HELPING HEARTS
This season, support these nonprofits at their signature celebrations
Courageous Living
At 16, Maryana Stern found care and comfort at the Holy Family Institute (HFI). Now, she is a freshman at Duquesne University and the recipient of the 2014 Courage House Award, which will be presented at the 22nd Annual Arthur J. Rooney, Sr. Courage House Luncheon. Held at the Heinz Field East Club Lounge on November 4, this year's luncheon with the Pittsburgh Steelers will also feature a silent action, an autograph session, and a private reception for key-level sponsors. "The event aligns with our tagline of restoring hope and transforming lives," says Loren Zdunek, campaigns and marketing manager for the Holy Family Institute. "To celebrate an individual who came to our care, now has a hopeful future, and is preparing for a meaningful life – HFI is proud of Maryana and her accomplishments, strength, and courage." The luncheon will also honor Pittsburgh Steeler Sean Spence for his personal courage while overcoming injury. After hurting his knee in 2012, Spence has spent the last two years on the team's injured reserve list. "He has always been positive with a solid work ethic," says Head Athletic Trainer John Norwig. "Against the odds and with a strong will to overcome, Spence is currently one the Steelers' starting inside linebackers." The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has designated the Holy Family Institute as one of 20 Courage Houses nationwide that is dedicated to improving the lives of neglected children, and works in partnership with the National Football Leagues to raise awareness and funds for its continuing efforts. For more information, visit hfi-pgh.org/chl.
Make a Pointe
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is kicking off its 49th season with its annual black-tie gala, A Pointe in Time Ball: A Fairytale Evening on November 1. The Westin Convention Center Hotel ballroom will be transformed into a setting from a tale as old as time, paying homage to the ballet's premiere of Beauty and the Beast in February 2015. In addition to cocktail hour, a sit-down dinner and a silent auction with luxury travel packages, guests will witness some of the beauty the event supports. "The highlight of the evening, hands down, will be the opportunity for our guests to experience a one-of-a-kind, tableside performance by our company dancers," says Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Executive Director Harris Ferris. "This provides and up-close look at the artistry and athleticism of our dancers, and I think makes the ultimate statement about the art form that we are gathering to support." The 2014-15 season marks a milestone year for PBT with an equally reveolutionnaire repertoire, which includes two sensory friendly performances designed for patrons with autism and other special needs, productions with live performance by the orchestra, and its school studio expansion. "This is a chance for us to gather and celebrate how far we've come as a company – and a family of supporters – in 45 years," says Ferris. "It also gathers the support that is essential to secure a strong future for PBT in Pittsburgh." For ticketing, sponsorships, and event information, call 412.454.9138.
Rock, Rattle, and Roll
The Twenty-Five Club of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC will celebrate its 75th anniversary with The Cradle Will Rock, "A Platinum Affair," on November 1 at the Omni William Penn Hotel! Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres begin at 7 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing to the Bobby Nicholas Band. One-of-a-kind, hand-painted chairs – which were made by lock artists and signed by celebrities and sports figures – will be available to purchase. Say chaperones Debbie Barbarita, Jeanne Caliguiri, and Kathleen Hess, "We continue to champion funds for newborn medicine, both prenatal and neonatal, and provide research at Magee-Womens Research Institute and clinical care at Magee-Womens Hospital. We purchase state-of-the-art equipment, and support research studies, training, and technical assistance funding so to better understand neonatology diagnosis and treatment." This year's honorees are Charles "Corky" and Frances Cost. Tickets are available for $250 per person and can be purchased by calling Barbara mendlowitz at 412.681.8182.
Trash for Charity
Show off your "trashy" side at The Salvation Army's Family Caring Center Garbage Bag Gala! The 13th annual event, held on November 6 at the Fairmont Pittsburgh, features a silent auction and fashion show to support The Salvation Army's Family Caring Center's education and recreational activities for homeless children and families. Designers from Anthropologie, Armani Nejor Designs, Karen Page, Lana Neumeyer, Pure Barre, So Me, Spool Fabric Shop, True Runner, White House Black Market, and students from CAPA and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh will craft chic ensembles from recycled materials – think plastic garbage bags, duct tape, pop tabs, newspapers, and more! "The Garbage Bag Gala was created from the idea that rather than spending money on expensive attire to attend a fundraising event, better use could be made of those resources by donating directly to the charity," says Alyssa Baker, development coordinator for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania. "Making and wearing something made of trash bags and recycled materials instead furthered the concept that everyone and everything deserves a second chance to be something great." For tickets, visit garbagebaggala.org.
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