The Philadelphia Art Alliance hosted their annual Teddy Bear Pawty silent and live auction, followed by dinner at Le Jardin (nee Opus) on Thursday, December 2nd at the galleries on 18th and Rittenhouse.

Philadelphia Cares held their annual fundraiser, now called the Giving Thanks Gala instead of the birdbrained Turkey Ball, at the Loew's Hotel in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Cares is something of a volunteer clearinghouse, connecting charity-minded individuals and corporations with the needy. www.philacares.org to volunteer.

The Philadelphia Free Library welcomed guests to a fairy-tale themed fundraiser gala, the Borrowers' Ball, on Saturday, November 6th. There were roving characters from beloved children's classics, such as Alice in Wonderland, including Alice of course, the Mad Hatter, and the imperious Queen of Hearts, who tottered about on five-foot stilts.

The Academy of Natural Sciences took guests back in time at their Lewis and Clark gala, held at the Academy on Friday, November 5th, starting with costumed actors from the era, and continuing on to an authentic meal of braised buffalo steak. Delicious, I might add.... For a unique night out, hit the museum on Wednesday nights for "Cocktails with Lewis and Clark", a guest speaker series through February 2005.

The Police Athletic League's Young Leaders Association hosted a casual cocktail party and live auction on Wednesday, November 3rd at World Fusion on 2nd and Chestnut Streets. Lots of newscasters, a smattering of athletes (including camera shy Eagle Brian Westbrook whose date looked decidedly put out at being ushered away from our camera), friendly players from the Philadelphia Soul and Philadelphia Wings. Over 400 people attended and raised $53,000 (up from $40,000 last year) to benefit P.A.L's community outreach programs.