Women's Board of Pittsburgh reveals 2 beneficiaries of annual fundraiser

The Women’s Board of Pittsburgh will remotely host its largest annual fundraiser while upping the ante and announcing two beneficiaries of the January event.

“While our fundraising efforts will depart from brick-and-mortar events of the past, we are discovering creative and exciting ways to involve guests in this year’s special two-day virtual experience,” said Debbie Burke, publicist for the Women’s Board, based in Fox Chapel.

Proceeds will benefit two local charities – the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and The Neighborhood Academy.

Festivities will run Jan. 28-29.

The Women’s Center works to protect victims of domestic violence, foster social change and rebuild lives. It was founded in 1974 as one of the first six domestic-violence shelters in the nation.

Money raised by The Women’s Board will go toward the children’s program which provides activities that help kids develop physically and emotionally.

At The Neighborhood Academy, money will support the middle-school boys program.

The faith-based college prep school aims to break the generational cycle of poverty by preparing low-income children for post-secondary school.

“The Women’s Board of Pittsburgh has a long history of financially supporting the children in our communities,” President Laurin Moore said.

“Given that the pandemic has created challenges to so many families, we know it is critically important for us to step up our efforts in a manner that is safe for all of our patrons.”

The Women’s Board has donated nearly $1 million to children’s charities over the past three decades, much of which is raised at its yearly luncheon and fashion show.

When covid-19 threw a wrench into planning the social gathering, leaders decided to work creatively.

A two-day event will include a cooking demonstration from big Burrito Restaurant Group chef Bill Fuller and a fashion show by Carabella.

Models from Oakmont-based Carabella will start to walk the runway at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. Activities the following day will feature an 11 a.m. cooking demonstration by Fuller, along with opportunities to win auction and raffle items.

The first annual luncheon was in 1992 to support the group’s mission of helping children in underserved communities.

Past recipients of the fundraiser have included the Sharpsburg Community Library, which launched STEAM programs with the money, and Operation Backpack, which feeds children in the Fox Chapel Area School District.

In 2019, the group broke its own fundraising record by bringing in $90,000 to benefit Hosanna House, Inc., a multipurpose health and human service organization assisting more than 35,000 people a year in Wilkinsburg and nearby communities.

“In this difficult period, it is more critical than ever for our board to aid organizations whose purpose and passion align with our mission,” Burke said.

For ticket information, visit wbpgh.org.