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 Breast Health Institute's 10th annual Give the Shirt off Your Back gala was held, again, at the Park Hyatt. Over $400,000 was raised to support the cause. A ballroom plenty spacious enough to hold the six-hundred plus guests. And no, none of the guests were shirtless, though quirky actress, Chloé Sevigny, did lend her support while wearing a gauzy Oscar de la Renta top. This year's honoree was Brian Kappra, owner of the glorious floral and event design outfit, Evantine Design, for his numerous philanthropic contributions.

Robins' Nest Children's Services, a group home for abused and neglected teenage girls, held their fundraiser on September 16th at the Union League in Philadelphia. The theme of the gala was the White Tie and Tiara ball - white tie optional, though most of the women took the opportunity to don a coronet, some wearing their bridal tiaras. The gala raised over $140,000 to support their center in Glassboro, NJ.

The Ronald McDonald House got its start thirty years ago in Philadelphia. On Friday, October 15th, swarms of black-tie clad supporters came to the anniversary gala fundraiser held at the Park Hyatt Bellevue hotel. There are now over 240 Ronald McDonald House programs around the world - there for the support and wellbeing of the youngest patients and their families.

Sharon and Joe McGinley of Ardmore hosted a cocktail party for the Center for Child Advocacy. The non-profit organization, founded in 1977, is the country's oldest and largest pro bono legal and social services agency for children. Their mission is to secure a safe and loving home for children who are neglected, abused, and living in otherwise dangerous situations. You can volunteer through www.advokid.org.