Classy Couples and Trashy Clothes - 9th Annual Salvation Army Garbage Bag Gala Slated - No Longer Just a Girls' Night Out

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Oct 04, 2010, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some of fall's latest fashions are in the bag – the garbage bag! Join Pittsburgh's classiest guys and girls for this season's trashiest event, "The 9th Annual Garbage Bag Gala." This most stylish crowd will be decked out in their plastically unique attire to raise valuable dollars for homeless moms, dads and kids living in The Salvation Army's East Liberty Family Caring Center. These generous partygoers are creating fashions from garbage bags, taking the money they would normally spend on an outfit and donating it to benefit these deserving homeless families.

Slated for Friday, November 5th at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club, this year's event will feature the first Garbage Bag Gala Fashion Show, featuring models from the Pittsburgh Passion wearing designs from local cutting edge boutiques. Handling the 2010 master of ceremonies duties is WTAE Channel 4's own Wendy Bell. Participants will be treated to a bevy of internationally themed hors d'oeuvres stations and delectable desserts. An exciting array of auction items available for bid include signed sports memorabilia, unique gifts from select boutiques and a few signature, not-to-be-missed specialty items and excursions to be unveiled at the event.

This will also mark the first year that men are invited to attend the event. "As the only facility in Southwestern Pennsylvania that accepts entire families and single women, The Salvation Army's Family Caring Center is unique in its dedication to providing an enriching environment focused on keeping families of all types together," said Ann Plunkett, co-chair for this year's event. Plunkett continued, "By welcoming men for the first time and by showcasing prominent area businesses, teams and organizations, we continue to evolve the Garbage Bag Gala to align with the message and needs of the center."

For reservations and information and to see an instructional video showing how to fashion a garbage bag dress or accessory, log on to www.garbagebaggala.com or facebook.com and enter "garbage bag gala" in the search. Tickets may be purchased online at various levels. For other event information, contact GBG Co-Chair, Ann Plunkett @ 412-999-1250 or [email protected].

"With the recent financial downturn, our Family Caring Center is almost always at full capacity," said Major Asenath Clarke, The Salvation Army's Family Caring Administrator. Clarke continued, "With more and more families turning to us every day, the funds raised from Garbage Bag Gala will play an even greater role in providing a safe haven for our families. We are deeply grateful to these dedicated committee members for their support."

The Salvation Army's 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of diverse support programs. The East Liberty Family Caring Center is unique to Western Pennsylvania because it houses moms, dads and children. Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army … Doing the most good ... for the most people ... in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army