412 Gives Back

By Paula Green

412 Gives Back, a Steel City Soirée, is a group of powerhouse women who help nonprofits with fundraising. They organize creative events that benefit nonprofits while fostering a sense of community.

"We started 412 Gives Back in March 2023.  We had several other ladies jump on board who shared a passion for event planning and philanthropy, and we’re all volunteers. Many of us had known each other through a mom's group or as neighbors. Key members include Laura Lawler, public relations lead; Jenn Retter, sponsorship lead; Katie Feczko, auction lead; and Kira Mesoraco, who brought her creative expertise. Their contributions have been crucial to our success in our first year," said cofounder Amy Fleming. 412 Gives Back’s other cofounder is Billie Higgins.

It's an exciting time for 412 Gives Back. Our goal is to make giving back to our community both accessible and fun. We strive to organize innovative events that attract enthusiastic participation. The positive feedback from our attendees has been encouraging. Many of our members are stay-at-home moms. It's rewarding to utilize our skills to create a positive impact," said Amy.

One of the organizations that 412 Gives Back partners with is Make a Wish. "For our first two years, we supported Make-A-Wish due to personal connections with the organization. Additionally, we extended our efforts to the Light of Life Rescue Mission by collecting canned food for the 11 Cares Hope and Turkey Food Drive and preparing lunches for the homeless. We also organized a back-to-school supply drive for Pack the Bus, benefiting The Education Partnership. We have also supported a local Wish family from Zelienople- who started their own grassroots organization, Be the Match for Jax- to help bring awareness in finding their nine-year-old son a lifesaving stem cell match," said Amy.

Last summer, 412 Gives Back sponsored a Lemonade Stand event. Several Wexford neighborhoods had stations set up. This year’s Lemonade Stand will be held on Monday, August 19. "We aim to expand our lemonade stand initiative, reaching more neighborhoods, including Wexford, Marshall, Franklin Park, Gibsonia, Mars, Mt. Lebanon, and even the Jersey Shore. We don't have a specific fundraising target, we hope to surpass last year's total of $3,766," Amy added.

A new event this year is Boo Bash, sponsored by Tarasa Hurley Realty. It is a 21+ event at X Golf in Wexford on October 25. The bash will feature golf simulators, small bites, a DJ, dancing, and karaoke.  Tickets go on sale September 27.

412 Gives Back gala is their biggest fundraiser. "Our inaugural gala in January 2024 raised $90,000 for Make-A-Wish, which more than doubled our goal. It's a black-tie optional event that will be held on January 11, 2025, at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. Once again it benefits Make-A-Wish. The theme is A Mad Hatter Affair, last year's was roaring 20s. The gala includes live music, formal dinner, open bar, dancing, a wine pull, a special high-end raffle, and a silent auction.  Last year was a sell-out affair, and we expect tickets to go fast! Early bird pricing will be available on October 1. We are seeking sponsorships and auction donations from local businesses," Amy noted.

Additionally, 412 Gives Back sponsors a Stock the Cellar event. "This is our kick-off party for the new fundraising year.  Guests are asked to bring a bottle of wine to be donated to our wine pull at the upcoming gala, which is why it's called 'Stock the Cellar.'  It took place last May, and we raised $10,000 for Make-A-Wish. We included a designer handbag raffle. This event is scheduled for next spring," Amy remarked.

For information on 412 Gives Back, visit their website at 412givesback.org.