Glitterati and honored ‘guests-of-honor’ dare not skip a stop in to ogle jewels and sip champagne at the annual pre-party to The Academy Ball held by the Central Committee at Tiffany’s.

At last week’s Zoe Strauss opening gala, the Philadelphia Museum of Art was bustling with hip-hip hipsters mixing in with the ‘art set’ and museum mavens alike.

The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry throw a coming out party that puts the toast in ‘toast of the season,’ but only every few years.

Members of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Women’s Board met last week to conclude a series of note-writing and invitation addressing events over the last month. 

This year’s Azalea Garden Party & Silent Auction for The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society had south-of-the-border flare. The fund-raising event fell on May 5 — Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage. The day featured lively mariachi music and Mexican-influenced cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The Franklin Awards are bestowed annually in Philadelphia, and laureates join a group of elite leaders and visionaries in science and technology.  This years honorees included Bill Gates and other defining men and women of our time.

Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding Center’s 25th annual fundraiser netted $150,000 to ‘keep the barn doors open.’  Proper Philadelphia Society Photographer Joan Bang contributes photographs from the fun-filled celebration atop the Bellevue.

The Young Friends of the Charity Ball held their first ever art show and sale, titled ArtMarch, at the beautifully renovated carriage house of architect Frederic L. Bissinger and his wife Nancy Drexel Bissinger.  Artwork included came from past Ball participants or ‘extended family’ of the Charity Ball, and sales will benefit the Ball’s 2010 beneficiary, Gesu School.

The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art hosted another fabulously well-attended event last Saturday.  The annual Winter Gala was entitled Midnight Masquerade, and gave Young Friends and guests the opportunity to exercise their artistic senses from toe to head, literally.

Curtis Institute and the Curtis Symphony Orchestra held their annual Season Premier Gala to benefit the Student Assistance Fund, with a lovely preconcert cocktail & dinner party held at the Bellevue followed by a performance at the Kimmel Center.