Columbus Socialite of the Week: DIMITRIOUS STANLEY

Happy Black Friday, post-Thanksgiving and pre-Ohio State versus Michigan day!

As I sit here in New York, I know that Columbus is going to be a wild day tomorrow! Hopefully couches will not be set on fire as OSU will come out on top.

For you students, you’ve already jumped in Mirror lake but have you picked out your attire for game day?

From one of the most fashionable athletes in town, Dimitrious Stanley is ready for the big rivalry game.

As a former Ohio State football player, who co-won the Big Ten three times along with a win in the 1997 Rose Bowl, has a few favorite hangouts around in his hometown. Before he played for the Miami Dolphins and Ohio State, this Thomas Worthington High School grad has grown to love this City.

When he’s not anchoring every football Saturday on WSYX-ABC6 he spends his time as a personal trainer, but he’s also committed to giving back to the community along with hitting up all the hot spots around town.

So what does the hometown hero enjoy about Columbus…

GETTING TO KNOW…DIMITRIOUS STANLEY

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
DS: Go to my house!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
DS: Lindey’s

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
DS: That’s a secret!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
DS: Finish Line

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City:
DS: The view from the top of Miranova

Miss C.S. - Favorite Sports Team:
DS: Cincinnati Bengels

Miss C.S. - Athlete or Celeb of choice:
DS: Kari Klinkenborg (Terrell Owens’ girl)

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
DS: Any charity that helps women and kids live a better life

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World, I would:
DS: Like to teach everyone how to be happy!!

Miss C.S. – One thing people don’t know about you:
DS: I love dogs

Miss C.S. - Your inspiration:
DS: The philosophy of Bruce Lee

Miss C.S. – Did you have any game day ritual:
DS: Listen to music and wear the same red gloves

Miss C.S. - Favorite fan encounter:
DS: A group of 80-year-old women told me they loved me and gave me a huge kiss on the cheek

Miss C.S. – You’re a very fashionable guy, what’s your favorite suit, tie or ensemble to wear on-air:
DS: The red velvet of course

Miss. C.S. – Best OSU versus UM game memory:
DS: I was the leading receiver my freshman year against Michigan

Miss C.S – Your prediction for OSU versus UM game:
DS: High scoring and we win!!

Miss C.S. – In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
DS: Someone that has a life

Dimitrious is always seen around town not only having fun, but also attending a non-profit event giving his time back to the City. One of the past events he participated in this past June was the Woody Hayes Celebrity Classic where he played golf with a team of four and also attended the Kick-off party at Bar Louie - Arena District the night before and all for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Over $260,000 was raised for the hospital which another former Buckeye football star Kirk Herbstreit chaired.

Tomorrow the Football Buckeyes will be honoring the 1942 Championship team before they were World War II-bound with uniforms featuring a U.S. flag on the jersey sleeve, a camouflage-print base layer and a scarlet helmet.

Don’t miss Dimitrious, along with the 1942 throwback jersey and hopefully we’ll also see the red velvet.

Eventing off with a big OH-IO,
Miss. C.S.

Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week

Happy Friday!

With the holidays on the horizon, many organizations are working to get assistance for families in need during the upcoming season. One of those being a provider of shelter, support, stability and nurturing for homeless children and their families as they get ready to obtain and manage their own permanent home, which is the Homeless Families Foundation (HFF).

Recently, HFF raised more than $100,000 at their holiday fundraiser, “Come Home for the Holidays” held at Brookside Country Club. With the coordination from the wonderful HFF staff and executive director, I’m sure this event was a hit!

Before becoming executive director at HFF, Adrienne Corbett spent 30 years working with low income older adults and their caregivers. She also spent years volunteering at her children’s school and was also a Girl Scout leader. As a breast cancer survivor, she gives back and volunteers her time to the local Komen Columbus chapter as she’s committed to finding a cure for this awful disease.

