Spring Clothes Out

Bearing armloads of gently worn business attire, more than 300 guests turned out for the Women's Center & Shelter of Pittsburgh's 2004 Spring Clothes Out held Wednesday at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. The clothes are for victims of domestic violence hoping to make a fresh start, and the help comes from people such as Pat Violi, who was honored with the Ted Craig Humanitarian Award for her volunteer work since 1989 (and helping to raise $5 million!). Congratulating her were husband Ron, WC&S director Shirl Regan, board chair Susie Lovejoy, Sherley Craig and co-chairs Rachel Allen (with Brian) and Christine Filippi.

Bnai Zion Award

Bill Strickland was honored with the Humanitarian Award by Bnai Zion, joining an illustrious interdenominational group of previous honorees. Ido Aharoni, Israel's consul for media and public affairs, was the guest speaker at the dessert reception held Wednesday at the Omni William Penn. Serving as co-chairs were Judy Palkovitz and Brian Kruman, Ed Berman, Dr. Tsipy Gur, Karen Wolk Feinstein, Bill Lieberman, Jim Rudolph and David Shapira, with a welcome from Bnai Zion regional director Ellen Primus.

Global Links

Providing medical humanitarian aid to hospitals in developing countries was the mission, and gathering for a flamenco performance and fine Italian cuisine was the method Thursday night when Global Links held a benefit dinner for more than 100 at Vivo in Bellevue. Enjoying chef Sam DiBattista's ciao chow were Jessica and Jeff Brown, Rebecca and Greg Greenleaf, Hazel and Alan Cope, Karl and Peggy Smyrnes-Williams, Jeff Ford and Becky and John Yanak.

Art by Inmates

Art created by inmates in the Allegheny County Artist-in-Residency Program was exhibited for sale Friday at Mendelson Gallery in Shadyside. Proceeds benefited Lydia's Place, which helps female offenders and their children to rebuild their lives. President Mary Ellen Leigh thanked guests like Henry Hillman with Sally Childs, Maury and Maria Burgwin, Judge Kim Clark, David Blair and Dawn Clark.

Let's Do Brunch

Pittsburgh International Children's Theater honored Dolores Bold, Theatreworks USA and HealthAmerica at a brunch held Sunday at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club. Among the 180 guests (with many bidding on that mini-Mercedes pedal car from Bobby Rahal) were founder Maranne Welch with Cas, "Saturday Light Brigade's" Larry Berger with Rikki, Bill Lafe, board chair Karen Flam with Stewart, Dr. Elliott Kramer with Bill Modrak, and Barbara Russell.