Unique Event Helps Homeless Moms, Dads and Kids - Support The Garbage Bag Gala and Fashion Show at The Fairmont Pittsburgh on November 6th

News provided by

The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

Oct 07, 2014, 07:15 ET

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An event to raise funds to support The Salvation Army's Family Caring Center, the Garbage Bag Gala was created from the idea that rather than spending money on expensive attire to attend a fundraising event, better use could be made of those resources by donating directly to the charity. Making and wearing something made of trash bags and recycled materials instead furthered the concept that everyone and everything deserves a second chance to be something great. This unique event has evolved over the past several years from a grassroots effort held in the home of a committee member to an incomparable event held in partnership with Fairmont Pittsburgh and Whirl Magazine.

Please join this year's event hosts, Flick and Kelly from 100.7 Star, and Honorary Event Chairperson Judge Kim Berkeley Clark on Thursday evening November 6th at the Fairmont Pittsburgh for 13^th Annual Garbage Bag Gala from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Prepare to be wowed by the creativity of local designers including Anthropologie, Armani Nejor Designs, Karen Page, Lana Neumeyer, Pure Barre, SoMe, Spool Fabric Shop, True Runner, White House Black Market, and students from CAPA and Art Institute whose unique designs made of trash bags and other recyclable materials will be showcased in a fashion show that will surely be the highlight of the event. Attendees can use their creativity to craft their own "trashwear" for the event, or simply come business casual and enjoy the show.

Guests will also be treated to a bevy of delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Fairmont, a fabulous "pop bar" courtesy of Pittsburgh Sweet Treats, and music provided by DJ Mike Ley. More fun will be had by participating in a silent auction featuring unique sports paraphernalia, cultural outings and not-to-be-missed specialty items, as well as a "waste basket winners" challenge, all to raise additional funds for the families at The Family Caring Center. Party-goers also won't want to miss a chance at special live auction items including a ski weekend in Seven Springs, a weekend get-a-way to Washington D.C., and a catered dinner party with a personal chef. For tickets and more information, please log on to www.garbagabaggala.org.

Each day, The Salvation Army shelters homeless families who might otherwise be left with no choice but to sleep on the streets. Located in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood, The Family Caring Center strives to strengthen and aid homeless families so that they may obtain safe and affordable housing and prevent such occurrences in the future. Funding is critical to maintain the current program and to enhance services, including group and individualized classes for clients. It also provides supplementary resources needed for lasting change and a positive transition. Children in the Family Caring Center who are innocent victims of circumstance are most in need of a sense of normalcy and hope for the future. Funds raised through the Garbage Bag Gala provide educational enrichment and recreational activities for the children who would otherwise not have the chance to do the things that most kids take for granted every day.

Sponsors of this year's event include: Robert and Jacque Speed; Cynthia and Murry Gerber; Peoples Natural Gas; PNC Bank; The Fountainhead Foundation; UnitedHealthcare; Giant Eagle GetGo; and Michael and Nancy Weissman. Major Asenath Clarke, Director of The Salvation Army Family Caring Center points out, "We are extremely grateful to our partners and sponsors for making The Garbage Bag Gala possible. Not only are the funds raised critical to providing important programs for the shelter's residents, but the awareness this event generates is also critically important."

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, twitter.com/SalArmyPGH or facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA. The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division