Roving Pittsburgh Report, Cocktails and Cuisine,
A Magical Night in an Idyllic Setting
by
Kelli Robbins, President Contact One
“The judge said: ‘Lady, just because
he hurt you, doesn’t mean he’ll hurt his own kids.’ But then, he murdered my
little babies.”
These
words hung quietly in the warm spring air over the hundreds of people gathered
for “Cocktails and Cuisine”, the popular annual fundraiser for Crisis Center
North, which was held on May 15th from 6-pm at The Woodlands of
Bradford Woods. Crisis Center North is a
nonprofit domestic violence counseling and educational resource center, which
has served the community since 1978. Their mission is to empower victims of domestic violence and cultivate
community attitudes and behaviors that break the cycle of violence. All monies
raised from this event goes toward providing victims of domestic violence the
advocacy and support needed to chart a path toward safety and self-sufficiency.
The 8th CCN
“Cocktails and Cuisine” is an exceptional grazing and sipping event with
fabulous food from top restaurants, including local favorites such as Bella
Frutteto, Wood Fired Flatbreads, John Marshall Catering, Aladdin’s Eatery, The
Tuscan Inn, Willow and The Walnut Grill. Participants compete for the Best Overall Taste Treat; and the coveted
title of People’s Choice Award for
Overall Favorite. This year’s Celebrity Foodie Judges included Christina
French, publisher of Table Magazine; Amanda Smith, Talent Competition Winner in
the Miss America Pageant 2015; and Doug
Oster, Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Backyard Gardner and co-host of KDKA Radio’s The Organic Gardners.
Libations were
plentiful and provided by the generosity of sponsors
The evening’s
festivities under the tents included live music from one of Pittsburgh’s
favorite jazz singers, Antoinette. Jon
Burnett, broadcaster at KDKA TV, served as Master of Ceremonies for The
Northern Star Awards Presentation. Every year, Crisis Center North recognizes
the contributions of key individuals and community groups who support and
further the mission of CCN. This year’s
honorees included Individual Honoree Lisa Wagner, for her fundraising and
community awareness efforts; Community
Award Honoree UPMC Health Plan for their community support and advocacy
programs; System Honoree Shaler Township Police Department, for their multiple
large-scale projects for education and prevention initiatives, as well as
betterment of the criminal justice system; and Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Anna Belle-Few, who has provided vision and leadership to CCN for 37 years.
The live
auction, hosted by the renowned husband and wife emcee duo, Paul and Beth Kelly of Orlando
Florida, included such crowd pleasers as an all expenses paid trip to the
Castles of Ireland. Guests also enjoyed an eclectic array of upscale items in
the silent auction including jewelry, spa baskets, jewelry, sports
collectibles, a barrell of booze, theater tickets and weekend get-away
packages.
This much anticipated fundraising event draws celebrated
chefs from local caterers and fine dining restaurants throughout the region to
compete for
“Best
Overall Taste Treat” and “”Overall Favorite”.
Silent Auction Guests were
treated to a wide array of goodies, including spa packages, jewelry, sports
collectibles, a barrell of booze, theater tickets and get-away packages.
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The early spring Pittsburgh weather
could not have cooperated more for the evening’s festivities!
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| A Magical Night! |
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| An idyllic setting! President 
Contact One Communications Inc
Award Winning 24/7 Telephone Answering and Call Center Services, Proudly Based in the USA!
CEO & Founder
First Contact
Marketing, Printing, Branding, Events, Fulfillment, Direct Mail, Kitting, Warehousing and Storage
Celebrating 30+ Years of Promises Fulfilled.
Service To The Pittsburgh Business Community... and Worldwide!
Office (412) 224-1200
Toll Free (888) 275-0305
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