Kate MacNamara of Kati Mac Floral Designs in West Chester set the mood with her elegant, beautiful arrangements.
www.katimacfloraldesigns.com

It was truly an affair to remember! Hundreds of Main Liners and city slickers ‘dressed to impress and donated to make a difference’ (as the invitation suggested) as Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, AroundMainLine.com, successfully hosted their first fundraiser and local event. Be Mine on the Main Line brought out over 300 guests to Blush Restaurant & Bar in Bryn Mawr on Friday, February 6th in an awesome display of support for the Pennsylvania SPCA.

“What can I say about Be Mine? It was a night that was most rewarding for everyone involved. And, a total team effort from top to bottom. As Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, AroundMainLine.com has worked very hard to develop great friendships with local businesses in a short period of time and, in this economy, we have figured out a way to tap into those resources, connect the dots, and bring a local community together unlike anyone else—online. Combined with the enthusiasm we have received since our September 30th launch and an amazing new partnership with the PSPCA, this was an event that wowed the region. We are quite proud,” said Sarah Lockard, AroundMainLine.com CEO and Publisher. Added Nick Chapman, PSPCA Special Events Planner:”The Pennsylvania SPCA thanks AroundMainLine.com for their efforts to help homeless animals in the state of Pennsylvania. Be Mine on the Main Line was an amazing success, raising over $2,000 to help rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals in need. We at the Pennsylvania SPCA are honored to work with fantastic people like those at AroundMainLine.com.”

Maryellen Bowers, of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen in West Chester, enticed the crowd's sweet tooth with her cleverly designed (and Valentine’s-themed) cupcake table!
www.cakesandcandiesbymaryellen.com

The fundraiser had dozens waiting outside in the beginning of the night and valets sprinting as the main dining room of Blush quickly filled up with a capacity crowd ready to party. The event was sponsored, in part, by Verdi Spumante Sparkling Wine and Weyerbacher Brewery. Guests, including many singles, dined on complimentary appetizers courtesy of Blush (including a sophisticated squash soup) and noshed on a posh cupcake table courtesy of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen Bowers in West Chester. Bowers, a baker and chocolatier, also provided creative party favors in the form of chocolate bars wrapped in the party’s theme logo (a dog bone in the shape of a heart) for the attendees.

The Bold and The Beautiful of Be Mine Pictured L to R: Alexandra Picardi of Philadelphia, Charlie Tarloski of Malvern, Julia Tarloski of Malvern, and Jaime Conwell of Chester Springs.

In addition, Kati Mac floral designs (www.katimacfloraldesigns.com) accented the room with crimson colored arrangements in romantic vases. The Pear Tree, a boutique in Wayne, provided beautiful, holiday-themed accents for the room to set the mood for a memorable night. “The main reason that Be Mine was a party people are still talking about is twofold: one, the purpose of the night was a cause that everyone can be enthused about–the Pennsylvania SPCA. The work they are doing is amazing as they give selflessly of their time to support animals, working to provide them new homes and a new leash on life. It’s a purpose everyone can relate to because this area is rich with animal lovers. And, secondly, this was a collaborative effort through and through from all ends. The staff of the PSPCA is awesome; our vendors were incredibly generous and giving of their resources and time. When you work with kind, enthused people who fully believe in their work, great things fall into place pretty easily. Nick Chapman (Special Events Planner) and Heather Redfern (PSPCA Director of Outreach Programs) were instrumental in pulling off a great night. That is a blessing for us, at AML, because they worked with us from the inception and believed in what we are aiming to do as well,” said Lockard.

Lockard, 34, is a Wayne native and local entrepreneur who started her company, AroundMainLine.com, Inc. last summer. AML is Philadelphia’s first e-magazine and gained notoriety a few weeks back (on philly.com) when traffic surged over 700% after AML published a feature on former QVC host Kathy Levine. Levine, along with former Philadelphia Soul player Sean Scott and 610 WIP’s Glen MacNow and his wife, Judy, were among notables at the lavish event.

