Out & About: Party at The Palace celebrates Westmoreland 'crown jewel'

“A Crown Jewel Celebration” was the theme for the annual Party at The Palace in Greensburg.

The annual signature fundraiser celebrates and supports the 1,369-seat Palace Theatre entertainment venue, sometimes referred to as the jewel in the crown of Westmoreland County for its value as a historical and cultural treasure, along with other initiatives of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

The evening on Feb. 25 started with a VIP pre-party on the theater stage, where guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and champagne, as the smooth jazz sounds of the Eric Barchiesi Trio wafted down from the loge.

From the opera box, Trust CEO April Kopas welcomed the VIPs and introduced longtime event chair Peg Colosimo, whom Kopas called “the shiniest of the gems, a volunteer extraordinaire and a mentor.”

Colosimo, in turn, thanked her committee, WCT staff and volunteers whose work made the whole thing look effortless.

The jewel theme carried on throughout the building, with glittering lights and sparkling faux gems scattered about. Committee member Gary Pratt was in charge of floral arrangements and decor.

The main event featured dancing to music by Jason Kendall Productions in Megan’s Suite, coffee and dessert in Upper Megan’s Suite and a whiskey-and-cigar tent in the courtyard, courtesy of Nelson Loguasto Cigars and Big Springs Distillery in partnership with Wandering Spirits.

Guests also had the opportunity to go home with their own bling, via a raffle for a $5,000 diamond necklace donated by Beeghly & Co. Jewelers in Greensburg.

Kopas said the crowd of 250 was the biggest yet for the event, which also recognized the 250th anniversary this year of the founding of Westmoreland County.

Seen: Tim Fedele, Tuesday Stanley, Teresa Baughman and Steve Herda, Dr. Tom and Kim Ward, Tom Balya and Rose-Marie Muzika, Brian and Amy Beeghly, Kevin and Jeanie Bock, Angelo and Pamela DeMezza, John and Linda Dickson, Ron and Joann Eberhardt, Ben Huber and Elsie Lampl, John and Gretchen Kline and Josh and Kary Milan.

Also, John Noble and Beth Iezzi, Billy Numer, Rebecca Sexton, Reed Nelson, Jason Cinti and Jennifer Miele, Monsignor Raymond Riffle, Doug and Jan Bailey, John and Malinda Sherid, Kevin Zilli and Lora Kay, Mark and Ryann Heverly, Josh Reardon, Shawn Martina and Danae Brentzel-Martina, Chris McAllister and Jon Kallis.