Streets littered with the remnants of St. Patrick's Day parade-goers led to a pot of gold in the home of the black and gold. More than $900,000 was raised Saturday evening during the annual American Ireland Fund Pittsburgh Dinner Gala in Heinz Field, a celebration with a decidedly green theme. Some 700 guests in green tie and gowns turned out to honor Sidney Patrick Crosby, who received the AIF Chairman's Award for leadership in community and charitable activities. Mr. Crosby was joined by his father, Troy Crosby, who flew in from Halifax for the gala, and by Pittsburgh Penguins president David Morehouse. The dinner was co-chaired by Mr. Morehouse and Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, who co-founded the AIF with Sir Anthony O'Reilly 32 years ago to support programs of peace, culture, education and community development throughout Ireland.

The evening began with cocktails in Crosby's Pub, otherwise known as the East Club Lounge. Helping to create a wee bit of that Emerald Isle feeling was an assortment of Irish entertainment, including the band Guaranteed Irish and the Burke-Conroy School of Irish Dance troupe. Mr. Crosby kindly posed for photos as he mingled before the brief program emceed by AIF CEO Kingsley Aikins, which included a video of Mr. Crosby ("I wish he was a football player," Mr. Rooney quipped) and acceptance remarks. "The best of luck to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. We're a small community of athletes in this city, and I'd just like to see them do well," Mr. Crosby said. A hearty dinner of lump crab, filet of beef and warm chocolate souffle followed, along with dancing to Sputzy and the Soul Providers.

Among those finding it easy to be green were Bishop David Zubik, County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, state Rep. Tim Murphy, Pat Rooney, Greta and Art Rooney III, Sy Holzer, Chris and Ann Donohue, Nancy and David Malone, Paula and David Sculley, Susan and Steve McGalla, Ann and Marty McGuinn, Julie and Michael Langley, Steve and Helen Hanna Casey, Jim Broadhurst, Hoddy and Mary Anne Hanna, Sandra Danoff. Sally Wiggin, Kevin Mullen, David and Susan Matter, Ron Painter, Patty Paytos, Jimmy Dunn, Kelley and Michael Mullen, Jack and Lisa Barbour, Christine Astorino, Ron Petnuch, Lynn and Ron Davenport, Rob and Sarah Woodings, Dennis Huber and Faye Sampson, John and Catharine Ryan, Pam and Ken McCrory, and Larry Richert, who emceed the reception.

Still making friends after all these years, the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Foundation's Friendship Ball drew more than 100 new guests to this year's gala Saturday night at the Westin Convention Center. The black-tie benefit for West Penn Hospital took on all the romance and exotic flavors of India thanks to chairs Dr. Sukhdev and Elisha Grover. Both are from the sub-continent.

Bindis and bangles were handed the ladies as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a silent and Chinese auction. Among the more than 400 guests dancing to After Dark in the Taj Mahal ballroom were foundation president B.J. Leber with Jeff, board chair Sandy Usher with Tom, Dr. Francis and Dr. Lillian Cavanaugh, Dr. Lee and Norma Walter, Dr. Mark and Maureen Metcalfe, Barbara and David Burstin, Mary Beth and Dave Johnson, Arlene and Barry Sokolow, and Dr. Surinder Bajwa.