This Pistachio Wreath Cookie recipe is perfect for a holiday party as winter approaches. This recipe makes 48 pistachio cookies, so your guests should come hungry. Ilea Shahan, Marla Harvey, and Jane Schwab brought this recipe to our cookie table competition, and it’s safe to say we couldn’t resist them because of their beauty and their flavor.
Photo by Laura Petrilla
These Pistachio Cookies Are Actually…Healthy?
If you’ve ever had pistachio ice cream, you might wonder why these cookies aren’t green. Well, we hate to give you a “Santa Claus isn’t real” moment, but that coloring in pistachio ice cream is artificial. Pistachios themselves, though, are actually a naturally healthy source of protein and antioxidants as well as a source of compounds that have anti-inflammatory qualities. So, don’t feel too guilty about indulging in pistachio goodies this holiday season!
These cherry pistachio sandwich cookies by Melissa Noce are both delicious to eat and beautiful to look at it. She combined the sweetness of a Maraschino cherry with the nuttiness of pistachio to create an unforgettable flavor experience with these cherry cookies. This was a hit at our cookie table competition!
Photo by Laura Petrilla
History of Maraschino Cherries
The term “maraschino” comes from the marasca cherry, a variety native to Croatia. People originally preserved the cherries in a liqueur made from the same fruit, which was popular in the region. In the 19th century, American entrepreneurs began to import maraschino cherries and their liqueur, enjoying the unique flavor. They used these cherries as a luxury item in cocktails and desserts. During Prohibition in the 1920s, maraschino cherries became even more popular as they were used to garnish cocktails, maintaining their status as a classic bar staple. Now, you can enjoy them in cookie form! If you still haven’t had your fill of cherries after these cherry cookies, try our Cherry and Orange Luxardo Buttercream Frosted Brownies.
In a large bowl, combine the 3/4 cup butter and the 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well-mixed, scraping side of bowl occasionally.
Add egg and beat until combined. Gradually beat in flour and salt on low speed until well-mixed. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pistachio nuts in a small bowl. Shape dough into 1/2-inch balls. Roll each ball in pistachio nuts to coat. Place balls one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Dip the bottom of a glass in granulated sugar and flatten each cookie.
Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes or just until edges begin to turn golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
While the cookies are cooling: In a small bowl, combine the 1-1/4 cups powdered sugar, the 1/4 cup butter, and the vanilla. Beat in enough of the maraschino cherry juice to make a filling of desired consistency. Reserve about 1/4 of the filling for decorating cookies.
Spread about 1 tsp of the remaining filling on the bottom of each of half of the cookies. Top with remaining cookies, flat sides down, pressing lightly together. Before serving, spoon a small amount of the reserved filling on top of each assembled sandwich cookie. If desired, press a maraschino cherry into filling. Makes about 21 sandwich cookies.
Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
Recipe by Melissa Noce Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce and Laura Petrilla
It’s officially the holiday season when all the pop-up bars are coated in red and green, decked out with more Christmas lights than the tree at Rockefeller Center. Along with this festive, fun decor comes a curated drink menu highlighting flavors like cranberry, peppermint, and eggnog. So gather your friends and family and head out for a night on the town with these holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh.
Fulfill your festive wishes with this pop-up bar completely decked out in holiday decor. You’ll find Christmas characters ready to take your order, presents, holiday songs, warm winter drinks, twinkling lights, and plenty of tinsel. This timed ticketed event allows you a 90-minute holly jolly experience with a holiday cocktail and mocktail menu. Plus, make sure you explore all the sections of this pop-up including Santa’s Workshop, the Sugarplum Candy Lounge, and the White Christmas Forest.
Embrace the holidays surrounded by whimsical Christmas lights and cozy vibes throughout The Holiday Tavern. Try creative cocktails and mocktails themed toward the winter season and beyond. It’s a great venue to grab those you love, share a charcuterie board, sip on something new, and bask in the joys of spending time together.
This national pop-up stops in Downtown Pittsburgh for a tropical, tiki twist on the holidays. One of the featured drinks of this island bar is the Jingle Bird, bourbon, pineapple rum, Campari, lime, pineapple, and jingle mix all served shaken in a Santa hat wearing bird mug featuring pineapple leaf garnishes.
Across the street from this popular bar you’ll find a ski lounge waiting for your arrival starting on November 30. Imagine dining on caviar and sipping exquisite cocktails in this pop-up’s slope-chic style. The event on November 30 is ticketed but with your purchase you’ll receive food along with three drink tickets.
The classic Christmas movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas comes to life right above Barcadia’s regular space. Let your heart grow three times larger with the taste of their Martha May Marg or Mount Crumpit cocktails. Plus, if you’re there at the right time, you can catch the live action remake on the television. But, if you you’re itching for more entertainment, head downstairs to their arcade game paradise.
