NOCC Walk 2012

photo taken by the I Made It Market, balloons by Airheads Balloon Art

What an AMAZING day. Today was the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Pittsburgh Chapter's 12th annual Walk to Break the Silence, and it was an unbelievable event as always. Thousands of people showed up in support of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, and all of the men and women whose lives have been affected by ovarian cancer.

my Bubbie

As many of you know, I lost my dear Bubbie to ovarian cancer in June 2011. She was my best friend, and the loss has been almost unbearable, but on days like today I know that she will always be with me. Bubbie always used to say that she was my "#1 fan", and it is the absolute truth.

the bel monili booth was busy from the moment the day started!

I had the opportunity yet again to set up my tent and sell my wares at this walk, with proceeds going to support the NOCC Pittsburgh Chapter. It brings great joy to my heart to see all of the amazing people who raise money for the cause, and I absolutely love hearing all of their inspiring stories.

bel monili items ready for sale!

On days like these, I am thankful that my artistic talents are able to help such a worthy cause. I thank everyone who visited me today, those who walked, and those who take the time each and every day to help to improve the lives of others.

14 Local Organizations to Love: 5 Kid-Loving Causes

ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA provides autism support across the state of Pennsylvania. They offer autism support to parents, including autism support groups, autism resources, and autism conferences and events. They also provide information on the signs and symptoms of autism, getting an autism diagnosis, and applying for medical assistance and health insurance. Finally, they help people with autism by providing information on autism treatments, links to autism research studies, and support groups for people on the spectrum.

Do you have a child newly diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Please contact them. They will help you receive the services you need 1-800-827-9385 support@AutismOfPA.org.

The Children's Home of Pittsburgh, established in 1893, is an independent, non-profit licensed organization whose purpose is to promote the health and well-being of infants and children through services which establish and strengthen the family.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh can help. They’ve been there for thousands of woman and men in unplanned pregnancies – to listen, to provide support, to help you with your choices, your rights, and to help you find the resources that are available to you.

The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center is located at 5324 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Contact them at (412) 441-4884.

The Children's Institute is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, young people and their families and to providing services that meet their special needs. The vision of The Children's Institute is to become a center of excellence in the region and in the nation. The hallmark of The Children’s Institute’s legacy will continue to be an unwavering commitment to children with special needs and their families.

The Children’s Institute
1405 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15217-1350
Phone: 412.420.2400

If you have a specific question please review the following Frequently Asked Questions areas of the site; The Hospital FAQs, The Day School FAQs, and Project Star FAQs.

PittsburghKidsPrograms.org now offers Allegheny (and surrounding counties) a one stop shop for parents to use when looking for summer camps and children’s educational programs. They have established a number of programs to help decrease the summer “achievement gap” and alleviate the some of the financial issues faced by Pittsburgh families.

The Scholarship Assistance Program is an advisory program established to assist parents with the camp scholarship application process. Furthermore, they help lessen the obstacles of transportation and meals (for low-income parents.)

The Community Outreach Program is designed to bring educational outreach opportunities to community centers in distressed neighborhoods, and qualified public housing facilities.

The Summer Camp Scholarship Program provides summer camp scholarship opportunities to qualified, low-income students.

They are seeking the support of individuals, public organizations, and private corporations to help finance the above programs. Donate today to help out this wonderful cause!

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is all about preventing problems among youth by getting to kids early, before destructive behaviors can take root. When a positive, supportive mentor – someone with a different background and perspectives – gets involved in a child’s life, the child often discovers a potential they didn’t know they had. And the child always feels better knowing that someone cares for them. In fact, the rewards are often mutual for both the mentor and child.

They are located at 5989 Penn Circle South, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Contact them at (412) 363-6100, via email at biginfo@bbbspgh.org, and online at www.bbbspgh.org, and "Like" them on Facebook.

February Fun: 14 Local Organizations to Love

"Love" banner, Party Paper Scissors

Wow, friends, we're already into February! Days are getting a tiny bit longer, spring styles are starting to creep back into the stores, and thoughts of summer vacations are slowly becoming solid plans.

After a fantastic start to the new year reviewing 31 of the most fantastically inspiring people I know, I am looking to continue the blog trend with something extra-special. February is the month of love, so I have decided to feature 14 different local organizations/charities to share with you. Each week you'll see 2-3 different organizations that are right here in Pittsburgh, and I'll tell you all about their fantastic missions and how you can support them. I hope that by the end of the month, you will have learned a lot and fallen in love with at least one charity/organization here in our hometown.

So, friends, buckle up and get ready to open your hearts to 14 of my favorite charitable groups!