“Tonight is the 60th Diamond Horseshoe Ball,â€? said Pittsburgh Opera general director Christopher Hahn, welcoming 302 guests to the Omni William Penn. “And the official kickoff to the Opera’s 76th season. The only real season that matters.â€? Anticipation was running high Oct. 17 for an evening that easily could have set the standard for black-tie affairs steeped in glamorous tradition. Taking a different approach, cocktail hour instead began amid a sizable spread of silent-auction items that tried to capture the attention of revelers who seemed more intent on having a good time. “I don’t really mind if you want the item ­— just bid on it. You can always give it to someone,â€? Hahn joked. After a dinner that was served in a ballroom sprinkled with autumnal decor by Bill Chisnell Productions, Jim Roddey livened up a lengthy live auction by hilariously attempting to sell Roseanne Wholey’s sparkling gown right off her back. Then, he directed some good-hearted accusations toward honorary chairwoman Rose Kutsenkow after she pulled the winning ticket for the coveted diamond horseshoe pendant. The lucky recipient of the pendant, donated by Heather Gorman and Karats of Pittsburgh, was Ming Medwig, Kutsenkow’s dear friend. “It’s very suspicious!â€? Roddey quipped. It was resident artists Adelaide Boedecker, Jasmine Muhammad, Laurel Semerdjian, Corrie Stallings, Adam Bonanni, Alex DeSocio and Phillip Gay who kept the evening buoyed, however. Warmly received with a standing O, their effervescent and perfectly timed performance stole the show. Attending were co-chairwomen Ann Dugan, Holly Brubach, Dawn Fuchs and Susie Shipley. Also spotted were board prez Clyde Jones, board chairwoman Michele Fabrizi with Myron Tomb, Nadine Bognar, Gabriela andDavid Porges, Diana Reid and Marc Chazaud, Bill and Vivian Benter, John andNancy Traina, and Bill andJamie Sarris. The ball raised $300K. Kate Benz is the social columnist for Trib Total Media and can be reached at kbenz@tribweb.com, 412-380-8515 or via Twitter @KateBenzTRIB. Details Oct. 21 More Than a Meal Gala — Light of Life Ministries Heinz Field, West Club Lounge, North Shore lightoflife.org Oct. 22 Zionist Organization of America Awards Dinner Congregation Beth Shalom, Squirrel Hill zoa.org Oct. 23 Celebrating Senior Champions — UPMC Senior Services Omni William Penn, Downtown 412-864-3521 Roast of Thomas VanKirk — Big Brother Big Sister Senator John Heinz History Center, Strip District bbbspgh.org Golden Anchor Gala, Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry LeMont, Mt. Washington anchorpointcounselingministry.org W.H.A.T.'s Up? Ward Home McCormick & Schmick's, Downtown 412-722-1404, ext. 236 Oct. 24 Steelers Fashion Show — Cancer Caring Center Heinz Field, North Shore cancercaring.org Reach for the Stars Gala — DePaul School for Hearing & Speech Heinz Field, North Shore 412-924-1012 Pink Ribbon Round Up — Susan G. Komen for the Cure Four Points Sheraton, Cranberry pinkribbonroundup.org Pittsburgh Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival — Supports Team Tassy Rivers Casino, North Shore pittsburghwhiskeyfestival.com Oct. 25 FLM Haiti's Annual Banquet & Art Sale Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Shadyside 412-784-0342 Email Newsletters TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.