Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh http://www.emmauspgh.org One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit! Thu, 16 May 2013 17:37:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Sister Mary Jean Petrarca Featured in South Pittsburgh Reporter http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/sister-mary-jean-petrarca-featured-in-south-pittsburgh-reporter/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/sister-mary-jean-petrarca-featured-in-south-pittsburgh-reporter/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 15:23:21 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=2082 Long-time Emmaus staff/Board member Sister Mary Jean Petrarca was featured in the South Pittsburgh Reporter as the 2013 recipient of the Ken Wagner Award for Outstanding Service. Emmaus Co-Founder Lorraine Wagner presented the award to Sister Mary Jean at the 2013 Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala, to the applause of 250 guests. See the full story here.

]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/sister-mary-jean-petrarca-featured-in-south-pittsburgh-reporter/feed/ 0 Emmaus holds its biggest and best Gala yet! http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/emmaus-holds-its-biggest-and-best-gala-yet/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/emmaus-holds-its-biggest-and-best-gala-yet/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 15:12:08 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=2078

On May 4, 2013, Emmaus held its 6th Annual Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala at Oakmont Country Club.  This Gala was our biggest and best yet, with 250 guests in attendance!  Everyone came decked out in their Derby finest to enjoy an evening of food, dancing, auctions, raffles, and fun.  The program included the presentation of this year’s Ken Wagner Award for Outstanding Service to Sister Mary Jean Petrarca, as well as words from the Mittelmeier family, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Katie Leyland and Butch Santicola, and Board president Tim Noca.  From the ”Win! Place! Show!” raffle to the 52-card 50/50 to our Triple Crown Treasure Chest, many people went home with some fantastic prizes.  We hope to see everyone there again next year!

To view pictures from our 2013 Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala, visit our online photo scrapbook!

 

]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/emmaus-holds-its-biggest-and-best-gala-yet/feed/ 0 2013 Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/2013-emmaus-kentucky-derby-gala/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/2013-emmaus-kentucky-derby-gala/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 15:58:34 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=2071

On May 4, 2013, Emmaus held its biggest and best Gala yet at Oakmont Country Club!  Between the fabulous hats and the impressive moves on the dance floor, we celebrated this year’s Derby in style!  Thanks to everyone who supported the event.  We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Note: All photo credits go to Paul Cammisa.

 

Emmaus resident Amy performs an Adele song for the guests. The Wojdowski Family on the red carpet. The Wagner Family on the red carpet. Emmaus residents and staff try their keys at the Triple Crown Treasure Chest. Board President Tim Noca speaks to the 250 guests. Dr. and Mrs. Won on the red carpet. Sisters of Charity on the red carpet. Sister MJ - Award Emmaus residents Jason, David, and Matt on the red carpet. Emmaus staff members Sara, Jovan, and Jenn greet the guests. Gala Committee members Tim & Denise Sansonetti on the red carpet. Gala Committee members Paul and Amy Gunsallus on the red carpet. Gala Committee members Lyn Null and Shelley Cammisa on the red carpet. Gala Committee members Tim and Lisa Noca on the red carpet. Emmaus resident Matt Mittelmeier and his sister Judy Sproat. Emmaus intern Aurelie and emcee Michelle Wright pull a raffle winner. Emmaus Young Professional Advisory Board member Katie Lucas Black and husband Kevin Black. Emmaus Young Professional Advisory Board Chair Erin Lucas Hamilton and husband Mark Hamilton. Emmaus Co-Founder Lorraine Wagner introduces the winner of the 2013 Ken Wagner Award for Outstanding Service. Gala Committee members Mark Koenig and Tim & Lisa Noca on the red carpet. Karen speaks Emmaus Executive Director Karen Jacobsen and Emmaus residents Jason, Matt, and David at the 2013 Kentucky Derby Gala. Emmaus staff members Jon and Sherri Lynn on the red carpet. Allegheny City Smokehouse owner Jared Lordon and Brenda Spencer on the red carpet. Emmaus residents Amy and Gina on the red carpet. Emmaus and Jordan House residents and staff arrive at the 2013 Gala. Emmaus Art Market at the 2013 Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala. Emmaus Young Professional Advisory Board member Emily and staff member Diana at the Gala. Emmaus resident Debbie and staff member Shanea at the Gala. Board member David Matesic and wife/supporter Bindy Bucci on the red carpet. Emmaus resident Carla arrives at the Gala! Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Katie Leyland and Butch Santicola speak to the crowd. Applause IMG_0070 Emmaus resident Carla participates in the Resident Horse Race. Gala Committee member Ginny Koenig and sister Patricia Sabolski hit the dance floor. Guests on the dance floor at the Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala. ]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/2013-emmaus-kentucky-derby-gala/feed/ 0 Sister Mary Jean Petrarca Receives 2013 Ken Wagner Award for Outstanding Service http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/sister-mary-jean-petrarca-receives-2013-ken-wagner-award-for-outstanding-service/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/05/sister-mary-jean-petrarca-receives-2013-ken-wagner-award-for-outstanding-service/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 19:34:55 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=1985

