The Montessori School :: Celebrating 40 Years!

The Montessori School held their 2011 Spring Gala Saturday at Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, celebrating with dinner and a silent auction fundraiser.

This gorgeous historical venue hosted the Van Trapp Family's first U.S. performance (I'm a huge fan of "The Sound of Music, if you can't tell...) in this vaulted room:






The beautifully designed posters, program, signs and various other print materials were created and produced by Man'z - a boutique branding agency in suburban Philadelphia.





There were all sorts of auction items, from theatre tickets to overflowing baskets, books and crafts made by the students, and even an interior design consultation with Carrie Leskowitz.




Special tribute was paid to Ralph Henninger, the school's first Director of Development, who was a big hit at The Montessori School.




Some fun shots from the photo booth!

Everyone was so friendly - especially the kind people who came out to visit me in the front room at the photo booth - bringing snacks and beverages and great conversation. So glad I was able to be part of the celebration; thanks again Paul and Nora for asking!

Happy 2010!

To wrap-up the end of 2009, I wanted to share some photos from a wonderful community volunteer project I took part in just before Christmas. Over 150 volunteers trekked out in the blizzard to make this day possible. Adults were matched-up with kids to help them shop for their families at Target (with donated gift cards from the event organizers), followed by a gift-wrapping party and lunch at Chickie's & Pete's.

It was arranged and funded by event organizer Sonny DiCrecchio, Manager of the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market, Pete Ciarrochi, owner of Chickie's & Pete's, and Philadelphia Eagle's Quaterback, Donovan McNabb.

Another photo was also published in the Philadelphia Daily news!

Spin for a Cause

It's 10:30 Saturday morning and I can hear Bon Jovi blaring from around the block. But it's not a weekend barbecue - it's a fundraiser at my gym, Fitness Works, where they are hosting "Spin for a Cause" to raise funds to support the American Lung Association. Considering many of the members participating rode from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm - they deserve a lot of credit for giving not only their time, but their energy and determination!

All proceeds from the event are going to sponsor another ambitious and caring South Philadelphia resident - Justine Dobies - who is participating in The Big Ride Across America where she'll be pedaling 3,300 miles over 48 days from Seattle to Washington D.C. Justine is still working to reach her goal of raising $6,000 - so if you would like to help out donations can be made here.

Welcome Home Sergeant Manz!

We missed you Paul - and are so happy you are home safe and sound!

By the way, I learned about an amazing organization called "Operation: Love Reunited" from a fellow photographer, Jarett Kulm, who volunteers for them, and was present to photograph the Owen family's reunion. The non-profit teams-up volunteer photographers with U.S. military families to document deployment and reunion...making albums for the family-member overseas and keepsakes for the family. If you are a photographer who would be interested in volunteering, or know a family who would benefit, you can visit them online on www.oplove.org.