Some truly offensive and hideous dresses were worn by otherwise lovely young ladies at the ninth annual Bridesmaids' Ball on Saturday, May 12th to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The 30th Street Station was full of young professional types dressed to distress – there was a "Dress from Hell" contest with first prize going to the ugliest bridesmaid dress. The Elastic Wasteband put on a great show, as always, and people danced and nibbled and drank until about 1 am.

Rittenhouse Row's 5th annual festival was kicked off on Monday, May 7th at the Sofitel in a grand opening reception. Area notables showed up to pay tribute to Philadelphia and partake in goodies provided by participating restaurants. On the day of the festival, Saturday, May 12th, people from all over the tri-state area came to wander Walnut Street, enjoy the music, shop the stores and bask in the sun and the festive glow of the day.

Look out art world! We heard that Moore College of Art & Design was holding their 2001 Honors Convocation on April 6th. To get a sneak peek at Philly's up and comers we went to the reception and got some of these young talents on film. And don't miss their Senior Exhibition on April 25th, or the Fashion Show May 9th.

Anchors away! The Community Coalition, a grass-roots organization made up of four volunteer programs, hopped aboard the Forbes' family yacht, the Highlander, on Saturday, April 28th. The boat cruised around Philadelphia while members and guests perused the auction items and had a lovely supper. The Young Friends faction was in attendance as well, taking over the master bedroom at one point for a mini-meeting. For more information about the Community Coalition, call 1-610-827-9232, or go to www.thecommunitycoalition.org.

Patti LaBelle and Delilah Winder, owner of Bluezette restaurant, teamed up April fourth to host a two-seating dinner, part of which will benefit Project H.O.M.E., a charity that helps people break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Down home cookin' included; chicken and dumplings, pan fried catfish filets and "fierce" fried corn. As Ms. LaBelle says, "I was born to do two things – sing and cook." And how!