John Heller, Post-Gazette photos COPA students give their regards to Broadway. Click photo for larger image. Seen Photo Journal

It was a convocation of dreamers, gathered to celebrate a man who made his dreams come true. Bill Strickland received the Performing Arts Partnership and Achievement Award Saturday during the 12th annual Starmakers Gala presented by Point Park University. The evening raised $257,000 for the Conservatory of Performing Arts, where 800 of the school's 3,400 students are enrolled. In accepting his award after an elegant dinner at the Pittsburgh Hilton, Mr. Strickland recalled the people who had made a difference in his life and inspired him to pursue his vision of helping others through the arts. Thus was born the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and the Bidwell Training Center, which he presides over as president and CEO.

The other dreamers were the COPA students, who took three stages to dazzle and delight the crowd of nearly 600 with their well-honed talent. Their performances were the highlight of the evening chaired by alum and agent Jimmy Miller (he represents Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni and others) and Ellen Golonski (with Tom). Ann and Marty McGuinn served as honorary chairs and hosted the VIP reception.

In the crowd were Point Park president Dr. Katherine Henderson, acting president Paul Hennigan, COPA dean Ronald Allan-Lindblom, Nadine Bognar, Jim and Francine Abraham, the Rev. Harold and Claudette Lewis, Jay and Ranny Ferguson, Richard Rauh, Rich and Marsetta Schweiger, Dennis and Annie Hanna Cestra, Dr. Loren and Ellen Roth, Judge Robert and Vi Gallo, Hilda and Dr. Freddie Fu, Bill Trueheart and Carol Word, Garland McAdoo, charming Jayme Oakes and honorary degree recipients Dr. Paul and Gertrude Caplan.

Rocky Bleier and Mel Blount Click photo for larger image.

Mel Blount Celebrity Roast

Few former Steelers are as beloved as Rocky Bleier, who took every hit like a pro Friday during the Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast & Tribute honoring the running back. It's one of the biggest benefits in town, and 1,400 guests packed the Hilton ballroom to raise funds for young males who are victims of child abuse and neglect. Helping Blount and his wife, TiAnda, were Andy Russell, Randy Grossman, ESPN's Chris Berman, KDKA's Bob Pompeani, gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Tony Dungy, Joe Greene and Willie Williams.