Fantastic Flavor

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

Arg! It just hit me that the last post on the East End Cooperative Ministry blog was several weeks ago. For shame. You'd think we were spending our days watching the paint dry, with nothing to report from the EECM trenches. But you'd be wrong!

First and foremost, I'm pleased to report that the annual EECM fundraiser -- A Flavor of the East End -- was a smashing success. Our best ever, if I might be so bold. In case you missed the action, here are some highlights:

Over 200 guests – from friends new and old to staff and board members to longtime volunteers to members of local media and representatives from our sponsors – gathered to support our mission of building a community of opportunity in Pittsburgh’s East End.

Restaurant group big Burrito whipped up some truly phenomenal culinary delights, from asparagus maki rolls to chicken and greens. The spicy lo-mein was the most popular dish, in part because it was served in little take-out containers, which attracted a lot of attention. Boyd & Blair, local purveyors of home-made vodka, provided tastings and won over many new converts.

There was fierce competition for nearly two dozen Silent Auction items, including a great Steelers package (including not only tickets, but other essential paraphernalia including Steeler wrapping paper) and a chance to play hoops 3 on 3 with Pitt Women's Basketball Coach Agnus Berenato.

And let's not forget the popular Restaurant Raffle, which provided guests with the opportunity to win one of 30 gift cards to eateries throughout Pittsburgh.

At the Build It Now: Wall of Community, guests were able to sponsor vital EECM services, from groceries for our Food Pantry clients, to Summer Day Camp for local youth, to breakfast for the homeless men at EECM's shelter.

We were lucky enough to have local Pittsburgh artist Daviea Davis join us the night of the event. Ms. Davis has a marvelous mosaic exhibit on display at the Pittsburgh Glass Center right now. During the event, she created a unique mosaic of EECM's distinctive logo -- with help from event attendees!

Thanks to everyone who attended A Flavor of the East End this year, and we look forward to seeing you (yes, I mean YOU -- the person reading this post!) next year.