The great staff of the PSPCA braved the elements and the bitter cold to greet the 300-plus partygoers. Pictured L to R: Emily Simmons, Development Associate; Instiutional Giving; Nick Chapman, Special Events Planner; Heather Redfern, Director of Outreach Programs

Despite a significant increase in visibility and a pending relationship with a major media outlet in the works, Lockard is determined to keep the purpose of her first fundraiser and business model very clear. “What I want people to know–in and around the Main Line–is that the PSPCA is in need all the time. We highlighted their efforts with a sensational, sophisticated event unlike any other party this region has seen with Be Mine, and that rocked. It created a great buzz for AML and, most importantly, this organization. But, come Monday morning, everyone (at the PSPCA) is back to work at their headquarters working hard for the animals they care for. And, that is not the most glamorous job, yet it’s a rewarding labor of love that takes a special group of people to make it happen, to operate well and successfully. So, I encouraged many of the attendees at Be Mine: ‘Take away from this night your great memories and pictures. But, don’t walk away from what this was all about. Let’s stay connected with this cause, be a part of our e-magazine on a regular basis and come out to our next event for this charity with ten more of your friends who did not come to Be Mine.’ I want everyone to join me in building on what we have here, because it is a pretty amazing thing. And, we are just getting started.”

Homemade chocolate bars, Be Mine’s party favors, captured the purpose of the night and were designed by Maryellen Bowers of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen and Just Wrapz.

Donated Items for AroundMainLine.com’s PSPCA Fundraiser: Be Mine on the Main Line

Many thanks to all the contributing, generous companies I would like to acknowledge below. I am very thankful and look forward to working with you again soon.

Most Sincerely,
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com CEO & ePublisher

Kevin McPherson Photography
www.kevinemcpherson.com
Kevin McPherson is well-associated with AroundMainLine.com, as he has worked as our official site photographer since our inception. Kevin was instrumental in Be Mine’s success, as he graciously donated his time and talent for a professional photo shoot of the animals up for adoption at the PSPCA. These photos were published in our evites and online preview article and were also published on 6abc.com as an additional promotion of the upcoming inaugural event.

Secrets Limousine Service, Philadelphia, PA
www.secretslimo.com
Secrets Limousine, the official limousine company of AroundMainLine.com, graciously donated a car for the AroundMainLine.com staff who, through their selfless contributions, time and energy made this most memorable event possible. Secrets Limo wowed us from the start of the night when our driver, Chuck, arrived fifteen minutes early to introduce himself and our ‘ride’ (in the form of a Dodge Charger Asanti Limo). And, the awesome experience continued with the fantastic customer service at midnight when we made a pit stop for some burgers and frites (we were starving!) at Teresa’s Next Door and Chuck waited outside in the freezing cold! Secrets proved they are a terrific company who believes in doing it right. Looking for a reliable and beautiful limousine for your next night out? We highly recommend Secrets Limo—and ask for Chuck.

Work it Girl, Earn It!
Interior designer Carrie Leskowitz and guest Stacey Gelman work the room and soak in the celebration.

Blush Restaurant & Bar
www.dineatblush.com
Head chef Nick Farina has been an AML supporter since we launched our company last summer, so it was a no-brainer whom to approach when we were looking for a beautiful, romantic venue for Be Mine on the Main Line. Blush donated their entire dining room for the event—a most generous contribution for a Friday night in February and, no less, in this economic environment. Many thanks to Chef Farina and his entire staff for supporting AML and the PSPCA.

Kati Mac Floral Designs
www.katimacfloraldesigns.com
Kate MacNamara, of Kati Mac floral designs, designed and donated a gorgeous display of Valentine’s-themed arrangements that set the scene for a great Be Mine! Kate is a horticulturist and talented florist who has been a great friend and supporter of AroundMainLine.com since our inception. Kate has a booming business in the bridal industry and also delivers fresh flowers in and around the West Chester region. Her service is exceptional and her blooms are always breathtaking.

