North Hills Community Outreach Gala returns to in-person event

The Neighborhood Block Party 2022 benefitting the North Hills Community Outreach is returning to an in-person event set for April 3 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the North Park Sports Complex on Wildwood Road, in Wildwood, Pa.

Early-bird tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for children 11 and younger. After March 1, tickets will cost $35 and $20, respectively.

The family-friendly event features all the fun of previous years with a bounce house, face painting, candy pull, balloon artist, caricatures and more.

The event will feature plenty of food and DJ music, according to Jeff Geissler, communications coordinator of NHCO.

Alcohol samplings will also be available for the 21 and older crowd.

NHCO’s block party has been a staple fundraiser for the nonprofit for seven years but was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. In 2021, the organization held a drive-through version, which was a “huge success,” said Geissler.

Last year the organization raised approximately $15,000, according to Kerry Mulhern, development and finance assistant for NHCO.

The organization has a goal of selling 300 or more tickets this year, with all proceeds going to the organization. NHCO provides services for people in need in northern Allegheny County.

Despite the perception of affluence in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, many people there need assistance, she said.

“A lot of people don’t realize there is a need for the 40 neighborhoods and 50 ZIP codes we serve,” Mulhern said. “We’re there to offer a hand up, not a handout.”

The nonprofit offers a food pantry, senior citizen services, transportation assistance, utility and emergency aid, attorney assistance, education assistance, free tax preparation and employment services.

The main office is in Allison Park, with offices in Millvale and the North Boroughs location in Bellevue.

The block party is a great way to get to know people, Geissler said.

“Not only is this a fundraiser, it’s also what we call a friend-raiser,” he said.

The gala offers opportunities to buy sponsorships with different sponsor levels, he said.

This is the first year it will be held at the North Park Sports Complex Center, he said. It will go on rain or shine.

For sponsorship information or tickets visit nhco.org or call 412-487-6316.