Variety – the Children’s Charity holds annual Black Hat Bash at Water Works

All guests were treated to a VIP evening that included complimentary valet parking, Cescaphe’s celebrated cuisine. (Photo courtesy of Variety – the Children’s Charity)

PUBLISHED: May 13, 2024 at 12:13 p.m. | UPDATED: May 30, 2024 at 3:14 p.m.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley recently held its annual Black Hat Bash at the Water Works, situated between historic Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Black Hat Bash was a fun-filled evening of networking and dining under the stars to celebrate Variety’s mission and the remarkable supporters who have helped Variety grow and evolve in their service to the region’s disabilities community over the last 89 years.

The May 2 event also honored the recipients of this year’s Golden Heart of Variety Awards — Ken Lawrence Jr., senior vice president at Highmark Blue Shield and SEPTA board chairman — and Allan Myers Inc., Variety’s long-time corporate partner.

Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo and former Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence are seen here. (Photo courtesy of Variety - the Children's Charity — Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo and former Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence are seen here. (Photo courtesy of Variety – the Children’s Charity

In keeping with the theme of the night, guests wore black hats or other creative headpieces to show their support for Variety, whose logo includes a top hat. Boathouse Row was illuminated in Variety red to mark the night! Representatives from PECO, Comcast, Aramark and the Philadelphia Eagles were in attendance and sponsored the event.

“We were excited and privileged to honor Ken and Allan Myers Inc. at our Black Hat Bash this year,” said Dominique Bernardo, CEO of Variety. “During this special evening, Variety celebrated their commitment to youth, service, and community. Ken and Allan Myers have been passionate supporters for Variety’s mission, and we were thrilled to be able to honor them!”

All guests were treated to a VIP evening that included complimentary valet parking, Cescaphe’s celebrated cuisine — hors d’oeuvres and catering stations, beverages from a top-shelf open bar, special entertainment, and an online auction. Auction items up for grabs included concert tickets, golf outings, sports memorabilia, one-of-a-kind travel experiences and more! All proceeds from the event support Variety’s year-round programs and services throughout the Delaware Valley region.

Variety’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life. (Photo courtesy of Variety – the Children’s Charity)
Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo presents former Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence with the Golden Heart of Variety award. Photo courtesy of Variety – the Children’s Charity
Black Hat Bash was a fun-filled evening of networking and dining under the stars to celebrate Variety’s mission and the remarkable supporters who have helped Variety grow and evolve in their service to the region’s disabilities community over the last 89 years. (Photo courtesy of Variety – the Children’s Charity)
Auction items up for grabs included concert tickets, golf outings, sports memorabilia, one-of-a-kind travel experiences and more. (Photo courtesy of Variety – the Children’s Charity)

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Variety’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life. Variety’s workforce development model VarietyWorks is making a difference in the lives of young adults who are receiving valuable job training and independent job placement.