WHIRL Magazine: Event Preview

Published in September 2014 issue (print only)

SUMMER STAPLE
Continue the tradition with these annual events

Family House promises a posh party and thrilling tournament for this year's annual Polo Match at Hartwood Acres on September 6. The day-long affair begins at 11 a.m. with activities for all ages, including tailgating, tent boutiques, children's activities, food, and beverages from Pittsburgh Brewing Company, Grey Goose, Narcisi Winery, and Donato's Restaurant. At halftime, the nearly 2,000 guests expected are invited to channel their inner equestrian and stomp the divots made by the horses. Says Kimberly Hamilton of Krol Media, "This event is all about tradition. People know what to expect and the benefit is giving families peace of mind." The funds raised go toward Family House's patients and families receiving medical care, as the organization is a "home away from home." To purchase tickets, call 1.888.71.TICKETS or visit showclix.com/FHPolo or familyhouse.org.

Animal house
Unleash your wild side at Animal Friends' annual Black Tie & Tails on September 26 & 27. Party animals can shake a tail feather Friday night to music from No Bad JuJu, while a more mellow soirée will take place on the patio, with an acoustic set under the stars from the Doug Edgell Band. "The highlight of Friday evening is a chance to meet the guests of honor: the animals," says Animal Friends Chief Operating Office Kathleen Beaver. "The will walk around all night and mingle with guests!" Saturday's furstivities feature a more "collared and tagged" black-tie bash with a catered dinner, an antique auction, and gentle jazz from Pittsburgh's Joe Negri Quartet, while honoring comic creator Patrick McDonnell. Characters from McDonnell's nationally syndicated comic, "Mutts," pop up in quirky ways throughout the evening. "We call this a party in a party," Beaver says. "We also bring guests through the main facility so they can see what we're all about and see what they are supporting." For more information, visit thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

Pillow Talk
Who knew a pillow could be empowering? The folks at Pennsulvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER) do, and are making it the focus of this year's Sunflower POWER even on September 10 at PerLora. The Pillows for POWER art sale and auction features local artists who were invited to transform a plain pillow into art. "The only instruction was to show the strength and resilience of women," says POWER Development & Communications Associate Emily Stimmel. In its sixth year, Sunflower POWER is the organization's leading fundraiser for National Recovery Month, with proceeds benefiting POWER's women in recovery. No word on whether the night's fluffy festivities will include a pillow fight! For more information, contact Emily Stimmel at 412.243.7535.