Party with DJ Royale and Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society!
May 6, 2016
Philly’s event of the spring wouldn’t be possible without the best entertainment! At this year’s Preakness at the Piazza we’ll be keeping the party going with DJ Royale and Jazz It Up Philly’s Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society!
After rocking the event the past four years, DJ Royale is back by popular demand and with him behind the music, our dance floor is never empty! Being that he’s a highly sought after DJ and one of Philadelphia’s best, we are excited to have him back. His style of music has been described as flavorful and dynamic. With his signature bow tie added to his look we couldn’t have picked a better match!
Philly PR Girl is also proud to be sponsoring the live 1920s jazz and blues band of Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society presented by Jazz It Up Philly! They are Philadelphia’s own jazz ensemble influenced by some of the best artists of its time. Not only do they play the part, but they are also 1920s inspired all the way down to their vintage second- hand suits. Make sure to get there early because they will only be playing for the event’s first hour and you do not want to miss this soulful performance!
Grab your dancing shoes and a Tito’s Black Eyed Susan and meet us on the dance floor! Get your tickets today and help us celebrate a night of good fun and charity!
MS doesn't have to change ME
March 4, 2016
By: Sheel Bhuta, Preakness at the Piazza Committee Member
On May 7, 2014, I returned to New Jersey after a 6 month trip to India. In India, I spent time getting certified in Yoga Therapy, learning the healing arts as well as volunteering to help others. I told my parents that I would never get sick again after learning all that I learned.
The joke was on me, because 10 days later, I landed in the hospital with my first MS flare. I spent a week at the hospital. At first, only the whole right side of my body went numb, then my legs stopped working, and to top it all off it also messed with my vision. With a high dose of steroids, my function came back to normal after two weeks, but I knew I was never going to be “normal” again.
I spent a year hibernating, living in fear that my legs would go out again, and I was always incredibly tired. I am naturally extremely social and hyper, so I felt like I lost my essence. My body couldn't handle the treatments, because I am allergic to most medications. I was in the hospital a few times a month, and it was demoralizing, debilitating and infuriating. That December, I went back to India for four months to receive more treatments and learn more alternative therapies.
In April, I finally snapped out of my funk and decided to start applying what I learned to help myself. I have my ups and downs, but I have been doing really well with the alternative treatments, and my hospital visits have decreased significantly.
I attended my first Preakness at the Piazza last year, and it was emotional for me since it was exactly a year after my diagnosis. I was so impressed with the event, which is why I decided to join the planning committee. MS is something that has changed my life, but it doesn't have to change me. I am now committed to doing everything I can to see a future without MS.
It's a Wrap!
May 29, 2015
Preakness at the Piazza closed out its third year in true Derby style, with the nearly 1,000 attendees dressed to the nines and partying the night away, despite the rain. DJ Royale kept the crowd dancing throughout evening while guests treated themselves to a delicious buffet of food by Andreotti’s Catering. The Black Eyed Susan, the signature drink of the Preakness Stakes, was enjoyed by guests upon their arrival and throughout the event, while 13th Street Cocktails provided the VIP section with tasty summer cocktails.
But food, drinks, and music weren’t the only Preakness at the Piazza perks. This year’s fashion contest set a new precedent with the first lady of Philadelphia, Lisa Nutter, acting as one of the esteemed judges, along with Eva Pilgram, Sabir Peele, Bryan Butler and Francesca Ruscio. All five judges selected the best of the best in overall outfit, hat, shoes, and couple categories, with each winner receiving a Boyds Philadelphia gift card for their first class style.
The success of Preakness at the Piazza was seen in the faces and heard in the comments of guests and passerby alike, but the true success of the event was the raising of more than $118,000 to support the National MS Society’s mission to create a world free of multiple sclerosis. All proceeds will go towards MS research, as well as programs and services for the more than 15,000 local people living with MS. Thank you for all who helped to make this event the highest grossing Preakness at the Piazza! Your admirable generosity is appreciated and will go a long way to helping those living with MS.
Spring Beers
May 13, 2015
Spring drinks represent the transition from cold heavy winter weather to breezy sunny days through their bright, crisp and often fruity flavors and textures. Evil Genius Beer Company has brought spring to life through two of their quirky seasonally flavored craft brews. This year's event will have the hilariously named Shut Up, Meg!, IPA and Ma! The Meatloaf!, Belgian Wit ale, to sate event goers' thirst for beers with bite and fruity bouquet.
Don't just take our word for it, though. Check out these taste bud tingling descriptions from the company's site:
- Shut Up, Meg!-- A hoppy farmhouse saison. Light spice notes mixed with citrus hoppy aromas and flavors.
- Ma! The Meatloaf!--A refreshing Belgian Wit ale brewed with a generous amount of mango. Sweet notes of orange and mango linger on the nose while delicious wheat, mango, and citrus notes quench your thirst.
