I have been to galas and walks to raise funds for
organizations that focus on the support or a cure for various illnesses (Day 67,
Day 90), but not for an organization that
so strongly supports families. My blog inspiration, Little Golden Books, reminds us that family “times gives us a sense of
belonging, when we feel safe and loved.” That is just what The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center does by promoting the health and the well-being of
infants and children through services that
establish and strengthens the family. They help establish a family with an infant adoption program, prepare a family with a home-like
transition hospital for children, and assist a family with a day care program for
children with developmental and medical needs. I was therefore ready to enjoy a night of jazz and
fun by attending the event, “Shake Your Booties..Down Bourbon Street " and support this family centered cause at Stage AE.
Reflection
Stage AE was transformed into a carnival
atmosphere with beads given at the door, acrobats on stage, an open bar, and the
live jazz music of John Gresh’s Gris-Gris throughout the evening. The room was
colorful, the people were colorful, and everyone
seemed to be smiling, dancing and enjoying the food on Bourbon Street. There were hors d’oeuvres of cheeses, crab cakes,
oysters, and a tapas dinner that
included salads, strip steak, chicken gumbo, baroque gulf shrimp, and a variety
of sandwiches.
 |
| Photo Booth Fun |
There was also an interesting line up of
silent auction items. I was determined to get my dream/buckets list prize of 4
grandstand seats to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is something that I have always
wanted to do since first seeing it on television. Even with my attempt to hover
over the bidding sheet, I lost the bid. Not to worry, I was consoled by eating at the desert
table and playing dress up in the photo booth.
For me, the evening highlight was Cate’s story told by her parents. Cate was born with a cleft palate and multiple chromosomal
abnormalities and has specialized medical needs, one of which is a feeding tube. She received four years of medical care though
the Children’s Home day care program. This program
enabled the family to work full time knowing that their child was loved and
safe at the day care. As they put it, the staff became like family.
 |
| silent auction |
 |
| Colorful guy! |
Learning about this organization’s
commitment to the family made supporting it easy for me. “Shake your Booties…
Down on Bourbon Street” was all about fun and play. This is just what the children helped by this
organization love to do. I will defiantly play again at this event and maybe I will get the chance to bid on my
childhood dream trip next year.
(The
Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center is located at 5324 Penn
Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Learn more about their programs at http://www.childrenshomepgh.org/)
Spiritual Source
Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3)
Other Sources
