The Start of Something Special

Providence Connections’ Backyard Barbeque was a great success, raising more than $39,500 for the agency’s three ministries.

“We’re so grateful for the kindness of so many,”says Sister Maria Fest, executive director of Providence Connections, Inc. “The fellowship and charity we experienced at the Backyard Barbeque was truly uplifting.”

On Friday, June 16, more than 160 friends, neighbors and supporters enjoyed a spectacular summer evening, good food and relaxing entertainment at Providence Connections’ first-ever Backyard Barbeque, which raised funds to benefit the women, children and families who turn to Providence Connections’ ministries for assistance.

Presented by Duquesne Light, co-hosted by Katrina Owens and Rich Walsh of WPXI-TV and held at The Mattress Factory, one of Providence Connections’goals for the event was to involve as many North Side businesses and organizations as possible.

“Since our largest ministry, Providence Family Support Center, is located on the North Side, we wanted to reach out to our local friends and neighbors as we planned this event,” says Sister Maria. “It was important to us that the barbeque be a warm and friendly community-wide event in keeping with our mission.”

Other local businesses that sponsored the Backyard Barbeque, purchased tickets or supported the event with in-kind donations include Atria’s, Penn Brewery, Breadworks,Max’s Allegheny Tavern, USA Gourmet,Carnegie Science Center, The Priory, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the National Aviary, Allegheny General Hospital and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

In keeping with the barbeque theme, The Mattress Factory was brightly decorated in red-and-white-checked tablecloths, and Big Sam’s Memphis Barbecue served a buffet dinner of barbeque chicken, ribs, salad and cornbread, which helped create a lighthearted, casual and friendly atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, two raffles and urban jazz, and many sat to have a caricature drawn or to hear tales woven by a local storyteller.

By all accounts, the Backyard Barbeque was a fun, gratifying and successful event, and plans are already underway to bring the event back next summer with Duquesne Light serving as presenting sponsor once again.

“Duquesne Light is pleased to partner with Providence Connections as presenting sponsor of its Backyard Barbeque and to support the vital services that the agency provides to help families in our region work, care for their children and thrive,” says Morgan O’Brien, president and chief executive officer of Duquesne Light. “We’re looking forward to another fun-filled, community-focused event.”