The 16th annual SCANtastic was held at Memorial Hall on Friday, April 20th to benefit SCAN, the Supportive Child/Adult network, aka, Stop Child Abuse Now. All proceeds from this benefit go directly to SCAN, which offers services free of charge to its clients. Over 2,000 guests arrived to support this cause and were treated to a food wonderland, catered by 150 restaurants. If they could move after feasting, partiers danced to the tunes of at least 5 bands before placing bids in the silent auction. To volunteer at SCAN, call 215-590-1504.

The 40th annual Philadelphia Antique Show opened its doors on Friday, April 6, 2001 with the Opening Night Preview Gala. Over 1,500 dealers, collectors, antiques lovers and volunteers gathered at this oh-so-genteel party in support of The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. This year's special loan exhibit commemorated the 125th anniversary of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and featured American and European needlework, such as embroidery, samplers, quilts, costumes and accessories.

NFL greats and local noatables gathered at the charitable grand opening celebration of Phildelphia's Shula's Steak House. Eagles Fly for Leukemia teamed up with Don Shula on March 7th to raise money in support of pediatric cancer and leukemia research. One hundred percent of the evening's proceeds went to the cause.

The Sofitel hotel recently hired a new chef for their restaurant, Chez Colette, a French brasserie. Culinary maestro Guy Reinbolt, a native of Alsace, France, asserts that people "eat first with their eyes", a statement plainly reflected in his beautifully presented creations. Aesthetics and flavor are sometimes mutually exclusive – but not here. Amazing that something so prettily presented tastes as good as it looks. A note for chocoholics: La Bourse, Sofitel's swanky bar and lounge area, serves a Chocolat Buffet Nitecap (after nine pm) - all the chocolate you can savor for just under $13! You may see us there, gorging ourselves on their signature goodies!

The Friends of the American Red Cross held their 2nd annual Red Ball at the Union League in Philadelphia on Saturday March 3rd. The sold-out crowd of 900 or so revelers partied on late into the night. A great benefit, with seemingly limitless eats donated by gracious area restaurants, a generous open-bar and scads of happy, good-looking supporters enjoying it all. What more do you want in a party? All the proceeds go to Community Disaster Education, a Red Cross program that teaches students how to prepare for and respond to emergencies.