Emmaus is pleased to announce that the 2013 Ken Wagner Award for Outstanding Service has been awarded to Sister Mary Jean Petrarca of the Sisters of Charity.  The award is given annually to someone who has shown by their actions that they serve the way Emmaus co-founder Ken Wagner served–with great humility and dedication to helping others. Sister Mary Jean was chosen by the committee for her long record of selfless giving.

Sister Mary Jean has been a Sister of Charity since 1952. She taught high school math and science for 23 years, then served as an occupational therapist for 23 years at the Pioneer School for Exceptional Children. During her tenure as an occupational therapist, she went to Korea for four months in 1983 to help the Sisters of Charity in Korea plan for the EunHae School for Children with Disabilities. Sister Mary Jean has been serving individuals with disabilities at the Emmaus Community since 1989, with experience as a volunteer, an employee, and a Board member.

The award was presented to Sister Mary Jean on May 4, 2013 at the 6th Annual Emmaus Kentucky Derby Gala at Oakmont Country Club.  To the applause of 250 guests, Emmaus co-founder Lorraine Wagner presented Sister Mary Jean with a sculpture of “serving hands,” to represent her service to others.  Eighteen other Sisters of Charity came to celebrate her recognition.  According to Emmaus Executive Director Karen Jacobsen, “we couldn’t find someone more worthy of this award.  Sister is always faithful, always humble, always giving.  She truly deserves this.”

Anyone may nominate someone to receive the annual Ken Wagner Award for Outstanding Service.  For more information, visit http://www.emmauspgh.org/support-emmaus/special-events/ken-wagner-award.

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Emmaus staff, residents, and friends had a fantastic time at our 2013 Emmaus Pirates Night, hosted by the Emmaus Young Professional Advisory Board and the Emmaus Black & Gold Club.    We started with a delicious tailgate party at the Sheraton at Station Square, then hopped a ride on the Gateway Clipper Shuttle and cheered on the Bucs at PNC Park.  What a great night!

Emmaus residents Kim and Deanna enjoy the tailgate party with staff member Erin. Emmaus staff member Angie and resident Denise pose together at the tailgate party. Emmaus staff invite guests to participate in a raffle at the tailgate party. Emmaus staff members Shekinah and Shanea get ready to ride the Gateway Clipper. Emmaus staff member Tiffany and baby August cheer on the Bucs. Guests at Emmaus Pirates Night cheer on their home team. The guys from Shiloh House cheer the Bucs to victory. Emmaus residents Camille and Frank enjoy the view at PNC Park. Emmaus Board member Ben Serratore and wife Sharon enjoy the game. Guests at Emmaus Pirates Night. Emmaus Pirates Night guests meet the Pirate Parrot. Emmaus resident Marnee and her mother enjoy the tailgate party at Station Square. ]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/04/2013-emmaus-pirates-night/feed/ 0 Two Emmaus DSPs Receive Kuem Rye Park Memorial Award http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/03/two-emmaus-dsps-receive-kuem-rye-park-memorial-award/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/03/two-emmaus-dsps-receive-kuem-rye-park-memorial-award/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:36:43 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=1950

