Junior League of Pittsburgh Hosts Fundraising Gala

The Junior League of Pittsburgh is celebrating its 90 years of community impact with a gala fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 19, at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which was founded by the group in 1983.

Special guests are documentary filmmaker and director Rick Sebak; Joanne Rogers, widow of the late public television personality Fred Rogers; and Toni Freeman, Association of Junior Leagues International president.

Tickets are available for $125, and may be purchased at www.jlpgh.org or by calling 412-488-9270.

At the gala, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Children’s Museum, savor hors d’oeuvres and drinks, enjoy music by the Rick Purcell Band and participate in a silent auction.

“It will be a wonderful evening for all,” said Amy Giammatteo, Scott Township resident and event co-chair. “It is a celebration of everything the League has accomplished the past nine decades and an opportunity to support our future projects and initiatives!”

Founded in 1922 by a group of 10 women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, the Junior League of Pittsburgh has made an indelible impact on the Pittsburgh community for 90 years.

The league's tradition of improving lives in and around Pittsburgh continues to thrive today. 

“Time and time again, the Junior League is among the first organizations to step up and tackle our community’s biggest challenges,” according to Wexford resident Christina Kepplinger Johansen, league president.

Gretchen Smathers, a resident of Regent Square and an active member of the League, is the executive board president-elect. She and the JLP’s 400 women members collectively contribute 10,000 volunteer hours annually and have donated more than $500,000 in community donations and grants over the past decade.

They have helped to create and expand such programs as: Strong Women Strong Girls, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Highmark Caring Place and  iQ Kids Radio. Junior League members reflect a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and professional pursuits from all around the Greater Pittsburgh region.

The Junior League of Pittsburgh would like to thank corporate sponsors, Pittsburgh Magazine and Comcast, for their support and celebration of their community impact.