Ladieeees and gentlemen! Turn your attention to the high-wire act in the center ring, where Allegheny County's youngest Chief Executive Jim Roddey is riding the unicycle as if his line item veto depended on it. Moving to the second ring, Children's Hospital chairwoman Mary Jo Dively and prez/CEO Ron Violi are taking on Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee in a sprint. While in ring three, Dan Drawbaugh of UPMC and Downtown Athletic Club founder Dan Griffin are braving Rotation's centrifugal force. Because happiness is worth taking seriously these days, we took a spin at UPMC SportsWorks' virtual pleasuredome across from the Carnegie Science Center on the North Side for the Make-A-Wish Sports Carnival , Tuesday's adventure that tapped daredevil cyclist Roddey with the 14th annual Bryan P. McClinton Award. Since 1983, the local M-A-W Foundation has made 5,000 wishes come true (with mostly family trips to Disney World) for kids with life-threatening illnesses. And Bryan, who did not beat the odds, was its first "wish" child. You should also know that our M-A-W chapter is the most wish-granting one in the world . From shooting hoops with a pro or hang-gliding over the Grand Canyon, SportsWorks definitely has the goods in some 40 adrenaline-pumping experiences. Where you're supposed to learn as you play. Like how not to kill yourself on the Olympic bobsled run. Nothing virtual about that. Or the $85,000 raised for wish fulfillment. Sure, there's a zone for kids. But we're talking big toys for big boys and power babes at the "largest science and sports exhibition in the world." A way cool space that pulsates with laugh-out-loud fun and special effects at every turn. Moi• Buffed, shined and dressed to the nines, I sauntered from the pool table to the pierogie buffet. So much for life in the fast lane. If guests weren't grazing the amazing food stations by Parkhurst, they were cashing in their winning chits for stuffed animals and toys. Just like the carnival, everyone took home a prize. Here's an idea of who weighed in: M-A-W vice-chair Sandy Aderson and prexy/CEO Judith Stone; Jill and Jeff Lenchner; Elin Roddey; Anthony Molinero; Dr. Richard Kasdan ("leaving my card for everyone who pulls a hamstring!"); Eileen and Paul Curry; Angela Petete-Miller and Bob Williams; Don Patton; Ann and Wayne Berger with son Nathan; Ginny and Gino Frankavilla; Susan Drawbaugh; Don Patton; Drs. Ellen and Loren Roth; Sandy and Keith Garver; Todd Nelson; Debra Vensak and Marc Ruscitto; Phyllis Schmidt; Julia Shymansky and Joe Bautigan ; and Alicia Opal . As well as Dr. Frank Yarussi; Ann Fisher; Greg Puhalla; David Glenn; Scott Krushinski; Jackie Dailey; Theresa Brick; Larry Squires; Bob Labella and son Bobby; Beth and Jeff Fallon; Deb Arrisher; Jim Saxon; Kristen and Carol Abbott; Kelly Mazza; Dave Martinez; Scott Mitchell; Karen and Gus Senseri; Colleen Keller and Dan Berman; Rita and John Verona; Dave Smith; Jimmy Campbell; Amy Weston; Shannon Severino; Rick Laird; Emil Boures; Woody Moss; Bob Szyklinski; Joe Strauss; and Marcie Garger . They got game. Esprit de Corps Friday the 13th and the hippest place in town could be found in the Strip. Not surprised, you say• But it wasn't a flavor-of-the-month club crammed with the blue jeans and ball cap crowd. Instead, 600-plus smart, stylish 20- and 30-somethings filled the Senator John Heinz Regional Pittsburgh History Center to make merry at the Pittsburgh Young Professionals Esprit de Corps holiday party. Not the superstitious types, event chair Jennifer McPeak and her all-volunteer crew that included Linda Yazvac, Kimberly Love, Jack Brice, Kelly Stiles, Angie Smith and Michelle Simon hosted the evening's only party that mattered. Even an unexpected wintry mix couldn't keep the young and restless at home — proof that Pittsburghers will venture out for a good time. And for a good cause, too. Since its inception in 1994, PYP has invested in its hometown through volunteer work and charitable contributions totaling more than $125,000. In the true spirit of the corps and season, this year's party, sponsored by the Hill Group, benefits PYP's scholarship fund, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Girl Scouts. Ah, but most guests seemed preoccupied by something other than philanthropy. Eye candy popped up in every nook and cranny of the former icehouse. Attracting attention were head turners such as Jill Spayer, Christy Lynn, Kelly White, Cindi Karaffa, Tina Tuminella, Teresina Ruberto, Lauren Hyser and Amber Stanky . While the singles mingled, notable couples included Mary Ewart and Thomas Ost; Casey Wilds and Adam Costa ; Jody Billingsley and David Himebaugh ; Kelly Vehac and Todd Tiberi ; Judy Lane and Ed Rusnak ; Michelle Gonzalez and Steve Seder ; and Allison and Seth Wilson . Rockin' hard, Smokin' Section heated up the Great Hall with perfect covers of '60s, '70s and '80s tunes. Among the dancers, grazers and history lovers enjoying the Center's permanent exhibits were Chris Brussalis, Ken Kaczmarek, Lauri Weisberg, Jessica Kardos, Tama DeMaio, Michelle Janket, Cullen Van Brunt, Heather Hensler, Tish Cravener, John Lang, Tammy Luffy, Matt Simon, Jeff Green, Shawn Williams, Lisa Miller, Dr. Chris Hakim, Aldene Lacaria, Dan Oshop, and Gail Gross . — John Altdorfer Visions of Hope Miracles still happen. Every day. Just ask Dr. Abraham Twerski , founder of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center . After 30 years at the helm of the drug and alcohol rehab program that Forbes magazine hails as one of the world's "100 Best," the revered rabbi, psychiatrist and healer witnesses daily acts of faith and transformation. To celebrate those miracles, more than 350 believers gathered Thursday at the Westin Convention Center to pay tribute to the good doctor and Gateway's Eleven Thousand Days of Hope. On hand to celebrate Gateway's past and future were longtime GRC friends Elsie and Henry Hillman ; Steelers Hall-of-Famer and owner Dan Rooney and Pat ; GRC's CEO Ken Ramsey and Pam with chair Bob Carter and Carol ; Bill Strickland and Rose ; Charles and Susie Franklin with her daughter Katy O'Donnell ; Ed and Karen Oberg Linder; Patty and Dr. Allen Chamovitz ; Allegheny Technologies' Doug Kittenbrink and Leslie , Violet and Joe Soffer ; First Night director Jamee Todd and Tom ; WTAE-TV's Sally Wiggin ; Carol and Dr. Jay Passavant ; Ceci Sommers and John Haughwout ; and Amy Friel and Dr. Neil Capretto . Although raffles, silent auctions and door prizes were MIA, the event raised nearly $50,000 for the center's youth programs. Everyone knows "Hope has a home at Gateway." Yet the truth behind that slogan could be heard in the words of GRC alums who recounted tales of devastating addictions and humbling journeys to recovery. Each story of hope drew applause from an audience that included Lyndell Miller and Thomas Oehmler; Lisa Frey; Wayne Stewart; Leslie and Tony Quatrini; past Pirates Dave Guisti (with Ginny ), Nellie Briles (with Ginger ), Bob Friend (with Pat ) and Kent Tekulve (with Linda ); Michele Pasula and Bob Ziringer; Amy and Ira Morgan; Bruce Carsia; Fran and Fred McDowell; Adele and Gil Davis ; and Jay and Amy D'Ambrosio . Through human beings, Dr. Twerski reminded in closing, God still works miracles. One day at a time. — J.A. Jingle Belles Ho, ho, ho and mistletoe, Civic Light Opera Guild partygoers opened their presents early and found a fete to warm the heart and celebrate the season. One that achieved lift-off with fab views to kingdom come at the LeMont Restaurant. Never underestimate the power of these volunteers, whose praises the CLO has been singing all the way to the bank since 1955, when Connie Rockwell founded the Guild. To the tune of over $2.5 million. Back to the party that had so much joy, table hopping and dancing to Finesse, we practically had to shut our eyes to get through the sumptuous dining. Which was a given, since LeMont owners Anna and Ed Dunlap were among the 200 guests. Then, in the Nick of time, came Santa Dunlap's surprise announcement: The eve was their gift to the Guild, the darlings! Making my list after checking it twice: lovely chair Lynn DeFabo and Frank ; CLO Guild prexy Patti Matty and Paul ; CLO artistic director Van Kaplan; Dee Bold; Marie Ganassi; Dottie Florence ; CLO board chair Dan Booker and Debby; Pat and Charlie Gray; Julie and Andrew Uram; Marsetta and Dick Schweiger; Violet and Judge Robert Gallo; Rita Randall; Bonnie Chirigos; Cookie and Gary Roberson; Kristen and Mark Lane ; and Ralph and Bobbi Aiello (she's chairing CLO's glam Pink Frolic on June 14). Plus Dottie and Karl Urda; Faye Sampson; Drs. Toby and Joe Trompeter; Phyllis Zappala; Dana Felix; Helen Simanek; Esther and Saul Lapiduss; Dani and Al Grego; Frankie and Dr. Tim Maher; Rona and John Hunter Dane; Norma and Dr. Michael Sobel; Ann Baldridge; Karen and Ed Linder; Dennis Huber; Amy and Joe Steinmetz; Moira Davison and Joseph Donahue; Arlene and Barry Sokolow ; and CLO's first lady Connie Rockwell with son Terry . You do know who's coming to town? Starmakers Dee Bold was guest of honor Tuesday night at a chic and stunning cocktail soiree Nadine Bognar gave at The Duquesne Club. What we have here are two community champions with the clout that spells survival