Hillman Cancer Center Gala

The Place: PPG Paints Arena, Uptown, Thursday night.

The Party: The 2018 UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Gala benefit, Hope Flourishes, had nearly 900 guests gathered in the lobby catching up over cocktails before entering the arena floor, which was lit only by tiny candles to give the impression of a starry night sky. Honorary chair Sy Holzer welcomed everyone, along with co-chairs Ramsey and Mike Lyons and Barbara and Herbert Shear. Director of the Hillman Cancer Center Dr. Robert Ferris (with Dr. Laura Ferris) and chair of the Hillman Cancer Center Dr. Stanley Marks (with Nikol) thanked the foundations and individuals that have helped to support the talented researchers and doctors advancing ground-breaking therapies in the fight against cancer. A video was shown with testimony from patients, including Chuck Colletti, who have benefited from the treatments. Wife and husband researchers Steffi Oesterreich and Adrian Lee were honored with the PNC Elsie Hillman Distinguished Scholar Award. Their daughters Paula and Nicola were among those applauding. Guests then enjoyed a performance by Grammy- and Emmy- nominated singer Michael Feinstein.

The People: Supporters included UPMC CEO Jeffrey Romoff, David Morehouse, Kathe and Jimmy Patronis, Athena Sarris, Jim and Judy Schwartz, Dr. Steven Shapiro, David and Brenda Roger, Stefani Pashman, Dr. Stella Lee, Dr. Leisha Emens, Dr. Dario and Kate Vignali, Dr. Kurt Weiss, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, Dr. S.J and Tracy Gao, Curtis Aiken and Melissa Fox, Peter Marsalis, Teressa Brown and Kanika and Jeff Capel, University of Pittsburgh basketball coach. —