Macedonia FACE (Family and Community Enrichment Center) Inc. celebrated its annual Friend of Children Benefit Banquet, along with its 20th anniversary of serving the community, on Aug. 28, 2014 at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place.
Macedonia FACE, based in Pittsburgh’s Historic Hill District, is a faith based nonprofit community outreach arm of Macedonia Church. Reverend Brian J. Edmonds, the church’s senior pastor and who also serves as the program’s Board Chair, gave the invocation for the evening and spoke with pride of the work of the 20-year old organization.
“Macedonia FACE is committed to the continued development of healthy families. As a result of the phenomenal leadership of Trisha Gadson in the execution of our many programs and services, I’m proud to say that we are seeing lives being changed.” Rev. Edmonds said. “Because of the continued efforts of the committed staff and outstanding leadership, we look forward to making a transformative impact within the communities that we serve.“
The master of ceremonies for the evening was Allegheny County Chief Public Defender and Macedonia FACE board member Elliot C. Howsie. More than 100 guests enjoyed not only a sumptuous meal, but also a musical presentation from “BLN,” an ensemble from the Hill District’s Macedonia Church featuring the vocal talents of Beth Nixon, Lonita Ross and Nancie Georgia.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Friend of Children Award” to former NFL Quarterback, Charlie Batch. Batch was recognized for his unwavering commitment, via his Best of the Batch Foundation, to improve the lives of financially challenged children and their families. The aim of the Foundation is to support families and be a resource to them as then endeavor to give their best efforts in all they do. The goal being to achieve excellence for their lives that perhaps they might not have otherwise been able to do.
Based in Homestead, the Batch Foundation was founded in 1999. It commenced with 125 youngsters and now, 15 years later, serves approximately 3100 families annually, in five counties throughout Western Pennsylvania, and runs 11 different programs with the assistance of over 100 volunteers.
In his remarks, Batch shared the tragic story behind the death of his sister, who was killed after a young man she was walking with used her as a human shield to protect himself during a gang shooting; the catalyst for the creation of his foundation.
“This was the driving force behind my commitment to as soon as I was able, to begin giving back” he said. “I’m so humbled with this award, and like so many here in this room, we don’t do the work we do for awards, but because of the passionate desire to make a difference in the life of at least one child. I can’t claim to have been able to accomplish any of this without the 100’s of people who volunteer for “Best of the Batch” every day. “
Other presentations included the recognition of Alexis Paige, Aaron Jones and Jalon Jones, young members from Macedonia Church who have dedicated their service to the Teen Ministry. Additionally, two students from the Macedonia FACE Community Truancy Intervention program were honored for their participation. They were Ceara Kelso, for the most improved grades, and Keyvon Sapps, for most improved attendance. Both students were attending University Prep School in the Hill District when they entered the program.
The program also included a 20-year in review video presentation of the organization’s growth and development throughout the years, which highlighted the advancement of programming; the inclusion of new funders; as well as staff members, including its Executive Director Trisha M. Gadson, who has been at the helm for more than four years.
Gadson said, “This night was an exciting opportunity to celebrate the agency’s 20th anniversary and more importantly, to celebrate Charlie Batch who has consistently demonstrated he has a heart for the community.”
(For more info on the programs and services of Macedonia FACE, or on how to get involved as a volunteer or donor, visit their web site at www.macedoniaface.org.)
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