HughE Dillon: Ryan Howard’s Celebrity Servers

Last night at Morton’s steakhouse in Philadelphia, Ryan Howard held the third annual Celebrity Servers dinner to benefit the Ryan Howard Family Foundation. Ryan, along with several other Phillies served dinner to fans who paid $250. The foundation was launched in 2009, with an aim to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged youth and families. The most recent project, finished in April, was the opening of the newly renovated baseball field at Hunting Park in Philadelphia. Here, Aaron Champagne passed on Ryan’s plate of tartare canapes, but his grandmother Vanessa Kline enjoyed one.
 

 
Below: Our favorite Phillies helping out at the sold-out event included Hunter Pence, here with diner Diana Minardo. I like his fade haircut.
 

 
Below: Kyle Kendrick is hard at work serving mini crab cakes.
 

 
Below: Brothers Grant Sokol and Blake Sokol were thrilled when Cole Hamels stopped by their table. He’s their favorite. They attend the dinner every year and have a collection of signed paraphernalia that they keep on their trophy shelf at home. They love the steak dinner too.
 

 
Below: New Phillie Joe Savery wants to know if John and Michele Capello want red or white wine?
 

 
Below: Another new server and Phillies player this year, Telford, Pennsylvania’s Erik Kratz poses with doctors Thanu Hamilton and Suju Hamilton.
 

 
Below: It’s become an annual tradition for sisters Cassie, Molly and Maureen Gilkin to get a photo with their favorite player at the Ryan Howard event, new dad Chase Utley.
 

 
Below: I found Bonnie Clark and Michele DeVicaris in the auction item area; they were eying the Hawaii package that included a stay at the Maui Four Seasons. There were plenty of other fun items like Phillies signed hats, balls and shirts, a Michael Vick signed helmet, and a Muhammad Ali signed glove. A great dinner was enjoyed by all, and more money was raised to do good by way of the Ryan Howard Family Foundation. See you next year.