“An Affair to Remember.”

Three years ago, we planned an event to celebrate our business community. A venue that would encourage others to “Go Home Philly. Stop and Shop at our local spots.” We thought we’d invite our clients and a few surprise guests to meet the faces behind the names. Swap business cards. Network. Enjoy indescribable delicacies, dinner and dessert.

Like us, Joe Volpe was only two years into his own family business named ‘Cescaphe’ after his daughters Francesca & Sophia. He, too, liked the idea of promoting the local business network. This year marks our 4th annual “Affair to Remember.” This Black Tie, Red Carpet gala has grown to include a sellout crowd and VIP guests like players from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Stanley Cup-winning Flyers.

Cescaphe provides a memorable backdrop to this incredible dinner party, which includes the presentation of PRH’s “Blue Sapphire” award to individuals who’ve made ‘an indelible mark on our city for future generations.’ People like Jerry Blavat, Sharon Pinkenson, Ed Snider, Dr. Jack Carr and Rev. Gary Pacitti, who were last year’s recipients.

Most of all, this is an evening that celebrates resilience.

We are out there making it happen. Cutting corners. Building dreams. Doing our best to keep the air conditioner running in the summer and the heat on in the winter. We learned from our parents. Our grandparents. Those tireless mentors who dared to pass on things that really matter. Like traditions, work ethics, morals, respect. Character traits – sometimes flaws – that drive us to succeed. In business and in life.

Whether we carry the torches of our ancestors or venture out on our own, we are one. We share a past. And history binds people who grow up in the same neighborhoods. Others recognize the familiarity - the energy - that saturates our city. They want to live here, work here, visit here. They want to be part of it.

On Thursday, November 5th, we will celebrate our business community – the heirs and the entrepreneurs that are the economic backbone of our city of neighborhoods. We hope that you will join us.

We promise it will be “An Affair to Remember.”