Fox Chapel-based Women's Board grants $83,000 to 4 children's charities

“Springtime in Paris,” the 2023 fundraiser of the Women’s Board of Pittsburgh, will benefit four children’s charities this year — the most ever in one year for the Fox Chapel-based group.

The April event brought in more than $83,000, according to the nonprofit.

Grant recipients include Earthen Vessels Outreach, Foster Love Project, Joy Riders and the Will Allen Foundation.

“The mission of the Women’s Board is to support the welfare and development of children in the Greater Pittsburgh area,” said Lisa Bowden, publicity chair.

“The mission was carried out again this year when we awarded grants to four wonderful nonprofits.”

Earthen Vessels Outreach is a Bloomfield group that provides before- and after-school care and summer camps for economically disadvantaged children.

It will receive $12,000 for art supplies and STEM-related projects.

Director John McCombs said his group stretches the dollars to make the most impact on kid campers.

“We’ve bought some music supplies, percussion-type things and whistles — not expensive things, but items that give the kids hands-on experiences,” he said.

He also has purchased arts and crafts supplies and put some of the money toward “soft spaces” with bean bags and stress toys where children can relax and decompress.

“We’re putting the funds to good use,” McCombs said. “It’s a huge blessing to have this money to plan for purchases. We’ve always just gotten by with what we could.”

The Foster Love Project, based in Wilkinsburg, provides a free shopping experience for children in the foster care system.

“This important program allows children to choose new and gently used clothing, shoes, toys and toiletries since many of them often enter foster care with nothing but the clothes that they are wearing,” Bowden said.

The Women’s Board awarded the group $25,000.

Joy Riders of Pittsburgh received $10,000 toward its mission of giving bike rides to physically and mentally disabled people who are unable to operate a bike themselves.

Joy Riders travel along the river trails on the North Side of Pittsburgh, using special bikes that allow unobstructed views of the river and surrounding area.

Volunteers ride along with the special bike as spotters to alert other bikers, walkers and runners to clear a path, Bowden said.

“Currently, Joy Riders has only one bike to be used to give both children and adults rides. The money will be used to purchase a second bike to be used just for children,” she said.

“This wonderful project truly gives a fun and joyful experience.”

The Will Allen Foundation is a nonprofit started by former Pittsburgh Steeler Will Allen. The foundation raises money for three programs to help economically challenged children: a holiday giving project, a backpack supply program and Quest for Success.

“Allen asked the Women’s Board for funding for Quest for Success, an intensive program that partners with high schools to help underserved students with robotics training, health and wellness, life skills and civic engagement/community service,” Bowden said.

The group awarded the Will Allen Foundation $35,000.

To finance these awards, the Women’s Board hosted a French-inspired fundraiser with fashion, fresh flowers and food at the Fox Chapel Golf Club.

“Our event is made possible by the hard work and dedication of our amazing members,” co-chair Michelle Gleason said.

“We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors, retailers and attendees.”

The Women’s Board boasts about 70 members. Founded in 1992, it has raised more than $1.3 million for underserved children, with previous grants paying for science programs, weekend food packages, fitness sessions and birthday presents for homeless children.

In 2022, the fundraiser brought in $73,000 shared among 412 Boxing, Project Theia and Propel Schools Homestead.