In brief: Purse bash, AAUW meeting and more in Fox Chapel area

Purse bash

The sixth annual Wayne Fusaro Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund Purse Bash is set for March 29. The event will take place from 5-8 p.m. (doors open at 4:15 p.m.) at the Comfort Inn, RIDC Park. Only 250 tickets will be sold at $40 each. For tickets and more information, call Jill at 412-828-7856.

CPR class

Foxwall EMS will hold a free community CPR class at 6:30 p.m. March 3 at the Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave. Attendees will learn hands-only CPR. The course is not a full certification in CPR. For more information or to become certified, call 412-963-6611 or email training@foxwall.org.

Unity in the Community

Lauri Ann West Community Center will host its second “Unity in the Community” family night on Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Designed for families with children 4 to 12 years old, the event showcases the Center’s Arts and Enrichment programming and instructors.

Participants will rotate between four stations. In one station they will learn the science of building a model sailboat or paddle boat made from simple supplies like juice cartons, popsicle sticks and rubber bands. They will then put their creations to the seafaring test in our indoor testing area. They will also spend time playing games and creating artwork. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend and participate alongside their students.

Jane Siddons Herrmann, who sponsors a Kona Ice Truck during summer camps and the Breakfast with Santa event during the holidays, generously provided the support needed to allow Lauri Ann West Community Center to continue offering Unity in the Community events. The first Unity in the Community event took place in the fall, and was funded by a grant from the Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time.

“When I heard about the event last fall, I was eager to get involved. The opportunity to bring families in our community together is fulfilling,” Herrmann said.

Amy Berman, programs manager at Lauri Ann West Community Center, added, “Families depend on us to provide quality experiences that help them connect and learn with community members. We are very fortunate to have Jane as a partner.”

This event is free to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. You can register online at LauriAnnWestCC.org or by calling Amy at 412-828-8566 ext. 105.

Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser

Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating the difficult journey of pregnancy loss, is hosting its first Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 28 at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh on the North Shore.

The evening will feature music by Pure Gold Singers, magicians, tarot reading and live dancers. Guests will have New Orleans-inspired drinks, appetizers, dinner and an interactive customizable dessert station.

“We are thrilled to bring the Pittsburgh community together in celebration of life, love and healing,” said Heather Bradley of O’Hara, founder and executive director of Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas. “Pregnancy loss can be an incredibly isolating experience, and our goal is to ensure that families never have to go through it alone.”

Guests are encouraged to dress in their Mardi Gras best. Masks and beads will be provided.

Tickets start at $125 and are available at pittsburghbereavementdoulas.com.

AAUW meets monthly

The Fox Chapel area branch of the American Association of University Women meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.

The group advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, philanthropy, education and research.

Meetings are free and open to anyone interested in joining.

In addition to the monthly meetings, the branch offers members a variety of interest groups as well as numerous opportunities for community service involvement.

AAUW is open to all graduates who hold an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified college or university. Those enrolled in an associate or a bachelor’s degree program can join AAUW as Student Affiliate Members.

For details about the organization, including annual dues and grants, visit aauwfoxchapelareapa.wordpress.com.

To have your news or event listed in our briefs section, email editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.