It’s hard to find a space in this Christmas and Hanukkah bar that isn’t covered in an ornament bobble or sweater decor. The magic of the holidays goes into each sip of cocktails like the Christmapolitan or Rudolph’s Replacement. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, order the Secret Santa that has no description on the menu except to ask a bartender for details. Plus, most of their profits go to supporting local charities in Pittsburgh.
Don’t worry, this rooftop bar is enclosed with a sky-view ceiling and features all things Rudolph. Celebrate our little red-nosed friend with Rudolph’s Revenge, a cranberry long island iced tea. But, if you’re more of an elf fan, grab a glass of Hermey’s Homebrew made with tequila, lemon, and honey.
This free holiday pop-up promises to never charge you a cover charge even on their special themed party nights. Every inch of the bar is decorated with bright colors and signs of joy so you’ll feel right at the North Pole alongside Santa and his elves. They even play all NFL games to appease the Steelers lovers.
Renowned mixologist, author, and bar owner Julie Reiner put together the cocktail menu for this special holiday pop-up. After walking through the hotel’s lobby you’ll be welcomed by neon signs, hanging tinsel, and vibrant baubles. Look forward to creative mixes like the Va-Va-Vixen (mixed with sparkling wine) and the Tidings of Whiskey & Joy (a twist on the New York Sour) with gorgeous garnishes.
This regular hotel lounge is turning decades back to times of Christmas past. Sip on seasonal drinks in cozy and inviting retro-decorated space. It’s a great addition to your pop-up bar checklist. Plus, it’s even better if you get a hotel room in case you wish for the true magical experience.
Who doesn’t love a margarita? Fill up on Christmas-themed margaritas and all the tacos your heart desires at LowKey Taco. Their cocktail menu puts the flavors of the season all to use whether it be cranberry or cinnamon. Just don’t forget to pick up a few tacos while you’re at it.
Hang out under the glowing Christmas lights at Ruggers Pub. The sports bar transforms to offer a variety of holiday-inspired cocktails alongside their usual food specials. Order a round of Pudding Shots for the table. Then secure yourself a glass of Jingle Juice made from cranberry vodka, triple sec, cinnamon simple syrup, cranberry juice, and IC Light.
Step into Santa’s workshop at this retro bar and duckpin bowling pop-up. Your favorite night out with friends up got a lot more fun with more than 100 yards of wrapping paper, 1,000 ornaments and all the twinkling lights you can imagine. Plus, you’ll get to support Foster Love Project by donating a new bag for their drive and you’ll receive a donate a new bag will receive a $20 Shorty’s gift card in return.
The elves over at Wigle Wonderland mix up batches of cocktails that’ll have you singing “Hallelujah”! Try their Paloma for the Holidays with Wigle 4 Year Bourbon, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, Maple Simple, and Habanero Bitters. Or you can grab a few friends and try all three of their holiday shots the Merry Mocha, The Mountain Men, and the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Not quite out of the spooky Halloween spirit yet? Not a problem at this Halloween-Christmas crossover pop-up bar. Besides the delicious drinks you can take a holiday walk-through this attraction featuring 7 different rooms with haunting creatures hiding in the corners.
That’s right, this pop-up bar full of spritzes is getting a holiday makeover. Celebrate the season in style in their magical ski chalet atmosphere. Delight in warming cocktails, seasonal flavors, and all the winter vibes you love without the cold. Who’s ready to pop some bubbly?
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Sippin Santa
In their 1968 hit Fan the Flame, The Temptations sing: “Always keep her hopes up high, make her laugh don’t make her cry / and don’t let her love die, so fan the flame.”
While these lyrics refer to keeping the flame of a relationship burning, modern cocktail bar Bridges & Bourbon takes a more direct approach with a flaming cocktail. Their creation, Fan the Flame, is, quite literally, on fire: a skewered lemon slice, soaked in rum and placed precariously across a coupe glass filled with their sweet, tart whiskey concoction, burns both energetically and artistically as the cocktail’s garnish – a foldable fan is served on the side.
More on Fan the Flame and Bridges & Bourbon
Bridges & Bourbon doesn’t always light cocktails on fire. They do, however, consistently bring the heat with innovative, out-of-this-world cocktail experiences, earning the nickname of a “mad scientist’s laboratory” by local reviewers. The restaurant tackles all five senses with their drinks – I’ll never forget my first visit, when a cocktail came with a small bonfire of wood chips next to it, giving the full experience of a campfire.
Try your hand at pyrotechnics by making Fan the Flame at home. Who knows, a combination of The Temptations and Bridges & Bourbon may be just the right recipe to keep the fire of your relationship burning hot.
