On April 15, 2011, anyone who purchased Directors Circle ($1,000 / per ticket) tickets for AVA’s annual gala the Rittenhouse Hotel was invited to the home of Suzanne and Norman Cohn for a celebratory dinner. The Academy of Vocal Arts’ 2011 honored renowned opera director Tito Capobianco. Calling the event buenos ARIAS! in recognition of Mr. Capobianco’s Argentine roots, the proceeds from the gala benefitted AVA’s full-tuition scholarship fund. Highlights included a musical program from AVA resident artists. Photography by Sarah Lyon.

Benjamin Millepied, who starred in and choreographed the movie "Black Swan," attended the cocktail reception at The Star Group's historic Philadelphia office on Thursday, April 14, 2011. The event was hosted by The Star Group and Pennsylvania Ballet. Millepied was in town for the premiere of his choreographed work, "This Part of Darkness," which is part of the Pennsylvania Ballet's "Building on Balanchine" program. At the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed Pinnacle vodka, Dock Street Brewing Co. beer, and light bites from Stephen Starr Events. Photographs by Casey Catelli.

The 4th Annual Pink Horse Shoe Gala and Silent Auction was held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Sheraton Great Valley Hotel in Frazer, PA to benefit Horse Power for Life, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to improve the physical and emotional quality of life for individuals affected by cancer by providing an educational and recreational horsemanship programs for patients of all ages and one family member. Our goal is to help families living with cancer focus on their minds, bodies, and souls, rather than the disease while learning about horses in an atmosphere of professionalism, teamwork, and fun. Photography by Laura DeCarlo, Simply Taken Photography

Philadelphia Museum of Art's gala, Art After Dark: Vivid, hosted nearly 300 people and raised $210,000 for the Museum's Education department on April 9, 2011. Guests were encouraged to wear Roberto Capucci inspired attire to the event and enjoyed champagne and prosecco poured by models acting as living statues. The live auction was led by Sotheby's auctioneer Courtney Booth, who auctioned off items such as a Phillies game and a week in Italy. Photography by Dave DiRentis.

On Friday, April 8, 2011, guests attended the Donors Are Heroes party, sponsored by the Gift of Life donor program. The event was guest hosted by Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and attendees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and dancing. Photography by Jauhien Sasnou