Hearts of Hope: Painting for Peace in Pittsburgh November 13, 2018

Last night was a unique night.

It should have been a big, happy party where we were gathered together to celebrate our chapter's 2nd birthday, which is something to celebrate, and thank our sponsors, thank our talented ornament artist, and thank our volunteers, which we did.

But in many respects it was also a somber night because of the cause that we were painting for ...Painting for Peace in Pittsburgh. Gathering together we try to make sense of something that makes no sense, wanting to help those affected the only way we know how, with our small gift of art on a heart and a message of caring.

And like all communities that go through tragedies, as you mourn, you still need to remember to celebrate the little things in life as they come along, like birthdays and friendships and people helping people. And I think we were able to do all that last night, friends and families gathered around the tables, people came together as strangers, hopefully they left as friends. It was nice to see friends come together, mothers with their children, a grandmother with her granddaughter, and sometimes a person all by themselves because they heard about the event and wanted to do something to help those affected. I hope everyone came away with the feeling that they made an impact on someone's life tonight. I have delivered hearts like these, I have seen the impact they have on the person who receives them...they do matter...they do mean something to the person receiving them...they mean so much more than you will ever know.

Click on a photo to be taken to a larger view. All photos are downloadable once in larger view.

My former student and one of our HoH volunteers, Sasha

One of the reasons we LOVE Riverview Bistro is the amazing food. It is so great that we can eat while we paint!

Terry and Patti

Marianne and Connie (all the way from South Carolina)

Patti and Patti

Carolyn and her granddaughter

The Basciano crew

Amanda and her son

my friend Michael

Linda and Sharon

our talented artist and creator of the Soto ornament collection Alise Tate and her daughter Bay, who is also one of our high school volunteers

Our team member Joanne, even a hip replacement can't keep her away

Holly

The Port 5 gals

And of course there were speeches thanking our sponsors, volunteers, our artist in residence (Alise Tate), as well as reminding people about our ornament and necklaces that we have for sale.

Thank you for all the food you brought in for the Sterling House Back Pack Program!

Of course what would a party be without a few surprises. We had a check for the Vicki Soto Foundation from our ornament sales. Did you know that 20% of each ornament sold goes to the Soto Foundation? It's not to late to pick of a few for the holidays at Mellow Monkey or our website at www.ourheartsofhope.org

We also had a check for Sterling House to thank them for all of their support and to support them with their programs.

... and what would a birthday party be without cake!

Yes, they made me hand over my camera and took a photo of me. Don't get used to it, I hate having my picture taken. I am much more comfortable behind the camera.