Toronto at Home in Philadelphia

We were thrilled when we received the call. Executives of TD Bank were arriving in town – with spouses as well – to familiarize themselves with their new acquisition, Commerce Bank, and the region it serves. The bank was particularly eager to make a stellar impression on its incoming management. Philadelphia Hospitality to the rescue.

Director of Programs Marlyn Lucov hoped to convey not just the sites, but the character of the city. Part of the program designed to dazzle the spouses included an architectural tour of Society Hill. And to give them the sense of what it was like to live in an elegant and graceful 18th century dwelling, they visited the home of Judith and Alvin Block.

Wives were enchanted by the allure of the neighborhood, captivated by the style, elegance and warmth of the home and amazed that the Blocks’ garden, in the midst of our energetic city, could shield them from the bustle and provide a very tranquil and private experience.

Bill Mifflin (left) with Board member Hilarie Morgan and her husband Mitchell, both notable hosts for this noteworthy group

The following day, bankers and spouses together had an opportunity to compare the charm of Society Hill to the magnificence of the Main Line as they joined Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan for lunch at their resplendent French Manor style home in Bryn Mawr. Hilarie and Mitchell, genial hosts for many of the community’s nonprofit causes they support, thoroughly enjoyed their prominent guests – who showed great interest in their home and its architectural history – and their personal exchange about differences between the US and Canadian political systems.

Hilarie, always gracious and accommodating, has taken Philadelphia Hospitality to a new level. Befriending Bharat and Shabnam Masrani of Portland, Maine, Hilarie is making their move to our community as easy as relocation can be when there are new friends to pave the way.

The role Hilarie and Mitchell played in providing private access wasn’t limited to the traditional one of Philadelphia Hospitality homeowners greeting visitors in style. They deepened the impact of the visit, by talking to their guests about the joys of getting involved in our cultural gems like the Philadelphia Orchestra and the new Please Touch Museum. Hilarie and Mitchell considered Philadelphia Hospitality’s customary two hour welcome an opportunity to persuade visitors to support the city they support – the city that they love.

Philadelphia Hospitality, Inc.  •  123 S. Broad Street, Suite 1710  •  Philadelphia, PA 19109-1027  •  www.philahospitality.org