The Seventh Annual Hill of Hope Gala

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10 years ago

BOARD EMERITUS AWARDEE—Charlene Newkirk and Andrew Frazier

BoardEmeritus — BOARD EMERITUS AWARDEE—Charlene Newkirk and Andrew Frazier

Hill of Hope honorary co-chairs, Ann and Leon Haley, said the theme “Embracing Diversity in the Community” is fitting for the Hill District Ys as new development has begun to change the face and character of the historic Hill District, and as a result, the community is becoming and will continue to become a more diverse community in which to live. On Nov. 15, at the Marriott City Center, more than 200 gathered for the 7th annual Hill of Hope Gala. The ballroom was a kaleidoscope of colors with unique centerpieces featured at each table. After a warm welcome from Charlene Newkirk, board chair of the Thelma Lovette & Centre Avenue YMCAs, and honorary co-chairs Ann and Leon Haley, it was time to present the Hill of Hope Awards.

This year’s awards kicked off with a presentation to Andrew Frazier, the recipient of the Board Emeritus Recognition. Charlene Newkirk spoke of the wonderful work that Frazier has done for the Y. Next, the Hill of Hope Award was presented to Bill Strickland, president and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell Corp. This award is presented to an individual that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment for the betterment of the Hill District community.

HILL OF HOPE HONOREES—Bill Strickland and Chuck Powell

HILL OF HOPE AWARDEE—Brenda Tate, Hill of Hope co-chair, and Marimba Milliones (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

The Hill of Hope Thelma Lovette Award, which was created to honor an individual who has demonstrated positive leadership in the community and exemplifies the principals that the late Mrs. Lovette lived by, was given to Chuck Powell, director of Diversity and Community Affairs at the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The Hill of Hope Community Service Award was presented to Marimba Milliones of the Hill District Community Development Corp. This award was created to honor an individual that has dedicated their time to improving the communities in and around the Centre Avenue corridor.

ANOTHER GREAT GALA—Rig Riggins, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and Kim Slater-Wood, Hill of Hope co-chair.

After remarks from Rig Riggins, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and Shannel Givner who stood in place for Aaron Gibson, the Thelma Lovette & Centre Avenue YMCAs’ executive director, the rest of the celebration continued with a scrumptious dinner, dancing and a complementary photo from the photo booth.