Viewfinder: Symphony of Food Gala

"Everyone was ready to shake off the winter doldrums," said Julia Black, publicity chairperson for WOMEN of Southwestern Pa. On a cold, late January, Friday evening, the exquisite Bella Sera venue filled up with supporters of the philanthropic mission to help women and children in need.

A six-course, sit-down dinner with food donated and prepared by chefs from the Market District Giant Eagle; Chef John Gruver, Luma Restaurant; Executive Chef Jim Brown, DeLallo's Fort Couch Cafe; Chef Reggie Taylor, Mitchell's Fish Market; Chef Patrick Laird, Bella Sera Event Venue; Chef Adam Gooch and Sarris Candies; Bill and Athena Sarris. 

The six-course meal included an antipasto charcuterie, smoked ham and bean soup, cheese and spinach ravioli with a tomato basil creme sauce, ginger crusted salmon with an orange butter sauce and sticky rice, seared beef trattoria, a soy-muchroom demi glace with stir-fried julienne vegetables and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate: a dark chocolate butterfly bowl with a warm liquid chocolate and a white chocolate Sarris logo garnished with fresh fruit and dusted with powdered sugar. Desirous?

Some Kinda Circus, a group of local performers, presented "fanciful, roaming, pop-up circus segments," while a mime, hooping, statuesque and Carl, the green monster puppet, who took up residence in the vegetable tray on the appetizer tray, entertained the crowd. 

Throughout the evening, locals were serenaded on a balcony above, by the nationally award-winning Bethel Park High School Stage Band, under the direction of Chad Thompson.

Last year's event returned over $27,000 in the form of grants to the community.

"The evening concluded with a bevy of Chinese auction baskets," said Black. "Always a treat to win something in addition to a terrific evening!"

WOMEN of Southwestern Pa. Co-Chairs Donna Nardine and Carol Gehrig contributed to organizing the lovely evening.

Gaze at some of the evening's moments captured in our photo gallery above.

Note: The event's corporate sponsors were 84 Lumber Company, Bill Few Associates, Inc., Coury Financial Group, Market District Giant Eagle, Greenbriar Treatment Center, Highmark Inc., Massaro Corporation, Donald and Donald Mosites Family Foundation, Rose Plastic USA, Rycon Construction, Inc., Sarris Candies, Southwest Gastroenterology Associates and Waterdam Family Practice.