What to wear, what to wear: the skinny on the gala

by Nancy Berger

“Is it truly a black tie event? What am I really supposed to wear to the Black and White Gala on September 18?”

The answer: it’s an elegant evening on Germantown Avenue, complete with a tented-over 8500 block, a black-and-white-checkered dance floor, fabulous food and wonderful music. So, what to wear? According to gala co-chair Leigh Filippini, “wear any combination of black and/or white that’s ‘elegant.’ This isn’t a casual party, but we want our guests to be comfortable, too. Black tie is optional.”

The party, which is taking place from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, has the additional bonus of a meticulously planned and creatively packaged array of silent auction items, from which guests can acquire their next year’s vacation to holiday gifts for just about anyone on their list.

Remember, all of the proceeds from the auction will help maintain the efforts of the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, a 501(c)(3), which supports so many of the organizations and groups that make Chestnut Hill so special.

On Saturday night, if you’ve already paid for your reservations, you should check in at a registration table, located at either end of the staging area: Highland Avenue or Evergreen Avenue. You will then receive a specially-designed wristband, which identifies you as a paying guest.

While you can also pay for your admission to the gala right there, the ticket price will increase to $75, so advance reservations are strongly suggested.

Food will be served until 9:30, followed by dessert and coffee. Music will be playing all evening, and there will be a full (cash) bar open all night, with liquor, wines and beer.

The auction has been designed to take place in three phases, so you won’t want to miss any of the terrific opportunities, and there is a fourth session just for fine, high-end art, Filippini said.

All of the parking lots will be open and free, and bathroom facilities are being provided, too.

In the event that Hurricane Ivan becomes a reality in Chestnut Hill, listen to radio station KYW 1060 AM for information. A decision about the party will be broadcast by 4 p.m.

Tickets, which will remain available at the CHCA office through 5 p.m. on Friday, cost $55 per person for CHCA members and seniors, $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Call the CHCA office at 215-248-8810, stop by at 8434 Germantown Avenue … and let the good times roll.