Congratulations to Sandy Cerminara and Shekinah Peterson, the 2013 winners of the Kuem Rye Park Memorial Award. The Kuem Rye Park Memorial Fund was created by Michael Surh, grandson of Mrs. Kuem Rye Park, to promote excellence in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities. His grandmother, a passionate woman in helping people who help others, passed away when Michael was a senior at Carnegie Mellon University in 2010. To continue his grandmother’s legacy, he started awarding two direct support professionals who passionately help people with disabilities each year, beginning in 2011. Direct support professionals who are helping individuals with disabilities are invited to submit an essay about the impact of their work on their own lives and those of the people they serve.  We’re very proud of this year’s winners and everything they do to improve the quality of life for our residents at Emmaus!  See the press release for excerpts from their essays.

]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/03/two-emmaus-dsps-receive-kuem-rye-park-memorial-award/feed/ 0 Kuem Rye Park Memorial Award Announces 2013 Winners http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/03/kuem-rye-park-memorial-award-announces-2013-winners/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/03/kuem-rye-park-memorial-award-announces-2013-winners/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:32:26 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=1947 Ms. Shekinah Peterson and Ms. Sandy Cerminara, staff members of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, were honored with the Kuem Rye Park Memorial Fund Award on March 15,2013. The Kuem Rye Park Memorial Fund was created by Michael Surh, grandson of Mrs. Kuem Rye Park of South Korea, to promote excellence in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities. His grandmother passed away when Michael was a senior at Carnegie Mellon University in 2010. To continue his grandmother’s legacy, he started awarding two individuals who passionately help people with disabilities each year, beginning in 2011. Each year, direct support professionals who are helping individuals with disabilities are invited to submit an essay stating how their lives have changed while helping others. See the full press release here.

]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/03/kuem-rye-park-memorial-award-announces-2013-winners/feed/ 0 Emmaus Resident & Special Olympic Figure Skater Featured in South Pittsburgh Reporter http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/emmaus-resident-special-olympic-figure-skater-featured-in-south-pittsburgh-reporter/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/emmaus-resident-special-olympic-figure-skater-featured-in-south-pittsburgh-reporter/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:53 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=1917 Emmaus resident and Special Olympic figure skater Cece Wagner was featured in the South Pittsburgh Reporter on 2/19/13, alongside teammates Dave Mulgrave and Bobby Walsh.  Cece and teammates attended the Special Olympic State Games in Johnstown in February of 2013.  She was awarded two gold medals and one silver medal.  See the full story here.

]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/emmaus-resident-special-olympic-figure-skater-featured-in-south-pittsburgh-reporter/feed/ 0 Emmaus Pirates Night http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/emmaus-pirates-night/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/emmaus-pirates-night/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:30:20 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=1912

Join us on April 19th for an evening of baseball and fun!  The Emmaus Black & Gold Club and the Young Professional Advisory Board will be teaming up to host this year’s event, which includes a tailgate party on the patio of the Sheraton@ Station Square, a ride on the Gateway Clipper shuttle, and a Pirates vs. Braves game at PNC Park.  The festivities will begin at 4:30 pm, and the game begins at 7:05 pm.  Tickets are $27.00 each and may be purchased online here.  You may also pay with a check made out to “Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh.”  All tickets will be distributed at the Sheraton.  Questions?  Contact Tiffany at 412-381-0277 or tmerrimanpreston@emmauspgh.org.

]]> http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/emmaus-pirates-night/feed/ 0 Early Bird Special Raffle for $50 Amazon Giftcard! http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/early-bird-special-raffle-for-50-amazon-giftcard/ http://www.emmauspgh.org/2013/02/early-bird-special-raffle-for-50-amazon-giftcard/#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:12:04 +0000 tiffany http://www.emmauspgh.org/?p=1907

Don’t miss out on the Early Bird Special by buying your “Win! Place! Show!” Raffle tickets now!  Participants who purchase their raffle tickets before March 11 will be entered into a special raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card.  ”Win! Place! Show!” raffle prizes include a $500 Marriott giftcard and $150 giftcard to Sonoma Grill, overnight packages at some fabulous resorts, and much more!  Get your tickets online now or download a purchase form here.  Good luck!

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