Cakes and Candies By Maryellen/Just Wrapz
www.cakesandcandiesbymaryellen.com
www.justwrapz.com
Maryellen Bowers, of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen and Just Wrapz, added the ‘wow’ factor in the dining room at Blush in Bryn Mawr. A six-foot table tiered with the most delicious, perfectly decorated and delicious miniature cupcakes and perfectly wrapped homemade chocolate bars were the hit of the night and were devoured (rather quickly) by the attendees.

Leslie and Gene Johnson, great friends of the AroundMainLine.com family and owners of Gullifty's Pizza Grille & Bar in Rosemont.

The Radnor Hotel, Radnor, PA
www.radnorhotel.com
A fabulous Sunday Champagne Brunch for two was graciously donated by Anita Sayers, Marketing Director, for The Radnor Hotel. The hotel offers one of the Main Line’s most popular Sunday brunches in their beautiful dining room.

Spot’s the Place for Paws
854 ½ Montgomery Avenue
Narberth, PA 19072 (1-610-668-SPOT)
Andrea Deutsch, a new friend of AML, animal enthusiast and owner of Spot’s, generously donated a gift certificate to her boutique. Spot’s the Place for Paws is considered the ‘LL Bean’ of Main Line animal stores as it prides itself on no frills, healthy foods for your pet. Spot’s is about to celebrate its six-year anniversary and was named Best of Philly 2004, Best Shopping for Dogs.

Varani Formal Wear, Frazier, PA
www.varanitux.com
Ed Varani, owner of Varani’s Formal Wear, graciously donated a free tuxedo rental for Be Mine on the Main Line. Varani is a family owned-and-operated business that offers one of the largest in-stock formal wear specialists in Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties, in Pennsylvania.

Mary Kay Cosmetics Makeover Sessions
Courtesy of Colleen Robestulli, Senior Sales Director
www.marykay.com/crobustelli

Avalon Restaurant BYOB, West Chester, PA
www.avalonrestaurant.org
Avalon Restaurant, a popular BYOB in historic West Chester, offers dining in a trendy, upscale environment decorated with European elements. An inviting stone fireplace completes the décor of Avalon’s romantic setting.

First Class Travel Goods, Paoli, PA
www.firstclasstravelgoods.com
First Class Travel Goods donated a gift certificate to their Paoli store. First Class is the one-stop-shop for the independent traveler, offering a range of great travel bags and accessories for the international traveler or busy corporate executive.

Over twenty local businesses graciously donated raffle items for Be Mine on the Main Line. Beethoven Wraps in Wayne beautifully packaged many of the prizes, including the two pictured here.

American Male Salon, Berwyn, PA
www.americanmale.com
American Male donated a gift certificate and grooming products for Be Mine on the Main Line. American Male is a full service salon for guys, offering a unique experience for the ‘boys only’ with televisions and complimentary beverages.

Blackfish BYOB, Conshohocken, PA
www.blackfishrestaurant.com
Blackfish is one of the Main Line’s most popular BYOBS, with Chef Chip Roman at the helm. Check out our article on Blackfish as part of our gluten-free recipe series on our homepage.

Wonderful Wayne Gift Basket
Many thanks to the following members of the Wayne Business Association who participated in Be Mine on the Main Line.
Tickets for 4 for the Wayne Movie Theatre
Gift Certificate for D’Amicatonio’s Shoes
Gift Certificate for Competitive Edge Lacrosse Store
Lunch at Elegance Café, Wayne & Paoli Shopping Center (www.elegancecafe.com)
Gift Certificate for The Boathouse Restaurant, Wayne (www.flanboathouse.com)

Braxton’s Gift Basket
www.braxtons.com
Braxton’s Animal Works is a Main Line staple, founded in 1938 and still operating successfully as a family-run institution for the suburban region.

Gift Certificate Courtesy of Homecooked, Paoli, PA
www.homecooked.net
To read a full feature on AML on Claire Phillips’ Homecooked, click here.

Baby Basket Courtesy of Piccolini Baby Store, Bryn Mawr, PA
Owner: Jessica Watt Troiano
www.piccolinionline.com
Piccolini is a great, chic upscale baby store with locales in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia. Piccolini features organic, stylish and cool essentials for modern living from the finest baby designers.

