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Pale blue Seersucker blazers, bright orange bow ties, and giant hats wilted over a woman’s face—together these pieces of fashion typically add up to certain destinations, particularly the track for a Triple Crown Race. But the Pimlico crowd won’t be alone in donning this traditional garb on race day. Preakness at the Piazza, the second annual viewing party of the Preakness Stakes, is set to return Saturday May 17 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Piazza at the Schmidts in Northern Liberties for the race’s 139th running. Building off the vibrant styles of last year’s crowd, organizers are aiming to establish the event as a premier fashion event in Philly and are bringing an upscale, racetrack vibe together with some of the city’s most notable fashion minds—all in the name of a good cause.
Organized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 100 percent of the event’s proceeds benefit Multiple Sclerosis education, wellness programs, and research initiatives. Still a mystery to modern science, the debilitating disease typically begins to strike when men and women reach their 20s and 30s, explaining the vibrant, trendy approach taken by organizers in order to garner awareness in those most likely to face it.
“One of the biggest challenges people living with MS face is the fact that most people don’t know what it is – even I didn’t until I was diagnosed,” says Joanna Lopinto, resident of the 1200 block of South Alder Street. “That’s why events like Preakness at the Piazza are so important. Not only is it an important fundraiser but it also raises awareness of MS and why the fight against MS is so important.”
The inaugural event brought in close to $100,000 and this year’s goal is to double that fundraising effort. Recently, progress spurred by heightened awareness proves that events like Preakness at the Piazza can have an effect on the lives of the approximately 14,000 people in the Greater Philadelphia area with MS. Kristina McGraw, VP of Community Outreach for the Great Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society and resident of the 200 Blk. of Wilder St. in Pennsport, is particularly proud of the strides that have been made.
“I am personally motivated by the exciting progress the Society has fueled in its research efforts, she says. “ In my 18 years with the organization, I’ve witnessed the difference our organization can make as the leading private funder of MS research in the world. When I first started with the chapter, there was only one treatment for multiple sclerosis and now there are ten.”
Organizers have fully embraced the fashionable aspects of the Triple Crown’s second leg. Local clothing line Duke & Winston is offering limited edition custom bow ties for the event, with all of their proceeds benefiting the MS Society as well, and brand founder Sean Oluvbodun will also be on hand as a special guest judge. Alongside him will be Philly.com’s Maria Papadakis, Susie Celek, Natalie Egenolf of WIP and Phillies Nation TV, and Reuben “Big Rube” Harley of the Daily News’ Street Gazing column. Patrolling the red carpet will be the last two Miss Philadelphia winners—Diamond Edmonds and Francesca Ruscio—together with Gina Gannon of Tango Traffic. Awards will be given for Best Hat, Best Couple, Best Shoes and Best-Dressed Male and Female.
The Piazza’s 400 square foot LED TV, which will broadcast the race, in combination with the trendy open-aire space—known for hosting everything from concerts, to flea markets, and beer sampling events—make it the ideal venue to host the party.
Tickets start at $75 for general admission, which includes food and drink. There is also a VIP option for $100 that includes private bar and food options as well as its own mixologist from Tito’s Vodka. Check out preaknessatthepiazza.com/ for tickets and more info.
Contact Tom Conway at tconway@southphillyreview.com.
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