Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 20th Anniversary Celebration

 

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 20th Anniversary Celebration

Marylynn Uricchio, the long time Seen and Style Editor for the Post Gazette and a style icon in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Ellen Roth and Dr. Loren Roth

Celebrating 20 years of restoring and maintaining our city parks, The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy welcomed 230  guests to an elegant evening of cocktails, silent auctions, and dinner at the Omni William Penn Hotel on Wednesday, September 14.

Honoring Susan Dorrace, Sylvia Hill Fields, Teresa Heinz, Prosser Mellon and Mark Nordenberg for their commitment and support of the Parks Conservancy, with the Mary Schenley Medal for Parks Stewardship.

Event Co-chairs included, Vivian and Bill Benter, Diane and Jerry Holder, Peggy and Stephen McKnight, Jessica and Tim O'Brian, and Gabriela and David Porges.

Extravagant floral arrangements by Toadflax Florist, graced the silent auction table as well as the beautifully appointed ballroom.

As always, the staff of the Parks Conservancy assured that each guest felt welcome.

To date, 14 major capital projects have been completed by the Parks Conservancy , including restoration of the Frick Park Gate House and the Frick Environmental Center.

To donate and learn more about the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, please visit www.pittsburghparks.org

Ritchie Battle

Yvette Yescas, Bethe Bodamer, and Joyce Collier of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Sophie Gage Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Event Coordinator

Shawn Fertitta of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Fashion For a Cause

Presented by The Realtor's Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Foundation, “Fashion for a Cause” featured eleven top Pittsburgh designers, showcasing their work.

The event began with a VIP Champagne reception to Meet the Designers, followed by silent auctions, vendors and the main event, the fashion show.

From Alexis Meeker and Carson Wolfe's award winning duct tape design, to Beth Shari's romantic vintage lingerie, the eclectic mix of designs proved to entertain.


Always inventive, Bradford Mumpower's fringe style dresses were a favorite of the crowd. James Houk's evening wear designs, including the innovative “chain” dress, modeled by Diane Withrow, wrapped the show up in style.
The event was held to raise money for Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, For more than 20 years, Emmaus has been providing permanent homes, respite care, in-home services, and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. anon-profit organization built upon a vision of people with and without disabilities sharing their live

Diamonds and Denim on Market Square

Diamonds and Denim on Market Square

Laura Kronk with Joan Fazio

Third annual Diamonds and Denim on Market Square

Market Square was transformed on Saturday, June 25, as nearly 500 guests convened for the third annual Diamonds and Denim to benefit the Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.



Delicious gourmet food stations were positioned around the luxuriously appointed tents as guest mingled and sipped on cocktails. The decor, by Martin Potoczny and Luxe Creative was nothing less than amazing. Beautiful white floral arrangements graced the elegant candle lit tables, with a soft gray palette of sofas, chairs, and tables.
The evenings host, always gracious, Sam Badger, Development Coordinator, Corporate and Community Giving, insured everyone felt welcome. This annual event has evolved into one of the most anticipated functions of the year.
From Sandi Nicholas' glittering sequin cocktail dress to Ashley Harris' denim dress, the interpretation of "Diamonds and Denim", resulted in a eclectic mix of fashion.
DJ Samuel Andres, keep the crowd on the dance floor well into the evening.
To learn donate and learn more about the Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation please visit www.chp.org

Jungle Bash, Call of the Wild, Pittsburgh Zoo Gala

Jungle Bash, Call of the Wild

It was a picture perfect evening June 3, for the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Gala, Jungle Bash, Call of the Wild. The zoo was transformed into an tropical paradise featuring hanging lanterns and exotic decor by Luxe Creative

Special guest Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, greeted guests during the VIP Cocktail reception in the Garden Tent. Mr. Hanna, a Tennessee native, moved to Pittsburgh to attend Kisky Academy. Pittsburgh has always had a place in his heart.
Guest animals from the Columbus Zoo, included SP, (a sloth, rescued when someone attempted to sell her on ebay), Pequeno the Kinkajou, and Anchovy the Penguin.
The journey through the zoo progressed to the Village with Salmon Poke, Thai Peanut Chicken Satay, and Strawberry Rhubarb Gazpacho, created by the Zoo's private caterer, Taste of the Wild Catering. Nearly 1000 supporters of the Zoo and Aquarium mingled over cocktails before setting off to view the animals, in the under the stars experience, along the way enjoying Fava Bean Hummus and Marcarpone stuffed Strawberries.
The evening ended with a full buffet at the Plaza, including delectable desserts and entertainment.
The final 6 acres will be developed by the zoo, through Wildlife Legacy Campaign. Set to unveil later this summer the newest exhibit, "Jungle Trails" will be the new home of ocelot, giant anteaters, fossas, pygmy hippos and capybaras.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is home to thousands of animals, featuring 400 species, including 22 threatened or endangered species. The biennial Gala is the Zoo’s most important benefit with all proceeds supporting the Zoo’s animals, education programs, and wildlife conservation. To donate to the Zoo and learn more please visit PittsburghZoo.org