Dog-Themed Pillow Basket Courtesy of Fill-a-Pillow, Haverford Station, PA
www.fillapillow.com.
To read a full feature on AML on Monica Walker Miraglilo’s store click here.

Pet Nanny Sessions courtesy of Colleen Parsons Sedgwick
www.pet-nanny.net
Pet Nanny is considered the ‘pet sitters of the Main Line.’ Owner Colleen Sedgwick provides in-home pet sitting for the majority of the Main Line region. Pet Nanny offers peace-of-mind, safety and convenience for your pet sitting needs.

Mindy Childs of Phoenixville was one of the lucky and enthused winners of the night! Pictured also are Indra Khan (background) of Philadelphia and Lisa Moulter (foreground) of Devon.

Dogma Day Spa Gift Certificate, Wayne, PA
www.dogmadayspa.com
Named Best of Philly 2006, Dogma Day spa offers a premiere, Main Line spa experience for your pup or distinguished dog. Dogma Day Spa has a booming business in Wayne and the Main Line region.

April Ziegler Pet Photography Session
www.aprilziegler.com
April Ziegler is an accomplished lifestyle photographer in the Philadelphia region who recently extended her business into developing a strong pet photography clientele. April is enthusiastic and talented and a new friend of AML.

Buzzy’s Bow Wow Meow Gift Basket, Narberth, PA
www.buzzysbowwowmeow.com
Buzzy’s Bow Wow Meow is dedicated to enhancing relationships between people and animals. Buzzy’s carries an extensive variety of healthy food, toys, supplies and accessories for dogs, cats, companion and wild birds and small animals, while offering adoption services, meaningful educational resources to help pet owners connect better to animal matters.

Beer Lovers Prize: Dinner for Two at Teresa’s Next Door,
Wayne, PA and two corked bottles of Weyerbacher’s Merry Monks craft beer.
www.teresa-cafe.com
www.weyerbacher.com
A sensational treat for any beer lover in the region and in anticipation of the second annual Philly Beer Week, one lucky winner walked away with a great night of mussels, frites and a Belgium-lager waiting for them at the famed Belgian restaurant, Teresa’s Next Door in Wayne. In addition, our sponsor and friends at Weyerbacher Brewery donated a pair of corked bottles of their popular brew, Merry Monks.

Emerald DuCoeur/Phone Consultation/Pet Session
www.heartscontent.net
Emerald DuCoeur is a professional animal communicator who offers consultations, healings and classes through her website and frequent visits at area Cutter’s Mills pet stores. Emerald can be reached at: emerald@heartscontent.net

Be Mine on the Main Line benefits beautiful animals like this featured feline, Smudge. A 10-month old male, Smudge is terribly sweet and loving and he does not shy away from public displays of affection!

Be Mine on the Main Line will be a fabulous night of food, fun, dancing and door prizes as AroundMainLine.com, Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, kicks off the year partnering with one of our favorite causes and respected organizations, the PSPCA. The Pennsylvania SPCA is working tirelessly to continue their mission of animal rescue and support-addressing the needs of thousands of homeless animals each and every year. And, they need your support to continue to do just that. So, Be Mine on the Main Line, THE big Main Line party of the season, is set for Friday, February 6th at Blush Restaurant and Bar in Bryn Mawr (www.dineatblush.com). The festivities start at 7pm sharp!

D-Rod wants to know, ‘Where’s the party at?’ Blush Restaurant & Bar in Bryn Mawr Feb. 6th, 7pm

As many of you who know me or can see through my online magazine, my commitment to animals and animal causes is strong. I believe faithfully in having pets in my life, especially when times are tough. I grew up in a big cat family, namely because my parents have a house of beautiful old hardwood floors and antiques and it never meshed well as a dog house. About a month ago, I lost one of my most beloved and beautiful cats, Daisy, to cancer. It’s been years since I’ve had a pet pass away and I had forgotten what an emotional rollercoaster it is.