GETTING TO KNOW…ADRIENNE CORBETT

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
AC: Babysit my six-month-old grandson

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
AC: Anywhere with fresh fish options and the food is served hot – probably Columbus Fish Market

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
AC: Lane Avenue shopping center

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
AC: Chico’s

Miss C.S. - Best Party, Event or Scene in the City:
AC: Red, White and Boom

Miss C.S. - Favorite Columbus team to root for:
AC: Buckeyes

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:
AC: Compassion

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
AC: Homeless Families Foundation

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World, I would:
AC: Eliminate exploitation of our most vulnerable – children, elderly and mentally ill

Miss C.S. – How long have you been with HFF:
AC: Four and a half years

Miss C.S. – How did "Come Home for the Holidays" event go:
AC: It was a huge success. We had more than 325 guests, great auction items and exceeded our goal by approximately $15,000.

Miss C.S. – Any upcoming events or fundraisers for HFF:
AC: 2011 is HFF’s 25th Anniversary so plans are underway for a celebration in the spring. Holidays are always a busy time. We have more than 100 children that Santa needs to visit. At HFF, we set up a holiday store so that the parents can participate in choosing the gifts for their children. Volunteer elves help with the wrapping. We encourage companies, individuals and church groups to think of us. The sooner we get the gifts, the sooner we know what age group.

Miss C.S. – How can people volunteer for HFF:
AC: We have many volunteer opportunities. Much of the work requires some manual labor – helping shop for shelter supplies and perishable food for families, maintaining the two playground areas and more. There are also opportunities to help at our Dowd Education Center. The individual has to be at least 16-years-old and able to commit to a regular schedule. There are times of the year when we use bigger groups such as back to school shopping and back-packs, sorting food from the St. Joan Food Drive and holiday time. People interested can go to our website www.homelessfamiliesfoundation.org or e-mail KGallegos@homelessfamiliesfoundation.org.

Miss C.S. – Favorite part of the job:
AC: Observing the children at our Education Center thrive due to the genuine love and concern of the staff.

Miss C.S. - Favorite memory so far at HFF:
AC: One favorite memory is an exit interview with a mom whom because of the help of her case manager was moving into new housing, where on-going support services would be available. She said I’m having a funeral for my past and a birthday party for my future.

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
AC: Committed

Adrienne is a true socialite of the city. She’s constantly seen supporting other non profits around town and is committed to her own. She is a terrific and wonderful woman that I’m honored to have worked with her on events as well as get to know her as a person. She truly is making a difference for our community.

If you’d like to help HFF during the holidays by being a volunteer elf with wrapping or donating items and toys, please visit the Homeless Families Foundation website at www.homelessfamiliesfoundation.org and give back this holiday season.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Easton

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? Before you fill up on turkey and mashed potatoes, get in the holiday spirit this Friday!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Or how does a carriage ride and a hot cocoa sound with your sweetie? Romantic and a sweet gesture I think!

Well this Friday is the 12th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Easton Town Center at 6 p.m. Santa will be arriving on the Town Square by Brio, along with a special guest to do the honors of lighting the tree. Did I mention this is a 50-ft tree?!

After the lighting, stick around for photos with Santa inside the Station Building, carriage rides for $10 per person, holiday entertainers and more!

While you’re out here why not grab dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants, Northstar Cafe anyone, or catch the new Harry Potter with the IMAX experience at AMC.

Whatever it is you choose...there’s tons to do!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Photos by Steve Brady

The American Girl Fashion Show Benefiting Little Hearts

This past Sunday, I had the honor volunteering at the American Girl Fashion Show to benefit The Lauren Faith Miller Foundation.

Founded in 2005, The Lauren Faith Miller Foundation, is a 501(c)3 children's charity dedicated to providing financial and emotional assistance to children with congenital heart defects.

I was a volunteer coordinated by Kinder Key of Nationwide Children's Hospital, a women's auxiliary group dedicated to providing new hope for young hearts through their support of The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s.

