Philadelphia Building Collapse Victim's Art Shows Her Enormous Talent

I thought it would be a fitting memorial to post pictures drawn by Anne Bryan, one of the victims of the building collapse in Philadelphia. Her enormous talent is exemplified in these pictures. The world lost a great painter and will hereafter be a little less beautiful. Her memorial service is tomorrow at 5 pm at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Heike Rass, executive vice president of marketing and communications for the school, said, "Anne's death has hit PAFA hard. We are a tiny school, only 300 students. The graduate students know the undergraduates.

A fund has been set up to defray the funeral costs of those killed in the building collapse. If you wish to donate, go here. 

Frasier Statue One Step Closer

Tonight, Mayor Nutter held a fundraiser to raise money to build a statute in memory of boxing champ Joe Frazier in Philadelphia. The event, organised by Saul Ewing lawyer Richard Hayden and Nutter staffer Erica Haywood. was held in the ornate Conversation Room in City Hall. Xfinity Live and West Coast promoter Jerry Perenchio have each donated $25,000 to the building fund. Fans of Smokin Joe have contributed $5000 through Frazierstatue.com  It is time that we have a statue of the real Philly boxing legend. 

Mayor Nutter and the Frazier Family

As a treat to the fans coming, Frazier's daughter, Weatta Collins, created a shrine for her father at one of the room with memorabilia she brought from home.

Frazier's son in law with the keepsakes.

Frazier's daughter unpacking one of her cherished trophies. 

Mayor Nutter with Frazier Estate spokesman Richard Hayden

In a fun touch, all of the food, drink and decorations had a fight night  theme.  

Will Smith Regales Hometown Crowds-Video Bonus

Actor Will Smith, son Jaden Smith, and Charles Mac at the American Benefactor  Foundation

Actor Will Smith was back in Philadelphia to attend the American Benefactor Foundation award ceremonies in honor of his longtime associate and good friend of 26 years, Charles "Charlie Mack" Alston. The American Benefactor Foundation was founded by Marla Green DiDio.

Mayor Michael Nutter could not help himself and did a short rap, which Smith pronounced as "perfect" because it was "short and left a little mystery."

Will and Jaden Smith bopping to the rap performance of Yung Poppa, a Charlie Mack protege.  

Jaden Smith, who is a very poised young man, remembered his father's close friend as 'funny". Charlie Mack was his Uncle "But He Do Though." (The video will explain.) 


Will told tales of their misspent youth and Charlie Mack's first hustle. 

"Charlie was always dreaming," said Smith. "When we crossing the bridge to go to a party in Camden, Charlie thought a toll booth would be the perfect hustle."

He poked fun of Charlie for wearing a "teabag" on his trip to Africa and his first meeting with Nelson Mandela.

Will spoke movingly about the Charlie Mack Cares Center as a place where kids can go to feel safe. Will said, "I can tell you from firsthand experience, there are very few people that you will meet in life that care like Charlie Mack cares."

Actor and former NFL player Terry Crews, who is appearing in Aaron Sorkin's "Newsroom" gave a long heartfelt speech  about Charlie Mack,. Here with his wife, Rebecca Crews.

Since the event was held at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Zoot was one of the guests of honor

Akim, one of the "I will be Great"student honorees, was dubbed Fresh  Prince Akim by  Will  Smith

Yung Poppa performing

The entrance to the Academy of Natural Sciences

The cake to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Academy

Literally partying with the dinosaurs