Daisy, or as we recently called her ‘Daisy Dukes’, was a great cat with her own personality and idiosyncrasies and a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude. The first fall we adopted Daisy from a local SPCA shelter she was so tiny, I wanted to call her buttercup. Daisy perched on everyone’s shoulders while we watched Birds games–eagerly cheering for Duce Staley in her own, quiet way. Daisy bled Eagles green, you could just tell. She found a way to be a part of every event or party and even squeezed into my mom’s mini vintage Christmas village in between the bottled brushed trees and cardboard houses like she was part of the actual display! Daisy was a little kitten with a lot of nerve.

But she quickly grew–Daisy was four shades of butterscotch and about 4 pounds overweight in a matter of months! My Daisy Dukes saw me through thick and thin, single and dating, skinny and pudgy, happy and sad, silly and serious and everything in between. I’m certainly going to miss her and her companionship. If you are thinking about bringing an animal into your life, we have highlighted some of the fantastic dogs and cats below that are currently available at the PSPCA downtown. Give it some thought. If you do not have a lifestyle to adopt a pet, you can still make an important contribution by attending Be Mine on the Main Line. The cover at the door is only $10, the food and music is free and you will be making an important difference by attending.

For a complete slideshow of all the animals photographed for this event, visit 6abc.com.

We will also have some fantastic door prizes from Main Line and Philadelphia businesses, many surprises and a creative animal-themed cupcake display to get you in the ‘mood’ which will be generously donated by the talented Maryellen Derr. Maryellen is president of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen and is a chocolatier and master baker. She is growing her successful business in and around the Main Line and Philadelphia region and a great, new friend to the AML family. Check out her website and delicious treats for a sneak peak at: www.cakesandcandiesbymaryellen.com.

So, look at the beautiful faces and profiles that are currently up for adoption at the PSPCA (www.pspca.org). Your next best buddy could be right here waiting for your own gift of the heart, a new home. And, feel free to share your thoughts and excitement for our event below with us in our comment section. I hope to see you all on February 6th, and please pledge to bring at least one friend with you to party the night away and make an important difference! Finally, wondering what to wear? Remember our AML motto is always: Dress to Impress, Donate to Make A Difference. Daisy Dukes, this night’s for you.

AML Publisher

Party Details

AroundMainLine.com Presents: Be Mine on the Main Line

When: Friday February 6th 7pm-11pm

Where: Blush Restaurant & Bar
24 North Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA
610-527-7700
www.dineatblush.com

Why: To raise money and support the great work of the Pennsylvania SPCA. All proceeds benefit the PSPCA including the $10 cover charge/donation at the door.Valet Parking, Free Appetizers and Complimentary Champagne, Door Prizes, Dancing, Networking, Beautiful People and More! Thank you to WPVI/6ABC and 6abc.com for supporting our wonderful event, Be Mine on the Main Line.

Dear Friend,

It’s hard to believe that 2008 is over. This certainly was an exciting, eventful year for the PSPCA. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and friends, the PSPCA helped over 75,000 animals in 2008.

We were able to assist more animals in need this year because of the expansion of our law enforcement unit. We now have 24 humane officers sworn in 50 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and are on track to have an officer sworn in every county by early 2009. Our toll-free cruelty reporting hotline, 1-866-601-SPCA, which launched at the end of January, confirmed that animal cruelty is an epidemic throughout Pennsylvania. Through November, the PSPCA had investigated almost 5,900 cases, but we know that there are many more animals across the commonwealth that need our help. We continue to rely on the public to stand up to animal abusers and report neglect and cruelty cases to us for investigation.

Tigerlilly is a brindle and white two-year old pitbull mix ready for adoption. She is intelligent, inquisitive, and loads of fun! Tigerlilly’s pastimes include long walks, sloppy kisses and the occasional flare for decorating.