As I've mentioned in a past post, I was a patient at The Heart Center in 2006, where I found out I had two small holes in my heart that needed to be closed with an amplatzer device. (Which is still in my heart today). This is the main reason why I joined Kinder Key last year so I could give back to the wonderful doctors, surgeons and staff at Nationwide Children's Hospital that took such great care of me.

I was probably one of the oldest patients eating popsicles after my heart surgery four years ago, but I'll always remember the little faces and smiles I saw on the Heart floor while I was there. Especially one little face, where after waiting and waiting for a heart transplant, he received one, but his little body couldn't take it and rejected the new heart, leading him to the hands of God.

After that, I knew I wanted to give back to those young hearts, so that no child would have to go through the pain I saw that little boy in. And yesterday seeing the little girls dressed up in all types of versions of the American Girl dresses, I knew I was in the right place.

The Fashion Show was held at the Aladdin Shrine Center at Easton on both Saturday and Sunday with four total shows featuring little girls ages 4-12 modeling eras of American Girl clothing as well as contemporary pieces. They also carried their matching American Girl doll down the runway.

I was backstage, so I couldn't actually see the show, but I enjoyed the time helping the girls get ready for the big show and also playing board games with them while they waited in between shows.

The event also served refreshments while a raffle took place on the side. With sold out shows on both days, I'm sure this event raised a good amount of money for a great cause in memory of a special little girl.

If you'd like to know more information on either The Lauren Faith Miller Foundation or Kinder Key, please visit www.laurenfaithmiller.org or www.nationwidechildrens.org/KinderKey.

Eventing off (for a good cause),
Miss C.S.

Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week

TGIF!

Going into the colder months, our bodies can tend to be a little more stiff. Although, not quite as cold this week with this crazy “Global Warming” weather - I’m not complaining of the abnormal warmth at this moment though! But by exercising and stretching can help you feel like a kid again.

With a new yoga studio in town (opened last weekend in Old Historical Dublin, Ohio) why not get a good workout and stretch in before the cold months ahead at Harbor Yoga Studio.

After graduating from Ohio University in 1998, Angie O'Brien moved to Columbus and began a career in television advertising. She married her best friend Mike in 2005 and they started their family in the suburbs. After a decision to "retire" from work, Angie and her business partner Heidi Bell decided to live out a dream and open their own studio!

GETTING TO KNOW…ANGIE ROSE O’BRIEN
In photo from L to R: Heidi Bell and Angie O'Brien

Miss C.S. - By far favorite thing to do in Columbus:
AO: Well, that's easy...YOGA!

Miss C.S. - Favorite restaurant in the City:
AO: Chile Verde for Mexican; Hyde Park for a good steak!

Miss C.S. - Favorite hidden gem:
AO: Nicole's for Children Store in Powell

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
AO: Nordstrom's for quality; TJMaxx for quantity

Miss C.S. - Best quality of a person:
AO: Sincerity

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
AO: Heinzerling Foundation

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World I would:
AO: Cure Alzheimer's Disease

Miss C.S. - Craziest thing you’ve bought:
AO: Right out of college, my best friend and I went and drove up Highway 1 in California. We made a pitstop at a boutique in Carmel and I spent $600 on a jacket and pants set...it was light blue. I was 23 and caught up in the moment!

Miss C.S. - What inspired you to open your own Yoga Studio:
AO: To me, this question would be better asked, "Who?" That's easy...my husband and my children. They make me want to do better and be better every day.

Miss C.S. - Favorite quality of your new studio:
AO: Heidi and I both loved the name "Harbor" for a little girl. However, our last born were both boys. Since the studio is our "baby" of a different kind, it only made sense to use the name on it.

That being said, we both grew up vacationing near water and fell in love with our spouses at their respective family homes on the water in Hilton Head and Michigan. Now, we take our own families to these spots and are making new memories. We wanted something that reminded us of "a safe place; a refuge," so we painted the walls white, brought in some cool blues and created a vacation spot right down the street from our homes.

