Local CBS3 news anchors Larry Mendte and Alycia Lane were the evening’s masters of ceremony.

A thousand guests partied with the event’s main honoree, award-winning actor, Gary Sinise.

The Speaker’s Ball benefits the Pennsylvania House Scholarship Program.

Honorees Recognized

The Ball’s theme celebrated the 300th Birthday of patriot and Philadelphia’s favorite founding father, Ben Franklin.

It also marked the inaugural presentation of the Speaker’s Ben Franklin Award, which went to actor, humanitarian, military and veteran’s advocate, Gary Sinise.

Other honorees included Charles G. Kopp; Bennett and Vivian Levin and the crew of the Omaha Trophy winner, USS Pennsylvania.

2005 Pennsylvania House Scholarship recipients Dana Bruck and Lisa Hershey were also in attendance.

In addition to raising funds for the House Scholarship Program, the Ball offered an opportunity to help others.

A donation of $5,000 was given by the Ball Committee to the USS Pennsylvania’s Foundation for its Morale, Recreation and Welfare Fund.

The USO received a $25,000 check, thanks to the generosity of honoree Gary Sinise.

Colonial Party

The Pennsylvania Convention Center train shed was transformed in to a colonial village as colonial crafters and actors lined the wonderfully authentic set that was designed to transport guests back to the 18th Century.

Woodworkers, artists, performers and even the Franklin Institute’s electricity ball, were all on hand to encourage a colonial mood.

Roasted pigs, turkey, wine and ale were served from storefront taverns. Upstairs, a fun martini bar offered a colonial touch as “apple – tinis” were poured through a huge apple ice sculpture.

Walk-away sundaes, with ice cream made from original colonial recipes, added to the authentic feel.

The evening started with a private reception for sponsors and honorees. Guest of honor, Gary Sinise mingled and posed for photos.

The Ball opened with a patriotic medley by the 276th Pennsylvania Army National Guard Band, Presentation of Colors by the US Marine Corps Color Guard and a fanfare by The Valley Forge Military Academy Heraldic Trumpeteers.

Members of The University of Pennsylvania Navy ROTC also assisted with the festivities.

Ball Chairman Sheryl Perzel, opened the ball with a welcome and presented the “Friend of the Ball” award to Charles G. Kopp for his fundraising support of the Ball’s mission.

Major General Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr., head of North Atlantic Medical Command and Commanding General at Walter Reed Army Hospital, and Geoffrey G. Proesch (Col.-Ret.), Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, took part in the presentations of the “Pennsylvania Pride” honor to Bennett and Vivian Levin.

The Levins were honored for organizing the Liberty Limited train. The train transported wounded soldiers, sailors and marines, and their care-givers, from Walter Reed Army and Bethesda Medical Centers to the 2005 Army-Navy game in Philadelphia.

The USS Pennsylvania, the submarine awarded the coveted Omaha Trophy, was recognized as “The Best of the Best.” Speaker Perzel presented the crew with a check for $5,000 for its Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund.

In his presentation to Sinise, Speaker Perzel cited the importance of morale in the military. “It is morale that wins the victory, ” said Perzel, quoting the immortal words of General George C. Marshall.

When the Speaker mentioned “The Lt. Dan Band,” the Sinise-founded group that tours with the USO, the crowd cheered in recognition.

The evening’s patriotic theme continued as Sinise’s remarks paid tribute to the military, past and present.

Sinise attributes his dedication to America’s wounded veterans to his friends’ and family’s Vietnam experiences. It intensified with his portrayal of Academy Award – nominated role of amputee Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and peaked on September 11th.

Sinise asked guests to spread the word of the remarkable efforts being made by the US military in Iraq, efforts that he has seen first-hand.

After his remarks, Sinise presented his cash award to representatives of the local USO, Vice-President Jim King and Executive Director DJ Stanhope.

The program ended with a lively rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung to Ben Franklin and Gary Sinise by Elizabethtown College’s acapella group, Phalanx. Sinise celebrated his birthday on March 17th and 2006 is the tercentenary of Ben Franklin’s birth.

Sinise was joined at the Ball by Moira, his wife of 25 years; his parents Millie and Robert Sinise; and Army veterans Amy and Jack Treese, his sister-and brother-in-law.

The guests danced until midnight to the music of local favorites The Party Dolls and The Sensational Soul Cruisers.