Focus on Renewal
The Place: Father Ryan Arts Center, McKees Rocks, Saturday night.
The Purpose: Focus on Renewal’s 50th Anniversary Gala Thanking Our Lucky Stars! celebrated five decades of working to improve the community and honored Scott Baker, president and founder of 5 Generation Bakers, with the Father Don Fisher Community Advocate Award. “To me there are so many other people who are more worthy and do so much for McKees Rocks, but I am proud to be part of a community that has so much character, personality and great people who come from here,” said Mr. Baker.
The Party: The evening began with a rousing outdoor performance by the talented Sto-Rox Junior/Senior High School marching band with the Junior/Senior High School dance team. When they finished, more than 120 guests made their way into the Father Ryan Arts Center where Father Regis Ryan was mingling along with event co-chairs Tammy Bey (with Barata) and Lisa Dalena (with David Elinsky) and board president Joanne LaRose. A silent auction and food tables kept everyone moving around the room. Executive director Cynthia Haines welcomed everyone to the theater area where the Second Baptist Church Gospel Choir performed followed by James Critchfield and Oof! Nation, students from Studio StoRox. After the entertainment it was time to dance to the tunes of DJ Sauce Queen. “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us, and we look forward to another 50 years,” said Ellie Pfeuffer, director of development.
#SEEN: Mina Baker-Knoll, Victoria Quiroz, Janet Meub, Jennifer Dickquist, Dr. Neal and Amy Fanelli, Willie Dawson, Jackie Page-Heidelberg, Lydia Morin, Joanne Lorenz, Dr. Richard Bowers and Dr. Ivan Baumwell.