Among those animals saved by our law enforcement team in 2008 were hundreds of cats rescued from the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary in March. These cats were suffering from serious illnesses and disease, including ESCHERICHIA COLI, STAPHYLOCOCCUS, PROTEUS MIRABILUS, FELINE CALICIVIRUS, HERPES VIRUS, BORDETELLA, MYCOPLASMA FELIS and CHLAMYDOPHILAFELIS, and were living in extremely unsanitary conditions in the Tarentum, Pa., facility. Hundreds more cats were found dead in deep freezers and burial pits located on the property. Four-hundred-and-six cats were removed from and transported to the Clarion County Humane Society, a PSPCA branch that was re-opened specifically to care for the cats. After receiving extensive medical treatment from PSPCA veterinarians, 250 Tiger Ranch cats have survived, along with 11 kittens born at the Clarion facility in three litters from Tiger Ranch cats that were supposedly spayed and neutered. The case against Tiger Ranch owner Lin Marie is scheduled for trial in July 2009.

The PSPCA also intensified its investigations of Pennsylvania’s commercial breeding facilities–puppy mills–in 2008. As a result of the undercover work by a PSPCA agent, we were able to remove almost 90 dogs from the Limestone Kennels in Chester County and more than 60 animals from the Almost Heaven Kennel in Emmaus. PSPCA medical staff gave the animals much-needed veterinary care and we were able to send them to rescue and adopt them to wonderful new homes. Limestone owner John Blank had his license permanently revoked by the state Bureau of Dog Law and was placed on two years’ probation, during which time state officials will ensure that he does not own more than five personal dogs. The revocation of the Almost Heaven license is currently being appealed. Pennsylvania is known as the “puppy mill capital of the east” and we know there are many more animals suffering in these dog factories who will need our help in the coming year.

In addition to rescuing animals through expanded law enforcement operations, the PSPCA also helped Pennsylvania’s animals through our adoptions programs and our Philadelphia animal clinic. Despite the country’s economic downturn, the PSPCA’s branch adoption centers found new homes for more than 8,800 dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other companion animals in 2008. Many of these furry and winged friends were older animals, surrendered to the shelter because their families could no longer afford to care for them or because they had been forced to move and couldn’t take their beloved friends with them. Thankfully, there are many loving people throughout Pennsylvania who were able to provide the wonderful homes these faithful companions deserve.

Give Shadow and many others a chance to find a forever home. All proceeds from Be Mine on the Main Line support the PSPCA.

The Philadelphia branch’s Rutherford Memorial Hospital treated more than 34,000 animals in 2008. Our medical staff of 39 professionals cares not only for the dogs, cats and other friends that call our shelter home while they wait to be adopted, but they also provide a necessary service for thousands of local residents, many of whom cannot afford to take their companions to a private veterinarian. The PSPCA clinic promotes wellness, while increasing the community’s access to emergency and critical care and surgical services. We are looking forward to furthering our services and reaching more patients in 2009.

2009 will prove to be even busier for the PSPCA. In December, the City of Philadelphia awarded its animal care and control contract to the PSPCA. The Animal Care and Control Team powered by the PSPCA (ACCT) started on January 1 and will provide the city with more lifesaving staff to work with foster, rescue and shelter partners to find homes for more animals; more vehicles to patrol the streets; a behaviorist to assess animals entering the shelter; and a medical team to provide necessary lifesaving treatment.

Rescuing, rehabbing and re-homing Pennsylvania’s animals in need is difficult and the PSPCA could not fulfill its mission without the support of its thousands of friends. Thank you for your assistance in 2008 and in the coming year. Have a happy, healthy and humane 2009.

All my best,

Howard R. Nelson, CEO
PSPCA

Start the New Year off right by supporting the PSPCA. Sponsor a PSPCA cat or dog waiting for adoption, buy a brick for the Dog Park at our Philadelphia branch or send a gift in honor of the animal lover in your life. Click here to learn about the many ways you can help the PSPCA.

Thank you to all of our friends who made the 2008 holiday season a happy one for the animals in our branch adoption centers. From the gifts of toys and treats to the donation of time to make special meals for our furry friends, you made this season bright for the animals that were not able to go home for the holiday.