The Hamels Foundation’s Fourth Annual Diamonds and Denim Event

If you passed by Vie on N. Broad St. last night, you might have caught a glimpse a Phillies player dressed in his favorite denim attending The Hamels Foundation’s fourth annual Diamonds and Denim event. Diamonds and Denim mixes casual with formal, providing a unique atmosphere for guests to dress up their favorite denim with as much “bling” as they want! Attendees enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a three-course dinner, participated in a silent auction and live auction (with some pretty creative items), and took in a private concert by Lifehouse.

Many of Cole Hamels‘ teammates came out to support The Hamels Foundation, including Kyle and Stephenie Kendrick (below). Just 16 days ago the Kendericks welcomed a baby boy, Kyle Jr., to their family. Their daughter, Sophia Marguerite, will be 2 on Sept. 3, 2011.

Chase and Jen Utley (below) are all smiles these days knowing that Chase will probably be a lifetime Phillies player. No matter what’s happening on the field, it’s great that our players are generous with their money and time to help those less fortunate.

John and Maryanne Lannan.

John Mayberry Jr. (below) brightens the night with his yellow pants, Louis Vuitton shoes and color-blocking blue shirt. In fact, he’s wearing the colors of the Pennsylvania flag. One thing I really appreciate on the Hamels Foundation is that handlers hold up signs denoting which guests are currently on the red carpet. It’s tremendously helpful!

Every year reality stars from ABC’s The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor Pad have a reunion of sorts at this event, especially because Philadelphia can boast four residents who have participated in the shows. This year’s reunion was especially tough as a fellow cast member and friend, Gia Allemand, died yesterday, having committed suicide. No one can be certain at this time why she killed herself, but what was certain was she was looking forward to returning to this fun event: Her tickets were booked, but never picked up. Reality stars from The Bachelor and Bachelorette Chris and Peyton Lambton (below). The couple, who met through mutual Bachelor pals at a 2010 golf tournament in North Carolina, currently co-host HGTV’s home gardening show Going Yard. And they celebrated their first wedding anniversary on May 5.

Frank Neuschaefer, Craig Robinson and Chris Bukowski with Wilheminia Models (below) selling keys to the Benari Jewelers jewelry boxes for $100. Craig was on Season 6 of ABC’s Bachelorette. He is the official host in Philadelphia when his friends come to town. Wednesday night they went to SIPS at Top of the Tower, then enjoyed dinner at Sampan. Thursday they toured the historic area, lunching at Steve’s Cheese Steaks.

The Papelbons (below) took the bling aspect to a whole new level with Jonathan‘s blinging bow tie and Ashley‘s blinged out shoes and bracelets. Plus, who can’t see that fabulous diamond ring? Even Jonathan needs sunglasses at night.

Below, Maria Papadakis of philly.com and Comcast Sportsnet meets Ben Revere — again. The other night they sat in adjoining boxes at Citizens Bank Park taking in the Jay Z/Justin Timberlake “Legends of Summer” tour. Revere just had foot surgery after injuring it in a game a few weeks back. The Phils’ center fielder says he’ll be back soon.

Shelly and Mike Adams (below) are my picks for best Diamond & Denim-clad couple of the night.

Ruben Amaro Jr. and his girlfriend, Jami Schnell, (below) just celebrated their second anniversary together.

Jimmy and Johari Rollins (below) tell me the $150,000 raised at their Harlem Nights event in June, is already being put to use to support young adults living with arthritis. They also support families who are struggling to pay for their children’s extracurricular activities. Next year’s theme is already in the works — although they were mum on the theme, think warm islands in the Pacific.

Vince and Janet Papale (below) are surrounded by the beautiful Philadelphia Phillies ball girls. The girls escorted each of the players from the red carpet, to the outdoor patio where the VIP party was being held.

Below, Joe and Kellie Gagliotti who own Joseph Anthony Salon (Glen Mills) with Cole Hamels hairstylist, Lauren Hassinger.

The Hamels (below) present a check for $10,000 to the Angle family, whose daughter Sydney Angle was killed during the May 20, 2013, tornado that hit Moore, Okla. The check is being given in her name to Plaza towers Elementary School, where Sydney was a third grader.

Lifehouse (below, from left): Jason Wade, drummer Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. sporting a Phillies jersey, and Bryce Soderberg entertained the crowd. During the first two songs, guests didn’t seem to know the band, but when they got into their more popular songs, like “You and Me,” they jumped to their feet and whipped out their phones to film the moment.

Below, Mike Chobert and Barbara Katz-Chobert thank Benari Jewelers for the ladies’ Raymond Weil watch they just won when their $100 key fit into the jewelery box. The watch retails for $2,595.

At the auction, one-of-a-kind Cole Hamels uniform and equipment collection, and Mayor Nutter’s suite-level Phillies tickets for four, went for $11,500.

Other items sold in the live auction by the very talented auctioneer, Joshua Katz:
-A golf getaway at Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica sold for $10,000.
-An 18-hole round of golf with Cole Hamels at Aronimink, lunch and a custom kids golf cart went for $13,000. Cole signed it for the winner to complete the transaction.
-And something really special: Cole Hamels calls your child to wake them up for school, then picks him/her and eight friends up in a limo, takes them school and throws the school a pep rally. Plus autographs for your child. It was a hotly bidded item and, in the end, two were offered at the winning bid of $10,000.

The Bachelors & Bachelorettes arrived in their party van at Zee Bar, looking forward to partying a little more. (Below, from left) Frank Neuschaefer, Chris Bukowski, Chris and Peyton Lambton, Sarah Herron, Ashley Spivey, Steven Hunsberger, Craig Robinson, Ben Scott and Rachel Truehart arriving at the After Party at Zee Bar.

At 10 p.m. the party moved over to Zee Bar where I ran into (below, from left) Kevin Hubbert, Dawn Strobel, Heidi Hamels, Ian Butler, GN Kang and Cole Hamels arriving.  Zee Bar doesn’t normally allow shorts and sneakers, but for one night, no one was barred from going into the late-night club. Next up for The Hamels Foundation: a pitching clinic Nov. 16-17 at Maple Zone in Boothyn, Pa. Check out their web site for info. Also, PECO Cole Hamels Bobble giveaway night is Aug. 21 as the Phillies play the Rockies.