A Celebration to Remember

Approximately 300 attendees gathered to raise nearly $200,000 during the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation’s ‘We Gather Together: A Celebration of Us’ charity event held at Carnegie Science Center’s PointView Hall and Terrace on April 26, 2019.

The 16th annual fundraiser marked the first time in 15 years the occasion strayed away from its previous honoree theme to celebrate Lutheran SeniorLife entities and those we serve every day.

“Tonight is about all of us who support our residents, our patients and those we care for,” said David Fenoglietto, president and CEO of Lutheran SeniorLife.

“No other nonprofit organization in the tri-state area has the depth of providing services from adoption to hospice and palliative care. Thank you for helping us serve those in need.”

Part of fulfilling an Abundant Life® involves supporting residents who have outlived their financial resources as well as monetarily backing the programs and services of Lutheran SeniorLife.

Breathtaking views of the Pittsburgh skyline helped secure this benevolent tone as visitors scanned displays of silent auction items and placed bids throughout the night.

Spirited networking and appetizing food stations also encouraged the fundraising process while student disc jockey, Michael Crowley, spun his collection of vinyl records.

New as of last year, online giving and mobile bidding made contributing easier than ever before.

“Many people who weren’t at the event donated, so I think people really enjoyed the aspect of remote inclusion,” said Jane Bittcher, president of the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation.

For other guests such as, Passavant Community resident Jan McGee, $25 grab bags with assorted wine and gift cards added the perfect touch.

“The grab bags were nice because some people couldn’t bid on larger auction items,” McGee said. “It was great to have smaller options available so anyone could show support.”

The main sponsor of the night was the George H., Lillian S. & Mary S. Campbell Foundation.

Originally formed to provide support for the elderly in western Pa., the Campbell Foundation has maintained a generous sponsorship level for the annual event since 2005.

“What is very clear about this institution is that Christ is at the center of who we are and what we do,” said John Harmon, representative of the Campbell Foundation.

“It’s wonderful what we do, but it’s meaningful because Christ is the reason we do it.”