WQED’s Cardigan Party
Inspired by Fred Rogers’ classic sweater, WQED’s annual Cardigan Party is an opportunity for fans to zip or button up a cardigan and head to Studio A in Oakland for a celebration of friends, food and fun.
“The aim is to celebrate Mister Rogers and kindness,” said Jody Doherty, managing director of WQED.
A massive cookie table, Primanti’s sandwiches, pierogies and the Polkamaniacs made this Wednesday night event a quintessential Pittsburgh gathering. Guests’ first stops on the way into the studio
lined with food stations were the bar and the bags of fresh-popped popcorn.
“We sold out three weeks
ago with 350 people attending,” noted a delighted Doherty.
She was mingling with guests along with interim cochief operating officers Lilli Mosco and Mike Waruszewski, who took over when CEO Deb Acklin stepped down.
Rapper Frzy and DJ Solo Dolo pumped the room with fresh energy while some guests decided what items to take a chance on in the raffle. Among them were an autographed photo of Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick, a Coffee Tree Roasters gift basket and memberships to the Carnegie Museums and Mattress Factory.
The party brought in $30,000 to benefit the educational programs of public television.
Enjoying the neighborhood were Alex Rogers ( grandson of Fred), Mr. McFeely ( David Newall), Chris Fenimore, Rick Sebak, Jim Cunningham, Jui Joshi and Minette Seate, Mildred
Myers, Jonathan Rosenson, Erin Davenport, Jeff Davis, Charles Fischer, Justin Wallace, Donna Goyak, Mandy and Mike Asper, Andrew Fouts, Lesley Mann and
Ross Grosshart, Nancy Rumon, Susan Wagner, Pascale Beaudin and Chris Robertson, who came in from Connecticut because he loves all things Mister Rogers.