UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Gala

When and where: PPG Paints Arena, Uptown, on Thursday night.

#AFutureWithoutCancer: This event is one of the best attended of the fall season and for good reason. The optimism in finding better treatments and cures for cancer pulsated through the crowd as they talked about their research and celebrated achievements. “And that’s what it is really about,” said Jeffrey Romoff, president and CEO of UPMC. “This is a celebration of all that’s wonderful about the partnership between UPMC and the Hillman Cancer Center,” he added while chatting with his wife, Stefania, Dr. Stanley and Nikol Marks and Jack and Darlene Mascaro. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made in this field, like the HPV vaccine and new immunotherapies that are prolonging lives while improving their quality, as well. There is much work to be done, but the future looks bright,” said Dr. Robert Ferris, director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, who attended with his wife, Dr. Laura Ferris.

#AllThatJazz: The decor at this event blows me away every year, and this year was no exception. Custom made linens by Mosaic Inc. breathed new life into the tablescapes with prints of malachite in rich turquoise colors that danced against the glow of candles. “We really wanted to do something spectacular to take it over the top,” said Susie Perelman, owner of Mosaic Inc. Mission accomplished! As guests settled in for dinner, they were treated to the mesmerizing musical stylings of master trumpeter and composer Chris Botti.

#SEENamong875guests: Event co-chairs Cliff and Diane Rowe, event co-chairs Herb and Barbara Shear, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher with wife Karen, Eva Blum, Sy Holzer, UPMC board chair Nick Beckwith with wife, Drs. Rushir and Neha Choksi, Joan Bigley, Maureen Anderson, Gregg Perelman, Dr. Gloria Minella, Casey Pratkanis, Greg Barrett and Kelly Gates and Ramsey Lyons.