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon

PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 18th annual Spring Hat Luncheon

With sunny skies and temperatures near seventy degrees, 650 guests convened at Frick Park for the 18th annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Spring Hat Luncheon on May 7, 2016. The luncheon, traditionally held on Kentucky Derby day, took place on May 7. The 600 acre city park also hosted the first Pittsburgh Hat Luncheon in 1998

The sold out crowd mingled with mimosas admiring each others hats, which grow increasingly more intricate and elaborate each year. Kiya Tomlin had a vision for this year's hat which Gina Mazzotta created featuring a chipmunk. Other notable hats included Lana Neumeyer's fuchsia plumed hat and Bonny Begay's organza picture hat.
Centerpieces of orchids, violets, azaleas, and begonias by Allison McGeary Florist, gave a true garden feeling to the event, held in a large canopied grass area of the park. Trees were available for adoption to benefit the Parks Conservancy along with the sale of the centerpieces.
Catered by the Duquesne Club, the lunch featured chilled carrot soup, lemon peppered beef and noisette of halibut ending with a dessert of signature macaroons and raspberry lime "hats"
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy CEO, Meg Cheever spoke of the 158 Pittsburgh public parks which benefit from the Parks Conservancy. The Parks Conservancy is celebrating it's 20 anniversary this year, and to date has raised more than 92 million dollars. Over the course of the last 18 years, over 11,000 people have attended the Spring Hat luncheon which from it's inception has been sponsored by PNC.
To date, 14 major capital projects have been completed by the Parks Conservancy , including restoration of the Frick Park Gate House and the Frick Environmental Center, scheduled to open in a few months.
To donate and learn more about the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, please visit www.pittsburghparks.org

A perfect evening for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Patron Party

 

The Patron Party for the 18th annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon was the perfect preamble for the main event to be held in Frick Park on May 7th.

Graciously hosted on, Thursday April 14, at the exquisite home of Ramsey and Mike Lyons, guest enjoyed appetizers and an expansive array of desserts catered by the Duquesne Club.
Joining Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy CEO Meg Cheever, were Hat Luncheon co chairs Emily Mack Jamison, Ramsey Lyons, Charlene Petrelli, Kiya Tomlin, and Christy Wiegand.
Approximately 80 guests enjoyed the beautiful weather and freshly bloomed spring flowers. With excitement building for the luncheon, conversations centered primarily on hats! Always anticipated, Kiya Tomlin's hat is "a work in progress" having previously worn a true bee hive style and a Gina Mazzotta Millinery design.
Allison Hall, of the Parks Conservancy, explained the Butterfly donation program, which raises fund to assist in rebuilding the Frick Environmental Center. Butterfly sponsorships can be purchases for $1000, to bring the project to it's fruition.
Proceed from the Hat Luncheon benefit the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy , founded in 1996 to counteract and improve deteriorating conditions of the city parks. To donate and learn more please visit http://www.pittsburghparks.org/

Posted 1st July by Lisa Freeman

Children's Hospital 125th Anniversary Gala

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh 125th Anniversary Gala

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center was transformed for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation black-tie gala last night in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC,

Annie O'Neill Photography

Over 900 supporters were in attendance, including celebrities, athletes, business and government leaders. The event celebrated all of the community support that has enabled Children's Hospital to maintain its mission since 1890.
"This celebration recognizes 125 years of caring by our community and the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have given their time and support to ensure that every child in this region has access to the care they need and deserve," said Greg Barrett, president, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.
The honorary chair for the evening actor and Pittsburgh native, Joe Manganiello, expressed his passion to support Children's Hospital. Other celebrity guests included former Pittsburgh Steelers Brett Keisel and Troy Polamalu; Mario Lemieux, (with Nathalie ), founder, Mario Lemieux Foundation; and Baron Batch, former Steeler and accomplished artist.
"The dedication, commitment and generosity of the people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities has been and will continue to be the driving force behind Children's," said Christopher Gessner, the president of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. "This tremendous community support enables our expert physicians, nurses and other staff members to provide the best pediatric health care in the world every single day."
The evening began with a cocktail hour where guest mingled and admired the exquisite décor. Patrons were treated to a performance by Point Park Dancers, dancing beneath the glass bridge, prior to being escorted in the beautifully decorated ball room.
Music was provided by West Coast Music and featured 26 performers including a Motown vocal quartet and a 10-piece string section creating a unique sound and look for the event.
The Children's Hospital Staff, welcomed guests to the event and assured the evening flowed flawlessly.
During the event, it was announced that $11.9 million has been raised to date during the anniversary year campaign, to help continue Children's Hospitals dedication to the regions Children.
To donate to The Children's Hospital Foundation, please visit:
https://www.givetochildrens.org/