Celebrity Care Fest
The home of Debi and Patrick Hampson in Pine once again became celebrity central during the Celebrity Care Fest, featuring a concert by Peter Frampton and Chicago. “This is the biggest private fundraiser in the city,” said Martin Potoczny of LUXE Creative in his third year of designing and planning the event. Nearly 2,500 guests streamed onto the property to hear hits such as “Baby I Love Your Way” and to catch a glimpse of celebrities, including Joe Manganiello, former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher and Queen V ( Veronica Cowher), Sally Wiggin and Jerome Bettis. Mr. Bettis’ foundation, The Bus Stops Here, was a beneficiary of the event along with Miss 22 Quties, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, Will Allen Foundation and Variety, the Children’s Charity. “This a huge boost for our foundation because it gives us the resources to go out and really support the kids of this community,” said Mr. Bettis. Each year HM3 chooses different charities to support. “We want to spread the joy and the opportunities,” said Mrs. Hampson, hostess of the event. She and her husband, Pat, turn their property into a concert and picnic venue. “This year we have chosen all childrenoriented charities,” she explained. “My husband and I have always enjoyed music, and it was his idea to do this.” It takes a few weeks to set up the tents, the tables and more. “There is a lot of planning ahead of time, but I never ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do myself as far as the setup,” said Mrs. Hampson. All the celebs took the stage to welcome supporters before the concert.
“I love Pittsburgh — it’s my home!” said Mr. Manganiello to applause.
Having grown up in Mt. Lebanon, he talked about his affection for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the work it does on behalf of sick children and their families. “Children’s Hospital is near and dear to my heart,” said the actor. Guests mingled around the bars and food tents before the concert got underway. Enjoying the legendary bands on a perfect summer night were Vanessa and David Morehouse, WTAETV’s Michelle Wright, Cindy Citrone, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Jim Tressel, Val Porter, KDKA- TV’s Bob Pompeani and his daughter Celina, Dr. John Fung, Susan and Chad Ciccone, John Esposito and so many more.