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Horses, Hats and High Society
May 8, 2015
When you picture the leading horse races of the world – the Kentucky Derby, Melbourne Cup, Royal Ascot – you often picture glamorous women observing in big, floppy hats. The real spectacle of the races is the fashion. Forget picking out a favorite horse winner – it’s all about picking out that statement headpiece! But where and when did this tradition originate?
While horse racing has a long history dating back to the Greek Olympics, it wasn’t until the 18th century that hats became a staple to the equestrian event. The mystique of the hat lies in its association with the British Royal Family. In the founding of London’s Royal Ascot by Queen Anne, it was considered unlawful to have one’s head uncovered in the presence of the monarch. To this day, the dress code is strictly enforced and you must wear a hat within the prestigious Royal Enclosure. The tradition trickled down over the centuries and eventually spread to North America. While its use is not mandatory in America, the hat became a trademark and festive way to celebrate the history of the races. It’s even thought to bring good luck at the Kentucky Derby.
So in shopping for this year’s Preakness at the Piazza attire, here are a few guidelines to help you dress to impress.
Not sure where to get your statement hat? Christine A. Moore Millinery is the official hat provider for Preakness at the Piazza, with 10% of sales donated to the MS Society. To have your purchase support the MS Society, browse their Spring 2015 Collection at www.camhats.com, find the style you like, and email camhats@camhats.com with “Preakness at the Piazza” in the subject. If you prefer to try on hats before purchasing, attend the Christine A. Moore Millinery trunk show Sunday, May 10th from 11am to 6pm at Hats in the Belfry.
Get Your Preak on Fleek
May 4, 2015
Spring is here and with May 16th around the corner, it’s time to start planning your Preakness at the Piazza outfit. We have many fashionable sponsors to help you dress to impress.
The Shops at Liberty Place has hot new arrivals and seasonal classics to get you on your way. Whether your spring wardrobe is all about flirty florals, bold solids, stylish patterns or elegant neutrals, The Shops at Liberty Place have you covered! For men, pop into Les Richards/LR2 or Jos. A. Banks Clothiers for a traditional suit and fun accessories. For ladies, stroll into LOFT, Express, J. Crew or Kamee for their seasonal dresses, rompers and skirts.
If boutiques are more your avenue to shop, stop by ellelauri at 19th and Sansom for the best selection of reasonably priced, high quality fashion that’s made in the USA. Don’t forget to accessorize with ellelauri’s fun collection of bracelets and necklaces.
Once your outfit is picked out, it’s time to find the matching hat or bow tie to finalize your look. Our official hat sponsor, Christine A. Moore Millinery, has just what you need to complete your derby attire. From extravagant wide-brimmed hats to fascinators that hold true to their name, these hats do not disappoint. Browse through their 2015 spring collection to find the hat that works for you, and email your order to camhats@camhats.com with “Preakness at the Piazza” as the subject to have a portion of your sale go to the MS Society.
For guys who want to give the ladies a little competition in the best dressed department, head over to Duke and Winston at 1822 Chestnut Street or shop their online collections for a classic preppy look. While you’re there, check out the official Preakness at the Piazza bow tie. All proceeds from the sale of these bow ties go directly to the MS Society.
The Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
April 14, 2015
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep, but did you know The Preakness Stakes has its own signature drink too? The official drink of Preakness is the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, based on the black and yellow Maryland state flower.
At this year's Preakness at the Piazza, VIP guests have access to a private bar sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka with mixologists from 13th Street Cocktails making the festive and colorful cocktails. All ticket levels include unlimited beverages and food, and proceeds go directly to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
For a sneak peak of what to expect at Preakness at the Piazza when your thirst needs quenching, here is the Tito's Black-Eyed Susan recipe:
1 ½ oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
½ oz. St. Germain
2 oz. pineapple juice
¼ oz. lime juice
¾ oz. orange juice
Garnish with a fresh orange slice and cherry |
So come out to The Piazza on May 16 from 5:00-9:30 to try this delicious spring refreshment and party with us!
Party in Style as a Preakness VIP
April 3, 2015
The Host Committee has a special experience planned that is sure to entertain the most generous of MS Society donors and thoroughbred horse race enthusiasts alike. Lauren James Events will transform a VIP area of the Piazza into a throwback to southern society.
VIP Ticketholders dressed in "derby chic" will be granted admission to a themed cocktail party decorated appropriately by Beautiful Blooms.
Mixologists from 13th Street Cocktails will pull their rustic horse trailer-turned-bar up to the Piazza to serve recipes with American-made Tito's Vodka. Fun fact: the "Black-Eyed Susan" is the traditional drink of the Preakness Stakes (made with Vodka, St. Germain, pineapple juice, lime juice and orange juice). The winning horse is draped in a blanket of Black-Eyed Susan flowers, hence the name.
Buy your VIP tickets today (and fascinator hats and bow ties tomorrow) and join us to watch this second leg of the Triple Crown for a good cause!
- Lauren and Jamie of Lauren James Events, Preakness at the Piazza Committee