Women's Board of Pittsburgh raises $73,000 for children's initiatives

Beneficiaries of the annual Women’s Board of Pittsburgh fundraiser have been revealed.

Grants will be doled out to not only one or two, but three local charities whose mission is to improve the lives of children.

They are:

• 412 Boxing, a group associated with the Police Athletic League that provides gym equipment, boxing/life lessons and mentoring to underprivileged youth.

• Project Theia, which provides vision exams and follow-up care, including glasses.

• Propel Schools Homestead, one of a network of public charter schools that transforms the lives of children in underserved communities through student-centered learning.

“For the first time in our history, we selected the beneficiaries following the event so we could match the monies raised with the funding requested by the nominated organizations,” club member Lisa Bowden said.

The Women’s Board luncheon hosted on May 6 at the Pittsburgh Field Club marked its 30th year and brought in $73,000.

Founded in 1991, the Women’s Board began with a small group of friends who wanted to improve the lives of children across the Pittsburgh region.

In its first year, a luncheon fundraiser brought in $1,200. Since then, the total raised by a group of 70 volunteers has topped $1.2 million.

Past donations have gone to help children with food, books, technology and recreation.

The 2022 event included a cocktail party and runway fashion show, as well as a virtual cooking demonstration and auction.

Bowden said board members are hard at work planning surprises for the 2023 fundraiser.

“One thing is certain. Through the commitment and generosity of our guests and sponsors, we can continue to fulfill our mission to support the welfare and development of Pittsburgh’s children,” she said.