Miss C.S. - What do you tell beginners:
AO: We don't care what you look like doing yoga, just breathe and do YOUR best.

Miss C.S. - Pace of your yoga style:
AO: At Harbor Yoga, we are devoted to promoting a place of strength and grace in the heart of Dublin. We offer a wide range of classes, whether you are an absolute beginner or desperately seeking Madonna arms.

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
AO: CENTERED

To find out more information on Angie, Heidi and Harbor Yoga, please visit wwww.harboryogastudio.com.

Class schedules and rates are on the website as well as helpful hints!

Namaste!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Columbus Socialite of the Week: DANNY O' ROURKE

Happy Friday and on this cold day, let’s brighten it up by painting the town…Black & Gold that is!

The Columbus Crew take on the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Cup Playoffs tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Crew Stadium. If you can’t be there to cheer them on, be sure to watch the game on the Ohio News Network, SportsTime Ohio and TeleFutura.

Unfortunately due to left knee surgery, Defender/Midfielder Danny O’Rourke will be out. But this hometown hero who started playing soccer at the age of four, graduate of Worthington Kilbourne High School and Indiana University still finds time to give back to others while playing the sport he loves.

GETTING TO KNOW…DANNY O’ROURKE

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
DO: Relax after practice at a coffee shop

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
DO: Marcella's

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
DO: Cafe Brioso

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
DO: The Book Loft

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City:
DO: No idea, please tell me

Miss C.S. - Best Band in Town:
DO: The Bourbon Kings

Miss C.S. - Favorite Sports Team:
DO: My Fantasy Football Team

Miss C.S. - Athlete or Celeb of choice:
DO: Steven Jackson

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
DO: Garth Brook Foundation or Children's Hospital

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World, I would:
DO: Travel the world and write about it

Miss C.S. - Your inspiration:
DO: God

Miss C.S. - Any game day ritual:
DO: A good breakfast, hot bath and lots of stretching

Miss C.S. - Favorite fan encounter:
DO: A boy named Evan from Texas battling some terrible illness right now.

Danny will be cheering his team on as the second-seeded Eastern Conference team tries to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship. Colorado is up by one-goal and should the Crew only score one, it will lead to two 15-minute extra time periods.

Let’s just hope the Crew scores two and we’ll cheer them on to Victory in the Championship!

For more information on Danny and the Crew,
visit www.thecrew.com.

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Highball Halloween 2010

With a crowd of over 20,000 people, the Short North was definitely the place to be on Halloween Eve. With ghosts and goblins, sporks, road kill, the Biggest Loser Couple and many vampires, the 3rd Annual Highball Halloween was quite the scene.

While I'm not sure how the afternoon went as I was in "lockdown" in hair and makeup, it appeared to be pretty crowded during the Kids Fashion Show and Pet Costume contest which was only the start to the highly anticipated Costume Couture Fashion Runway Show and Adult Costume contest.

From a participant's view, the event was great. It was a fun first time experience and I congratulate the coordinators.

From a guest's perspective, it appeared to be an entertaining time, but the $60 VIP ticket could have been a little more giving other than a few bites of salmon and a blocked off viewing section. But with the parking pass included, I say that's a deal itself with the limited amount of parking spots in the Short North.


Nina West did a fabulous job, as always, hosting the event and kicked off the fashion show with a bang!

With 41 models and 11 designers showcasing their creations, the Fashion Show proved to be a hit especially with the winning design as the finale costume designed by Kevin Kerr.

Photo credit to right: Capital Style

I would also like to congratulate my designer Shann Cortes for creating beautiful couture garments for her first Highball show.

Overall, the 3rd Annual event was fun, sexy and scary, just like all the costumes roaming around.

For more photos, check out Columbus Alive and WAXX-TV.

Please feel free to leave your comments below on your Highball experience this year!



Eventing off,
Miss C.S.