On the Scene: North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce 2018 Holiday Gala
Northside business people, bankers, church representatives, community leaders and residents gathered at Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory on Thursday, Dec. 6 for the North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce 2018 Holiday Gala.
Photos by Ashlee Green
Scott Pipitone, President of the North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce (NS/SCC) Board of Directors, welcomed the crowd with a speech paying respect to the victims of the Tree of Life shooting and honoring the late former President George H. W. Bush:
“[He] made a call to public and community service a centerpiece of his presidency. At his inauguration in 1989, President Bush spoke of ‘all the individuals and community organizations spread like stars through the nation, doing good.'”
Pipitone also recognized the new Executive Director, Gina Grone, for her volunteerism:
“We are fortunate to have her spirit and her strength to help guide our Chamber forward,” he said.
Pastor Ken Turnbull of Allegheny Center Alliance Church led an invocation before tables were released for the festive holiday buffet dinner. Later, Pipitone presented a check to Jayne Miller, CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC), for continued support of the PPC mission.
Guests were entertained by The Bill Henry Band as they ate, danced and took photos in a holiday-themed photo booth.
The night ended with prize drawings for silent auction items, a special raffle and the “Sleigh of Cheer,” a giant sleigh filled with holiday spirits.
Cocktail hour at the gala. Greeters help check in nearly 200 guests. Gina Grone, left, is the new executive director of the North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce. Guests take photos in the holiday photo booth, sponsored by the Pipitone Group. The “Sleigh of Cheer” raffle prize, a giant sleigh filled with holiday spirits. The evening is a celebration of Northside businesses and community members. The Grand Hall is decked out for the season. Auction items include “Priory Date Night #1,” a one-night stay at The Priory Hotel, a bottle of wine and a $75 voucher to the Carlton Restaurant. Other items include a Tiffany-style lamp donated by Frank Jans – Allegheny Health Network and a Breadworks basked with a $25 gift card. Pastor Ken Turnbull gives an invocation before the evening meal. The Bill Henry Band keeps the music going for dinner and dancing. Scott Pipitone of Pipitone Group welcomes the crowd with a speech about the importance of community. Pipitone presents a check to CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Jayne Miller.