Get Ready for the 2023 Annual Celebration Dinner!

The 2023 Annual Celebration Dinner is THIS THURSDAY! After a four-year hiatus, we can’t wait to celebrate with you, so here is a sneak peek into what will be our largest dinner yet! Find details on the program and menu below, and get ready to join us on Thursday!

Annual Celebration Dinner
Thursday, April 27, 2023
6 - 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Acrisure Stadium | UPMC Club | Gate B Suite Entrance
100 Art Rooney Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15212
FREE Event Parking in Gold Lot 1 (W. General Robinson Street)

Sneak Peek

2023 Honoree: Cynthia Battle

As part of the program, we will be honoring the career and contributions of Miss Cynthia Battle, an early literacy educator, advocate, and master storyteller!

Miss Cynthia has 30 years experience in early childhood education. She is the founder of TAARIFA Readers and Storytellers, a member of the United Black Book Clubs of Pittsburgh and The National Association of Black Storytellers, a committee member of Best Books for Babies, and former Community Outreach Specialist at Trying Together, as well as the creator of its Raising Readers Together Club. 

Despite her numerous professional accomplishments, Miss Cynthia is most proud of being a mother and grandmother. 

Program

In addition to honoring Miss Cynthia, we will hear from several of you regarding your work in early care and education. We are humbled to support your essential work that consistently makes a positive impact on young children, families, and our communities.

Activities

Get ready to grab a hat, silly glasses, or hand-held sign and join your friends at the interactive photo booth! In addition to this past favorite, we will also have more than 50 raffle baskets available for a chance to win. Attendees will all receive two complementary tickets; an additional two tickets will be provided to those who visit the Public Policy table and record a video message for their policymakers from one of our advocacy prompts. 

Also, be sure to stop by and see the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative for some fun games and to learn more about how you can promote our next big event (Ultimate Play Day) on Sunday, May 7 at Lower McKinley Park from 1 - 4 p.m. to your children and families.

Menu Highlights

Our menu features delicious items (including vegan and gluten-free options) from a number of culinary stations. Enjoy:

• • Teriyaki Glazed Salmon w/Herb & Parmesan Risotto and Haricot Vert
  • Spaghetti Squash w/Wild Mushroom and Olive Oil Cured Tomatoes Tossed in San Marzano Sauce
  • Lemon Glazed Chicken w/White Cheddar Mac N' Cheese and Roasted Asparagus
  • Chef’s Choice of Assorted Desserts

A coffee bar and cash bar for wine and beer (soda is complementary and water will be provided at tables) will also be available, with a sweet surprise at the end.  If you are 21 years of age or older and wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, please have your valid State ID available. Cash and cards will be accepted at the bar, and tips are not expected.

Event Details

Venue and Parking

As a reminder, the 2023 Annual Celebration Dinner will be held on Thursday, April27, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. in the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium. This exciting new venue is centrally located and offers amazing views of the city and FREE event parking in Gold Lot 1. You MUST print and show this pass (PDF) to the parking attendant at Gold Lot 1 on the night of the event to park in the lot at no cost. 

Event Admission and Security

After you’ve parked, enter the Stadium through the Gate B Suite Entrance. The Gate B Suite Entrance is positioned on the northeast corner of Acrisure Stadium near the intersection of Art Rooney Avenue and Reedsdale Street. 

Security will greet guests as they enter the Stadium. Though all attendees with a bag or purse will be asked to show it for visual inspection, bag size will not be restricted for this event. 

Following the security check, proceed to the UPMC Club for the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. If you need assistance finding the lounge, Trying Together staff will direct you as needed. Additional staff will check you in at the registration table and show you to your table. 

Dress Code

While we have never had a formal dress code for this event, many have used it as an opportunity to dress up. We recognize that many people will be coming from work directly to the event. For this reason, please dress in what is most comfortable and convenient for you!

Questions

We cannot wait to see you in less than a week! If you have any changes such as no longer being able to come, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing info@tryingtogether.org. We will respond within 24 hours.