Stu Bykofsky's 14th annual fundraiser for the Variety Club, called the Candidates' Comedy Night, got underway at Finnigan's Wake on Thursday, August 12th. Politicians both running and presently in office each got his or her five minutes at the mike. Thus far, over $176,000 has been raised by this event.

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts celebrated their 28th anniversary with a Broadway-themed gala under tents at the top of the hill on Tuesday, August 10th. After the sit-down dinner, the concert featured Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops backed Tony Award winner Faith Prince.

The Community Coalition invited supporters to a house party in Malvern to help raise funds for their organization. The Philadelphia Zoo showed up with a nippy parrot, a regal owl and a very docile porcupine (whose soft, snout-like nose surprised guest). Community Coalition normally holds their fundraisers aboard the Forbes' yacht, the Highlander. This time around, it was in dry dock, but there was still water at the party - a big swimming pool.

The Musuem of Natural Science welcomed over 400 young science enthusiasts to their first annual Death by Chocolate party on Tuesday, July 13th. Ok, ok, maybe they did come for the chocolate martinis and table after table of such treats as sorbet, cakes, and candies - all chocolate of course... The line to get into this sweet party wound around the corner. Next year, get your tix in advance!

The Alliance Francaise threw their annual Bastille Day fete at the Independence Seaport Museum on July 14th. Along with can-can dancers, there were copious amounts of brie, wine, and french people. The Alliance Francaise de Philadelphie offers many interesting programs. See www.alliancefrancaisephiladelphia.com for more information.