Vintage Grand Prix Black Tie & Tailpipes

After a pandemic hiatus, everything was back in high gear Friday for the 2021 Vintage Grand Prix Black Tie & Tailpipes gala at Valley Brook Country Club.

The party, to benefit Merakey Allegheny Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, has raised $5 million since 1983.

It was the official kick-off for Vintage Grand Prix Race week. A cocktail reception under the club’s portico gave the nearly 270 guests a chance to catch up. Inside, they were greeted by a contact-free digital silent auction, Broadway favorites sung by Billy Hartung and Indy 500 winner and dealership owner Bobby Rahal, who autographed flags for the auction.

Grand Prix executive director Dan DelBianco thanked everyone for coming and marveled at the skill of event chair Brenda Tenison (with David) and her committee to make it all possible.

“I am thrilled with how everything turned out, and it’s great to be together again celebrating,” Ms. Tenison said.

Hartung got the party started with “Beyond the Sea” and “Pennies from Heaven.”

Before he welcomed everyone to the ballroom, WTAE’s Andrew

Stockey socialized with Jesse Torisky president and CEO Autism Society of Pittsburgh, and Dorothy Gordon, executive director of development and communications at Merakey Allegheny Valley School.

Among those on hand were: Mark and Jenny Villella, Ernest C. and Tijuani Phelps Jackson, Kristen and

Dante Prinzo and Daniel Bower, who parked his 1938 Super Eight Packard in front of the club for all to admire.

Emily Matthews/Post-Gazette Broadway performer Billy Hartung, left, event chair Brenda Tenison and former racer and team owner Bobby Rahal at the Black Tie & Tailpipes gala Friday to kick off the Vintage Grand Prix at Valley Brook Country Club in Canonsburg. See video at post-gazette.com.

Daniel Bower with his Packard Super Eight during the Black Tie & Tailpipes gala on Friday. (Emily Matthews/ Post-Gazette)