More than 150 of Philly’s professional women and men gathered at Top of the Tower on October 7, 2010, for the first annual Women Against MS Cocktail Night, presented by Cephalon. Their support helped the National MS Society raise $23,500 to provide vital local programs, services and research for 10,000 women living with MS in the Greater Delaware Valley. Guests enjoyed a silent auction offering items such as restaurant gift certificates, designer jewelry and signed Philadelphia sports memorabilia; the signature “Orange Crush” cocktail featuring Jacquin’s Mandarin Orange; and remarks from Cephalon Executive Vice President Valli Baldassano about balancing work, life and multiple sclerosis. All guests wearing an orange accessory were eligible for a special prize, and Top of the Tower was wall-to-wall orange. Photography by Sarah Ferone.

On Thursday, October 7th, Mrs. Dorrance Hamilton hosted an event announcing the new Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo and Education Center at the Philadelphia Zoo. The Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo and Education Center will provide hands-on learning and exploration opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, resulting in innovative and replicable education opportunities that encourage direct conservation participation and a deeper engagement with animal species. This groundbreaking exhibit is scheduled to open in May 2012. Photography by Ryan Lavine.

On Monday, October 4th, this city-wide celebration of the local theatre community showcased what an important resource the theatre industry is for all of the Greater Philadelphia. The Barrymore Awards program is produced by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and is the only comprehensive awards program in the region, recognizing artistic excellence in theatre. This year the Barrymore Awards ceremony was held at the Walnut Street Theatre and attended by a glittering array of national and local celebrities as well as VIPs from the regional philanthropic and civic organizations. Photographed by Jeff Fusco

On Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation commemorated its 10th anniversary. CBS's Nicole Brewer was the evening's host of over 300 guests, including, Jennaphr Frederick and her husband Steve, the evenings co-chairs, Marc + Joan Weinstein and Jamie + Antony Joffe, along with Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation co-founders Robin Cohen and Adriana Way. The event was held at Trust (249 Arch Street) with food donated by Carlino's Catering. The event was a huge success raising over $80,000, which is $35,000 more than last year! Photography by Lori Gail Photography

The Opera Company of Philadelphia celebrated its 35th Anniversary and the Opening of the 2010-2011 Season on October 1, 2010 at the Academy of Music with the annual Opening Night Celebration. The night featured a cocktail hour in the Academy of Music lobby, an elegant three-course dinner in the beautiful Academy of Music ballroom, the Opening Night performance of Verdi’s masterpiece Otello, Champagne receptions in the ballroom during the performance’s intermissions, and a post-performance celebration with Otello’s cast and creative team across the street at Sotto Varalli. Photography by Sofia Negron Photography.