On Thursday, May 7, 2009, BLOCS held its 12th Annual Scholarship Dinner at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The organization raised more than $3 million in scholarship funds for the 2009-2010 school year, and honored four special students at the dinner, which raised more than $700,000 itself. More than 440 guests attended, including Mayor Michael Nutter, Cardinal Justin Rigali, and Villanova basketball player and past BLOCS scholarship recipient Reggie Redding. Photography by Sarah Webb.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, Philadelphia magazine editor Larry Platt sat down with the four candidates running for City Controller for a roundtable talk before the Democratic primary on May 19th. This was a new installment of the “Philadelphia Talks” series, which discusses the hottest issues our region is currently facing, and was presented by the National Constitution Center and Philadelphia magazine. Photographs by Carol Feeley.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, Naked Chocolate Café hosted a launch event for local jewelry designers, The Goddaughters. Guests had the chance to admire The Goddaughters' new jewelry collection while enjoying delicious chocolate truffles, cakes, and cupcakes from Naked Chocolate.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival began with a kick-off party at The Four Seasons Philadelphia. Guests ranged from affiliates of the Rittenhouse Row business community to members of the media and city officials, who all came together to enjoy the best food, drinks, and music Philadelphia has to offer. The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival is sponsored by Infiniti - The Exclusive Vehicle of Rittenhouse Row.

On Saturday, May 2, 2009, The Academy of Natural Sciences held its first ever Green Gala, promoting "a greener Philadelphia and planet." There are plans to continue the tradition next year, as the event raised around $40,000 with more than 170 in attendance. Guests enjoyed a night of dancing, an organic dinner of locally grown foods, a silent auction of "green" products, and exclusive tours of research facilities.