power for the arts, education, our city parks and beyond. Between them, they sit on as many boards as a Christmas tree has ornaments. Ornamental, yes … superficial, never. For the record, Dee is a major force behind the Civic Light Opera. While Nadine's day job is chairman/CEO of Bognar & Co., a supplier of raw materials to the steel industry. They will be giving star shine a big push at Point Park College's Starmakers Gala on Saturday, March 29 , at the Hilton. Nadine as co-chair and Dee as celestial honoree. Behind the scenes, we also have Marsetta Schweiger, who's chairing the do along with Jimmy Miller . Dubbed "Starmakers" for PPC's role as a launching pad in orbiting its Conservatory of Performing Arts' students — like those who entertained at cocktails — to showbiz fame, the gala also will ring up the curtain on PPC's 43rd year. Joining our hostess were PPC prexy Dr. Katherine Henderson and Tracy with department chair Ron Allen-Lindblom ; former honorees Dotty and Nick Beckwith, Ritchie Scaife and Audrey Fisher; Terri Hastings; Catherine Loevner; Dr. Elliott Kramer and Bill Modrak; Rita and Bob Randall; Shirley and Ron Barasch; Richard Rauh; Fran and Jim Abraham; Carol Massaro and Eletra LaTour of Rome; Barb Mendlowitz; Nancy Polinsky Johnson; Joe Franz; Tom O'Shea; Joanie Kamin; Ann Connelly; Audrey Zelkovic; Barbara Telang; Kim Jackson; Augie and Susie Bennardo ; and many of Dee's friends from the CLO Guild party. Expect star treatment on March 29. Holiday Hullabaloo Upstairs, downstairs and all through the house of Perlora rang the sounds of a Holiday Hullabaloo , City Theatre's spirited swing of fund and mistletoe. Jilline Ringle , the red-hot star of "La Dolce Vita: Movie Songs of the 1960s," the cabaret act that's packin' em in at CT, packed up her Cinematics trio for a Jilline Kringle show in the kicky South Side furniture emporium. Those "On, Vixen" billboards around town• That's none other than Jilline in all of her 6-foot-2 splendour on a chaise. Do you love it• Guests did as they cheered her sassy "Santa Baby" and medley of Christmas numbers at the mix and mingle. Like CT's Tracy Brigden and David Jobin; Nanette and Ira Gordon; Mark Power; Joyce Basilone; Joy Borelli-Edwards; Ed Harrell; Florence Zeve; Sandy Solomon; Tom Hollander; Dolly and Curt Ellenberg; Joy Evans; Rosa Copeland-Miller; Kellee Van Aken; Patti Kelly ; the entire cast of CT's "Mrs. Bob Cratchit"; and lucky Susan Blackman, who won Levine Design's diamond in a martini glass. On, Donder and Blitzen. Party Politics Maybe the lion won't lie with the lamb. But when a bipartisan crowd of local pols flocked to the Duquesne Club on Wednesday for the resurrection of the annual Amen Corner Holiday Party , the GOP elephants and Democratic donkeys schmoozed for a few hours. Shelved for five years, one of the nation's oldest political "parties" enjoyed a revival, thanks to AC prez Tim Heffner and event chair Diane Mohr . Assisted by Susan Castriota and Dr. Mervat Abdelhak, they presided over a gathering of politicos of all stripes and launched a scholarship program for hometown students. Although an ice storm forced Gov.-elect Ed Rendell to send regrets from Harrisburg, others braved the elements to celebrate the spirit of the season. Among the movers and shakers at a pre-dinner reception, we spotted Lt. Gov.-elect Catherine Baker Knoll ; U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart ; state Sen. Tim Murphy ; Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht with Sigrid and son David , Register of Wills; Recorder of Deeds Valerie McDonald Roberts and Ted ; Bob O'Connor ; Larry Dunn ; Alan Hertzberg and Mari ; and state Rep. Jeff Habay . Ushering in traditions old and new, a full-kilt procession of Syria Shrine Highlander pipers marched into the main dining room, where DeAnna Dawn Denning wowed guests with the National Anthem. Political pundit Jon Delano emceed the quick-paced affair that included a special appearance by former Steelers great Franco Harris , who ran with the ball as the featured speaker. Crossing party lines at dinner were such as Judge Jim McGregor and Margie; Christina O'Toole and Joe Benson; the Rev. Ron Lengwin; Cindy Prezgar; Michele and Tom Bozic; Terri and Walt Bleil; Don Brown; Oksana Sepich and Doug Austin; Cathy Mullin; Nancy Noszka; Judge Jeffrey Manning; former Steelers receiver Louis Lipps and Leah Owens; Lisa and Chuck Betters; Risa Moldovan; super stylist Emilio; George Lawler and daughter Kristen; Whirl cover girl Dawn Osthoff and Charles; Kyra and Chuck Knoll; Frank Cardiello; Joe Brimmeier; Angel Hazlett; and Julie Beck . A landside. Amen. — J.A.