On Saturday, May 16, Philadelphia will play host for a third year to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s spring bash, Preakness at the Piazza*. Guests are gearing up for a fashionable viewing of the 140th Preakness Stakes, set to take place at the Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties. Last year’s party drew a crowd of 1,200 Philadelphians and raised over $117,000 for the National MS Society – and this year, those numbers are only expected to go up!
Multiple sclerosis is a disease, sudden and often disabling, that affects the central nervous system; the symptoms of which can range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. Most people with MS are originally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and 2-3 times more women than men are diagnosed. MS symptoms can range greatly in severity, but its origin cannot yet be predicted, which makes the information and research surrounding this disease crucial. It affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide and 15,000 people locally. In 2014, the National MS Society invested over $50 million to advance more than 380 research projects around the world to put an end to MS. All net proceeds from Preakness at the Piazza will benefit this cause.
The party will be taking place from 5 to 9:30 p.m., during which the Preakness Stakes will be airing live on The Piazza’s 400 square-foot LED screen. In addition, guests can enjoy a delicious buffet of food, open bar with libations from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, contests and raffles, music, dancing, and fun-filled memories. Fox 29’s Alex Holley and 97.5 The Fanatic’s Pat Gallen will be this year’s official hosts!
Of course, the most fashionable event of the spring season would not be complete without a best dressed contest. There will be a total of five fashion contest categories, including overall Best Dressed Female and Male, Best Couple, Best Hat, and Best Shoes.The winners will receive a gift certificate from local stores such as Boyd’s Philadelphia. This year’s slated judges are Eva Pilgrim of 6ABC, Philadelphia Magazine’s Bryan Buttler, former Miss Philadelphia Francesca Ruscio of PHL17, President of Philadelphia Academies, Inc. and First Lady of Philadelphia Lisa Nutter, and Men’s Style Pro Founder Sabir Peele.
Still in need of an ensemble to wear to Preakness? Guests will be dressed to the nines in sundresses and floppy hats, colorful bowties, and seersucker suits. If you’re still shopping for accessories, Christine A. Moore Millinery and Duke & Winston are the official hat and bow tie providers for Preakness at the Piazza. 10% of every hat sold for the event will be donated to the MS Society, as well as all proceeds from the custom, limited edition Preakness-themed Duke & Winston bow ties. For dress and suit ideas, the Shops at Liberty Place houses tons of retailers, and are a Preakness at the Piazza sponsor.
Tickets for the biggest spring season event in Philadelphia are on sale for General Admission ($75) and VIP ($150), with discounts for couples and groups. For more information, please visit www.preaknessatthepiazza.com. For updates on the event as the date gets closer, stay connected on Facebook at facebook.com/PreaknessatPiazza
*Philly PR Girl is a proud partner of Preakness at the Piazza and the National MS Society
