; Isabella Andrews and Joe Contosta; Ruth and Alan Garfinkel; Roz and Sandy Neiman; Melissa and Bill Cook ; and Christina O'Toole . Did I say dancing• Peters was squired by her husband, Michael Wittenberg , but once Frank Ostrowski struck up the band, she danced her stilettos off with a stag line in rapt attention. Those guys will never be the same.

Keeping the Faith

Talk about the pluck of the Irish. After Tuesday's one-night stand at the Byham Theater that was warmed by a lively bash in the Renaissance Hotel, the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre is taking its show on the road. To the Emerald Isle, no less, on a barnstorming tour of 13 cities in nearly as many days. Aye'n what a show … 'tis Brian Friel's "Faith Healer" with Pittsburgh's Bingo O'Malley , who gives a powerful performance in the title role of this three-character play … and he's all too good at it. Much to the company's delight, Friel will be in the audience next week when they ring up the curtain in Donegal. Judy Friel , the playwright's bonnie lass and former director of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, was the star attraction at cocktails for such as PICT's board prez Ray Werner and Susan; Charlie Gray; Anne and Jim Burnham; Pearl and Dave Figgins; Rose Strickland; Laura and Chet Fisher; Philip Chosky ; Sister Michele O'Leary; James Murray-Coleman; Michael Ramsey; Tito Braunstein; Stephanie Riso; Bruce Hill; Dolores Wilson Smith; Bill Bodine; Debbie and Rich Talarico; Mary and Larry Werner; benefit chair Lisa Dabinett with Bob Mitchell ; and, begorah, Bingo's sister Kathleen O'Malley Kennedy .

Fashion Blitz

Forget the on-field record. When it comes to sartorial splendor, the Pittsburgh Steelers never fumble the ball. Last Thursday, the men in black and gold commanded the catwalk in Super Bowl form during the Steelers Style 2002 Fashion Show at the Pittsburgh Hilton. We're not talking Chippendales on parade, although these beefcakes would qualify in a heartbeat. What we had here were the leaders of the pack (and one million-dollar bus). Off came the helmets and pads, and out stepped those extreme hunks in looks ranging from tailgate casual to tuxedos … and they made it look easy. Time out. Black-and-gold roots run deep in our town. Right down to the logo on the Steelers' helmets, which once belonged to U.S. Steel. When a boilermaker wasn't just a shot in the beer. Then there's the ingrained Rooney family tradition of giving back … something Dan demands from all his players. If you think any club in the franchise is as involved in its hometown as the Steelers, you've blocked too many kicks. You want home-field advantage• When those thunderbolts took to the runway in team jerseys, they got a hero's welcome. No holding calls in this playoff, except when players hugged their ladies and babies. Calling the plays was the stunning Greta Rooney — event chair and wife of team VP Art Jr. Under her direction, sponsors and proceeds increased to new levels, with attendance hitting a record-breaking 950-plus. And because the cause benefits the Cancer Caring Center and UPMC Cancer Centers, every bit of deep-pocket support helps sack the disease. Despite the gains against cancer, the evening was dedicated to Carole Lee Howey, the show's longtime chair, who died of the disease in December. Thanks to a nearly perfect game plan, the event sparkled from the VIP reception — where the ladies gushed over goody bags of perfume — to the last gorgeous gowns and terrific tuxes. Although a booming sound system is perfect for Heinz Field, we'd like to call an audible and suggest that the rock-concert volume at this year's show be toned down in the future. No quarterback controversies here, as Kordell Stewart shared the spotlight with new starter Tommy Maddox and wife Jennifer with kids Kacy and Cody . Runway MVPs included event co-captains Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward ; Joey and Christy Porter with Jayle, Jasmine and Joey; Jason and Joy Gildon with Jason, King and Justus; Lee Flowers; Antwaan Randle El; Kendrell Bell; Josh and Angie Miller with Olivia; Lee Mays; Mark and Traci Bruener with Allie, Chloe and Carson; Andy Russell and Cindy Ellis; and Mike Wagner and Becky Bolden . While emcees Bill Hillgrove, Bob Pompeani and Michele Michaels recapped halftime highlights, we spotted CCC director Rebecca Whitlinger , UPMC's Dr. Ron Herberman; Kaye Cowher; Susie and Bill Johnson of Heinz; Herbert O'Dell ; Dr. Janis Reed; John Paul; Ellen Marks; Chatham College prez Esther Barazzone; Babe Gordon; Irene Kane; Gayle Tissue; Tricia Deems; Carmelle Nickens and Michael Phillips; Lynne Molyneaux; Josette Janczak; Mary Louise and L. Robert Kimball; Leslie and Tony Quatrini; Janis Colbert and Jennie; Michelle Marchelletta; Bob Lowry; Janet Wizig; E.B. Pepper; Cindy Engler; Marylou and Bob Stefanko ; and Susan Lucas . Whatever the season, this show's always a champion. — John Altdorfer

