John Heller, Post-Gazette Jerry and Terry Fedele with Dr. Paul Palevsky Click photo for larger image.

Talented surgeon looking for a single, well-adjusted donor kidney willing to explore a long-term relationship with body in need.

It's not the first organ you think of when you think passion, but the kidney was getting its share of interest Saturday night during "Passion! The 18th Annual Kidney Gala" at the Omni William Penn. Putting the spotlight on this "Ugly Betty" of the real "Gray's Anatomy" was The National Kidney Foundation of the Alleghenies, with the help of event chairs Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez and Heather Chronis.

The evening's South American theme stirred up as much fun as funds. After a dinner that began with Uruguayan Gazpacho and ended with Venezuelan chocolate cake, it was time for some Latin ballroom dancing to the sizzling sound of Finesse.

John Heller, Post-Gazette Heather Chronis and Joyce Biearman Click photo for larger image.

As emcee, WTAE-TV's Sheldon Ingram welcomed the more than 300 guests into the ballroom saturated in the soft red accent lighting and flamboyant floral arrangements by Suzi Bennardo.

This was the first year that The National Kidney Foundation of the Alleghenies incorporated its Annual Gift of Life Awards into the gala. Getting personal about preventing kidney disease was Joyce Biearman (with Dennis). A kidney transplant patient, she received the Small Hands-Big Heart Award for volunteerism. The Medical Award went to Dr. Paul Palevsky (with Dr. Sharon Roseman), and the Corporate Award was presented to Jerry Fedele (with Terry).

Twilight in Tuscany

No Tuscan sun was shining Saturday. But inside the Pittsburgh Golf Club, grapevines, Mediterranean blue grass and Italian hospitality warmed guests during Twilight in Tuscany, a benefit for Outreach Teen & Family Services. Chairs Mary D. Birks (with David), Joanne Dempe (with Michael) and Jennifer Ohrman (with Ken) hosted a lively party. Lots of wine and dancing, provided by H2O Contemporary Dance, warmed up the crowd for auctioneer Rocky Bleier (with Jan).

Rebecca Droke, Post-Gazette Debra Smit, Gerrie Delaney and Kate Tarbert Click photo for larger image.

Auction items included two bins overflowing with fine wine, a $7,500 package from Pools & Waterfalls, a 50-foot houseboat cruise, dinner for eight by Chef Scott Fetty and a women's Bertolucci watch.

Guests included interim executive director Karen Johnson (with Bayard), board president Thomas M. Joseph (with Teri), Mt. Lebanon commissioners Dale Colby (with Jody) and Barbara Logan (with Robert), Jim and Diane Langton, and Joseph and Lynn Smith, Scott and Jackie Funt, David and Laura Hartman, Jim and Lori Collins, Chuck and Jill Brodbeck, Michael and Margaret Hooton and Mike Blehar and Beth Evans. -- Kevin Kirkland