Standing Up for Standing Firm 2014 Awards Luncheon
Where and When: October 14 at the Rivers Club, Downtown
Standing Up Together: KDKA anchor Susan Koeppen emceed the event and New York Times bestselling author Leslie Morgan Steiner shared her story of abuse and survival and the importance of a workplace that is aware and prepared to deal with issues of partner violence. KTA-Tator CEO Dan Adley presented the 2014 STANDING FIRM employer award to Familylinks CEO Fred Massey in recognition of Familylinks’ superior integration of business practices addressing partner violence. City Council President Bruce Kraus presented the 2014 STANDING FIRM Champion Award to Lynette Lederman for advocating STANDING FIRM’s mission.
#SEEN: Among the roughly 270 guests were Shirl Regan and Nicole Molinaro Karaczun from Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and the MEN/S Group, Grace Coleman of Crisis Center North, Alison Hall and Julie Evans from Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, and Dee Baker of PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mayor Bill Peduto, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, as well as City Council members Natalia Rudiak, Corey O’Connor, and Dan Gilman and Mr. Kraus.
■
The Masked Ball
When and Where: Oct 18 at CAVO in the Strip District
Mystery and Magic: Guests enjoyed a fantastical evening featuring a couture fashion show that benefited the Pittsburgh Film Office. Producers Tara Rieland and Brett James were inspired to bring back the high-drama, high-fashion recipe of their runway shows, and invited partygoers to “join in” the mystery and magic of couture fashion by attending in their very own fashions and a masquerade mask – anything other than their “everyday selves.” Their tagline read: COMING AS YOUR EVERY DAY SELF IS NOT AN OPTION. PREPARE. The event grossed nearly $10,000. Sponsor Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh was honored to be a part of the event. “The Hotel Monaco’s opening is right around the corner, and it’s of the utmost importance to us to be an active and involved member of the community, supporting organizations and individuals who are making a creative and economic impact on our city, said Rob Mallinger, general manager.
■
4th annual Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition Treasure Dinner
More than 200 guests helped four new official “Squirrel Hill Treasures” celebrate their awards at the Pittsburgh Golf Club on Monday. The awards were founded to put the spotlight on some of the people and places that make Squirrel Hill a great community. Each year the organization honors three people and a place and declare them official Treasures of Squirrel Hill. This year’s awardees were Mayor Bill Peduto, Pamela’s Restaurant, The Hebrew Free Loan Association and The Homewood Cemetery.
#SEEN: Coalition Executive Director Marian Lien, Charlie Humphrey, co-chair Debbie Demchak, Councilmen Corey O’Connor and Dan Gilman, Chanel Nernberg, Sibby and Duff McCrady, Jack Kerr, and a very surprised Ceci Sommers, who was awarded an honorary Treasure Awards for having founded and organized the Treasure celebration since 2011.
■
Pennsylvania Women Work’s annual Circle of Hope Gala
When and Where: Tuesday at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown
Party with a Purpose: The event celebrates women’s economic empowerment and recognizes outstanding individuals who lead by example through acts of generosity, advocacy and volunteerism. This year’s gala featured KDKA’s Jennifer Antkowiak as the celebrity host. Evan Frazier of Highmark Health received the Circle of Hope award and Linda Dickerson was recognized as Honorary Woman of Courage. Also as part of the celebration, four local New Choices graduates were honored with the “Women of Courage” award for their achievement in overcoming obstacles and personal and professional success.
■
UPMC Celebrating Senior Champions Event
UPMC Senior Services honored Nick and Dotty Beckwith, co-founders of the Beckwith Institute: Patient Care Innovation Today and Tomorrow, as its 2014 Grand Champions for demonstrating exceptional leadership in improving the lives of seniors. The awards were presented Thursday night at the sixth annual “Celebrating Senior Champions” dinner and auction at the Omni William Penn hotel. KDKA-Radio anchor, Barbara Boylan, served as emcee. Barbara Ivanko, president and CEO of Family Hospice and Palliative Care, accepted the Community Champion award on behalf of the organization. Margaret Mary Kimmel was honored posthumously as the Caregiver Champion for her decades of service for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Roughly $180,000 was raised to help eligible seniors living in UPMC senior community facilities that are in need of financial assistance or support services.
■
3rd Annual “The Children’s HOMEtown Hero Luncheon
When and Where: Friday at the Omni William Penn, Downtown
Heroes Among Us: The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center hosted its annual luncheon, which included a special program by 2014 Paralympic Gold Medalist Dan McCoy. Born with spina bifida, Dan has overcome tremendous challenges and is an inspiration to the children and families of this community. Mr. McCoy is a native of Pittsburgh and Fox Chapel graduate. Along with his Paralympic Sled Hockey team, Dan won the gold medal at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Dan’s sled hockey career began in 2003 with the Mid-American Eagles club team. He made his first U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team in 2009 and has played with the Pittsburgh Penguins Sled Hockey club team. The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center was delighted to honor Dan as this year’s Hometown Hero.
RELATED MEDIA: “SETTING THE SEEN” STEELERS STYLE BENEFIT REVISITED
First Published: October 27, 2014, 4:00 a.m.