Anniversary Gala

Never ask a lady her age. Even on her birthday. But Friday, the women of the Junior League of Pittsburgh proudly celebrated the group's 80th anniversary at the Omni William Penn. And, yes, the JLP is getting better, not older. "Women building better communities" is their motto — and that's just what they've been doing since 1922. Supporting causes that benefit the arts, aging, children, health and women, recent JLP projects include TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization); The Caring Place, a center for grieving children; the Children's Museum; and Vintage, a service provider for the elderly. Year-round, JLP volunteers dedicate their time, talents and compassion to helping others. On hand for the milestone were JLP prez Cecile Usner ; co-chairs Kim Jackson and Allison Burgan ; anniversary chair Julie Dever with Mike; Heather Chronis ; honorary chairs Jane and Guy Herrmann; Susan and Alan Balla ; WTAE-TV's Sally Wiggin ; the Children Museum's Anne Lewis and Jane Werner; Kay and Bill Bissell; Mary Adele and John Krolikowski; Elene and Sean Moran; Katie and Richard Heiser ; Councilmen Bob O'Connor and Bill Peduto; Lynne Chadwick; Beth Wainwright and Russ Kemerer; Charlie and Sharon LaVallee; Julia and John Gleason; Tacy Byham; Cindy Raftis; Joann and Marc Goldberg; Julie and Christopher Andrews; Michelle Vargas; Terese Vorsheck; Sheena Shannon; Steve Woods; and Tiffany Rainey and Malcolm Means . After a champagne toast and cake, the incomparable Etta Cox entertained till the clock struck 12. A happy birthday, indeed. — J.A.

Pet Project

Western Pennsylvania Humane Society , Petsburgh's new no-kill shelter, was putting on the dog and cat at the Best Friends Ball in its home on the North Side. Here's the, um, scoop on this bow-wowsa success story that many credited to the late great Ben Fisher and his wife, Linda. They were to chair the benefit bash that turned out Saturday's record litter. WPHS is the only shelter in town with an open-door policy. Right. They accept any animal, any hour, any day and care for the dear thing until it's adopted by a new best friend. Humans clapped and doggies wagged over the newly expanded spaces where staffers will be caring for their charges … several of whom were spoken for that night. How nice, the benefit also raised over $150K for that TLC. So much for the commercial paws, and now back to the blue-ribbon eve that paid special tribute to Ben and his family and had 200 black-ties mixing, mingling and bidding on animal-friendly art. Apres-cocktails, the party moved behind the shelter to Gourmet USA's warehouse for Aroma's purrfectly delicious buffet and rocking the night away to Pure Gold. Admiring the pets in search of a new leash on life were co-chairs Herb Torbin and the fetching Becky (they immediately stepped in after Ben's untimely death); Linda and her mother-in-law, Lillian Fisher ; WPHS chair Don Vance with director Jim Bonner and Leslie ; Nancee Kumpfmiller and Kevin Martin; Laura and Bill Dawson; Dayton and Dr. Barbara Baker; Andi and Jerry McCutcheon; Toto and Jim Fisher; Louisa and Jim Rudolph ; Mellon's Don Green; Sally Wiggin ; National City's Angie Longo; Susan and Mike Boyle; Reanette and Steve Frobouck; Connie and Keith West; Anne and Mark Peterson; Diane Bandy and Dr. Andrew Ku; Rives Yost; Jaqi and John Conomikes; Bev and Steve Elliott; Judy and Stanley Ruskin; Debbie Dick; Bonny Fox and Richard Mooney; Diane and Hal Waldman; Peggy and Steve McKnight ; and Lisa and Michael Friday . Pooches gracias.

Big MAC Award

Since 1968, Bill Strickland has been saving kids from the city's meanest streets and teaching them a trade at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild on the North Side. Saturday, he was deservedly tapped with the 2002 Big MAC (Most Assists with Children) Award in the club lounge at Heinz Field. To benefit Pittsburgh's two Ronald McDonald Houses , homes-away-from-home for families of seriously ill kids receiving medical care at our area hospitals. Thirty of Bill's former students showed to cheer the man of the hour, as did his wife, Rose , and 200 others including benefit chair Leslie Ford; Lynne Korbini; Joyce and Don O'Connor; Michael Delegati; Melinda Harkiewicz; Bill Grattan; Renee Hairston ; emcee Yvonne Zanos; Babe and Joe Gordon; Trink and Dr. Vincent Albo; Gloria and John Brown; and Marie Spak and Dick Colver . A man for all reasons.

Reinventing Bob

They were dancing in the Mexican War Streets. All night long. The reason for such merriment• Masterful event planner Bob Sendall is ready to show this town how to party with style and verve. From the pulsating patio disco to his ultra-chic living room, the Sendall trademark was everywhere. Of course, every last morsel of food was fabulous, prepared across the street in Bob's custom kitchen that would make Emeril drool. Dispelling rumors of his "disappearance," the gregarious host explained he never left town in the first place. Yes, it's true he now runs a B&B in Palm Springs during the winter months, but Bob still calls Pittsburgh home. And his All Things in Good Taste production company will handle every party detail from start to finish, from intimate gatherings to all-out bashes. His guest list included Elsie Hillman ; hizzoner Tom Murphy; Cindy and Rich Engler ; Bob's mom, Jean Rammon, and sister Sharon; Tony Ciardi ; Mattress Factory's Barbara Luderowski and Michael Olijnyk; Tim Condron and Glenn Charest; Nora Conroy of Lidia's in the Strip; David Handler and Shannon Reilly ; super stylist Emilio; Judy Linaburg; Cathleen Cawood Bubash and Nick; Nachum Golan and Steve Hough; Michael Hertrich; Debbie Mortillaro; Melissa Handler; Judy Albright; Norma and Dr. Michael Sobel with her mom, Mary Kirkell; Rebecca and Greg Greenleaf; Suzanne Mauro; Scott Saunders; Carol and Jack Scalo; Leslie and Mark DeSimone; Susie Treon ; and Joe DeLien . When the party finally wound down, the waitstaff served heaping trays of dreamy chocolate chip cookies hot from the oven. How sweet it is. — J.A.

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