'Guess Who's Coming to Mt Airy' Coming Back to Mt. Airy

The following story was submitted by Mt. Airy USA:

On Saturday, February 2nd at the Commodore Barry Club, Mt. Airy, USA will be hosting its annual "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" benefit.

The event, which raises money for Mt. Airy, USA's community revitalization programs, boasts a lengthy list of guests and noteworthy items slated for both live and silent auctions.
 
"We are very excited for what has become a cherished and highly-anticipated annual tradition," said Mt. Airy, USA Executive Director Anuj Gupta said in statement. "'Guess Who' is a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with each other and community-minded Philadelphians. It also allows our organization to showcase itself and the wonderful community it serves."
 
The dinner will feature a "Taste of Mt. Airy," with dishes offered from a variety of neighborhood restaurants, including Geechee Girl Rice Café, Avenida, Little Jimmie's Bakery Cafe, and Trolley Car Diner. In lieu of a formal, sit-down dinner, guests will be able to sample among five tasting stations. Event organizers planned this format to encourage more introductions and interactions with the special guests, plus a fun and lively atmosphere.
 
One notable special guest is Dan Fitzpatrick, Citizens Bank President and CEO for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, who is honorary chair of the event host committee. Also attending are Philadelphia Schools Superintendent William Hite, John & Kira's Chocolates co-founders John Doyle and Kira Baker-Doyle, The Philadelphia Inquirer metro columnist Annette John-Hall, and many more.
 
Slated to receive the first-ever Mt. Airy, USA Lifetime Service Award is Estelle Richman. Over the course of her impressive career, Richman has served in a variety of roles for the city of Philadelphia, notably as Managing Director and also Commissioner of Public Health. She was the first female to hold either title. After spending seven years as Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare, Richman later served at a national level for the Obama Administration.
 
"It is truly an honor to be recognized in such a way by an amazing organization," Richman said in a statement. "Mt. Airy, USA has always engaged in worthwhile efforts to better its community."
 
A key portion of the fundraiser, the live and silent auctions, features some intriguing items. Some are oriented towards international travel, such as apartment rentals in Barcelona or Paris and even an African safari. Others are more local, such as a dinner for four in the Awbury Arboretum gardens prepared by Weaver's Way Co-op General Manager Glenn Bergmann. One can also bid for an opportunity to be a "Brewer for a Day" with Tom Baker of Mt. Airy's own Earth Bread + Brewery.
 
"It has been gratifying how the members of the community have engaged in this benefit," said Event Coordinator Abby Thaker. "Their efforts and donations have helped make this a genuinely community-driven initiative."
 
Tickets to attend "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" are still available at a price of $150 per person. Thanks to the support of sponsors who have contributed to cover event costs, each ticket directly supports the work of Mt. Airy, USA and is tax-deductible. Those interested in registering can do so at http://gomtairy.com/events/gwctd.
 
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 7:00-10:00pm. The Commodore Barry Club is located at 6815 Emlen Street. For any questions, please call 215-844-6021 or email athaker@mtairyusa.org.