On Friday, February 24, 2012, Philadelphia magazine honored its 8th Annual Trailblazer Award recipient, Wendy Smith Born, co-owner and co-founder of Metropolitan Bakery, during a private luncheon at XIX at Hyatt at the Bellevue. The region’s most influential women and men in business gathered to recognize Wendy’s outstanding contributions to the city of Philadelphia, while they enjoyed a three-course meal and listened to the inspiring words of the 2012 Trailblazer. Philadelphia magazine thanks all of the sponsors who made this year’s event a huge success. Photography by Nell Hoving.

On Thursday, February 23, 2012, Reserve’s VIP Grand Opening presented guests with a dining and entertaining experience not to be missed. The invite-only event offered attendees an exclusive preview of Reserve’s specialty cocktails, classic steak and seafood dishes, as well as live jazz throughout the evening. Philadelphia’s most respected tastemakers were among the evening’s special guests, sharing the sophisticated atmosphere with equally delectable dishes. Photography by Al B. For.

On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, Philadelphia magazine hosted its 12th annual PHILLY COOKS™ at the 33rd Street Armory at Drexel University. Guests sampled award-winning dishes from the region’s most talented chefs, relaxed in luxe lounges hosted by Mercedez-Benz and RBC Wealth Management, and sipped wines, beer, and signature cocktails. The sold-out event raised over $23,000 to benefit The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Photography by A Fresh Focus Photography.

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, guests from all over the Delaware Valley came out to support the American Heart Association’s 2012 Philadelphia Heart Ball. Held at the Marriott in Center City and chaired by Chris Cashman of Independence Blue Cross, the Heart Ball raised just over $1 million for cardiovascular disease and stroke research and education in Southeastern PA. Guests bid on silent and live auction items (including a trip to Tuscany, an African game preserve in Namibia and a Phillies luxury suite for 16 at Citizens Bank Park) and danced the night away to the music of Contagious Dance Band. Photography by Daniel Burke Photography.

On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Opera Company of Philadelphia held the Black & White Ball at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.  The evening celebrated the Opera Company’s February production of Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio and honored retiring Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. The gala’s 290 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, an elegant seated dinner, a tribute to Robert Driver, and a musical performance by Abduction cast members. The Opera Company of Philadelphia also held a film competition with local universities; the films of the four finalists were shown during cocktail hour, and University of the Arts student Nikkita Patterson was announced as the Grand Prize Winner and awarded a $2,500 cash prize courtesy of PNC. The event raised nearly $150,000 for the Opera Company. Photography by Sofia Negron.