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Monday, May 13, 2002

By Patricia Sheridan, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

There was no gray area when it came to the purpose behind the Ebony & Ivory Ball. The Women of Pittsburgh 2000 wanted to celebrate real black and white friendships and change the color of race relations.

	The Pittsburgh EMS color guard signals the beginning of the Ebony & Ivory Ball. (John Heller, Post-Gazette photos)

Socializing is a start, and so on Saturday night, Pittsburgh's multi-hued Christian community gathered at the Omni William Penn to party for an end to prejudice. Women of Pittsburgh 2000 was founded to bring Christian women together across church lines, using the concept of small sister groups, but they were called to do more.

"Tonight is about breaking down barriers ... but we need to go out and be evangelists and work toward what's right," said honorary chair Tom Usher. Agreeing were his co-chairs, Sandy Usher and Bob Agbede (with Dr. Betty Udekwu).

As the mother of melody and the mender of misery, music can be a powerful instrument for harmony, which is why the theme of piano keys (inspired by Sir Paul McCartney's song) was a natural fit for a heaven-sent gala. Russell Bynum, designer of the award-winning invitation, shaped like a baby grand, was among the guests who enjoyed Emergency Medical Service crew chief Darnella Wilson's (she is the daughter of George Wilson of Wilson's Barbecue) rendering of the national anthem. Her fellow EMS workers acted as color guard and were flanked by representatives of Pittsburgh's fire and police units.

An after-dinner choral presentation led by Katim Brown (minister of music at Rodman Street Baptist Church) and Jack Purcell's lively orchestra hit the right note as guests took to the keyboard-painted dance floor.

Only in its second year, this baby of a ball drew more than 650 guests who wanted to make beautiful music together, understanding that you need the keys to command attention.

Of course, George Miles, co-emcee with Fred Fetterolf (whose wife, Fran, is chair of the WP2000 board) would say tights and a tutu help. A photo of Miles' "outing" as Tinkerbell at the Elsie Awards a few months ago was on display, and Miles was taking a lot of ribbing for it. All teasing aside, this is a man whose moment in tulle may overshadow all future achievements. "I could cure cancer and they'd remember me as Tinkerbell," he laughed.

Among those noting that humor is another road to harmony were hardworking event chair Janet Helms (with Worth), Mayor Tom Murphy and County Executive Jim Roddey (with Elin). Even Dr. Sam Annankra, from Ghana, and Bishop Nathan Kyamanwya from Uganda laughed as Fetterolf brought out the blown-up photo of the big guy in costume.

Receiving awards were Deborah Lesko and Dr. Veronica Morgan-Lee.

Honorary chairs Tom Usher, Bob Agbede and Sandy Usher.

Among those enjoying a delicious dinner and beautiful centerpieces by Blooms were Lynda Everson with Arnold, Rod Doss, Jack and Judy Runkel, Eileen and Graham Hodgetts, Melissa Jackson, Barry and Sue Trilling, Ian and Lucy Rawson, Gene and Linda Salvadore, Greg and Janet Spencer, Aaron and Gloria Walton, Lee and Karen Bowser, Deb Siger and Howard Gunter, Donna Torres, Chauncey Smith and Bernice Austin, Dolores Bold, Bruce and Rene Borandi Dice, Daniel and Karen Block Johnese, John and Dara Henne, Eddie and Willette Edwards, Dr. Helen Krause, Morrie and Ilene Waldman, Bill and Patricia Thompson, Dr. A.K. and Rajani Shetty, executive director of the Urban League Esther Bush, NAACP president Tim Stevens, state Rep Joe Preston with Odelfa Jessica, Ed and Kitty Clarke, Judge Cynthia Baldwin and Arthur, and Tom and Donna Southard,

Also there were Helene Greene, Pat and Patsy Mooney, Ernie and Lottie Edwards, Robert and Martha Fulton, Toni and John Weston, Henry and Carmen Duren, Carol Ferguson with John Hartnett, William and Ruthie King, Sarah and Joe Wilson, the Rev. Dennis Westbrooks with Claudia, Jeannette Whatley, Drs. William and Yvonne Moragne-Coon, Ron and C.A. Gebhardt, James and Doris Carson Williams, the Rev. Brenda Gregg and Chris Hennessy, Vince and Janet Scorsone, Addie Johnson, Victoria Ridley and Jonathan Tyler, Marie Cleveland, Thelma and Clarence Edmunds, Jack and Karen Glass, Albert and Patricia Mitchell, and Michael Jones.

So what's black and white and read all over? Seen's coverage of the Ebony & Ivory Ball!

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