PATRIECE THOMPSON, CHESTER THOMPSON (PHOTOS BY COURIER PHOTOGRAPHER J.L. MARTELLO)
The Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) hosted its annual “Champion For Children” gala on Thursday, June 2, at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, in Oakland. The outdoor “garden party” themed event celebrated the organization’s more than 20 years of advancing education for thousands of children experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County.
Newly minted HCEF Executive Director Ardana Jefferson said that “there are approximately 3,000 children enrolled as McKinney-Vento students (a child without a stable, consistent nighttime residence) in Allegheny County. We must do our part to bring these numbers down and educate our communities.”
MICHAEL WARREN, ARDANA JEFFERSON
HCEF provides educational support, school supplies, emergency funds, and college and career planning to the homeless students enrolled under the McKinney-Vento act at local schools. In addition, HCEF operates summer, after-school, and outreach programs in eight Pittsburgh Public Schools and serves four shelters, among other locations, that work with children, teens, and young adults.
A “Champion For Children” award was presented to A+ Schools Pittsburgh for their work.
Nancy & Paul Collier served as co-chairs of this private event, which included a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and a mobile auction. A brief program followed.
MICHAEL JASPER, TASHA PEACOCK, STEFFINE JASPER, ARDANA JEFFERSON
MARCIA CARTER, ALEXANDRA JONES (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
DELVINA MORROW, TRACEY MCCANTS LEWIS
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