The bar team at Fig & Ash shares a pair of holiday cocktails, perfect for sipping after a drawn-out, delightful evening with friends and family. First, try the Spiced Cranberry Manhattan. This holiday twist on a classic Manhattan blends rye whiskey, sherry, Averna, and a homemade spiced cranberry shrub. Finished with orange bitters and garnished with a cinnamon stick and cranberry, it’s rich, warming, and perfect for festive evenings. Then, mix up a Barrel-Aged Pear Sour. Made with barrel‑aged gin, pear nectar, vanilla syrup, and lemon, this cocktail is shaken with egg white for a smooth, frothy texture. A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a cozy, seasonal touch.
This holiday twist on a classic Manhattan blends rye whiskey, sherry, Averna, and a homemade spiced cranberry shrub. Finished with orange bitters and garnished with a cinnamon stick and cranberry, it’s rich, warming, and perfect for festive evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ oz Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz Cream Sherry
1/2 oz Averna
2 dashes of orange bitters
1/2 oz spiced cranberry shrub
Instructions
For the shrub:
Using a vegetable peeler, zest a large orange into large strips. Combine this zest with sugar, and muddle together to express the oils from the orange into the sugar.
Cover, and let sit on the counter for at least an hour. After an hour, remove zests from the sugar and discard them, leaving behind only the sugar.
Juice one large orange and set the juice aside. Add 2 cups of cranberries and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a blender, then puree.
Add this puree, juice from the orange, oily sugar, 1 torched cinnamon stick, 1 whole nutmeg, cracked, 1/2 tsp allspice berries, and 1/2 tsp cloves to a nonreactive container.
Mix to combine and cover. Allow to steep for two days, then strain when ready to use.
For the cocktail:
Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass and add ice. Stir until combined and slightly diluted (mixing glass will become chilled).
Depending on preference, strain into a coupe or a rocks glass with ice.
Made with barrel‑aged gin, pear nectar, vanilla syrup, and lemon, this cocktail is shaken with egg white for a smooth, frothy texture. A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a cozy, seasonal touch.
Ingredients
Scale
2 oz Barrel Aged Gin
3/4 oz pear nectar juice
1/2 oz vanilla syrup
1/4 oz lemon juice
Pinch cinnamon sugar
1 egg white
Instructions
For the syrup:
Combine 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Allow this to boil until it’s become slightly thickened, then pull off the heat and stir in 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
For the cocktail:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake without ice to froth the egg white.
Add ice and shake again until chilled.
Strain into a coupe and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
Recipes by Fig & Ash Styling by Keith Recker Photography by Dave Bryce
Allow us to set the scene. You’re taking a long holiday away from home with just enough distance to satisfy your longing for a cozy escape to a cabin in the woods (but don’t worry, you’re not roughing it). Here, at this exclusive chateau property, you can unwind but also ice fish if that’s your thing. You simply head northeast to Bradford, Pennsylvania, just minutes from the New York border.
A Cozy Christmas
The Lodge at Glendorn sits on 1,500 acres just along the Allegheny National Forest. You’ll find history, culture, and a luxury nature resort with 16 distinct accommodations that include family-friendly activities, outdoor fire pits, monogramed towels, and, basically, your own personal chef.
If you’re staying during Christmas, consider yourself set to totally refuel. Executive Chef David Haick is preparing a spread fit for couples and families alike who appreciate every delicious detail when it comes to luxe mountain dining. You can expect Chef’s version of steak and eggs, signature Glendorn poached eggs with smoked trout and “all-in-one” hollandaise, pumpkin pancakes, as well as a breakfast flatbread to start.
Your Christmas morning continues with Glendorn Drop Biscuits, homemade granola, and sweet potato and pork belly hash – all while watching the snow fall through the towering trees from your enchanting view. Your long holiday will truly be a treat, from food to low-key fun at Bondu Lake, to twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, so much so you’ll find yourself extending your stay through the New Year.
If your visit to Glendorn needs to wait until the New Year, Chef Haick shares some of The Lodge’s signature holiday recipes for you to try at home.
It’s the merry, happy season, so we partnered with Fine Wine & Good Spirits to see what we could make for the perfect New Year’s cocktail. In Pennsylvania, Fine Wine & Good Spirits is always going to be the easiest place to buy wines and liquors, and when you’re planning a party, who wants extra stress? The Chairman’s Selection at the store is a great place to get a party bottle on a budget, and their wide variety of of spirits and mixers allows for a lot of creativity.
Look No Further Than Fine Wine & Good Spirits for New Year’s Cocktails
This beautiful winter spritz uses La Marca Prosecco from Fine Wine & Good Spirits, cranberry juice, and rosemary simple syrup. What makes this drink great is that, aside from Prosecco, it’s made of items that you probably already have at home or can easily find at a supermarket. No obscure spices or bitters here, and you end up with a gorgeous presentation.
For a smoky, cozy cocktail with cinnamon garnish, this Brown Sugar Cider Manhattan uses Evan Williams Black Label and Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth. The sugary rim combined with the strong, earthy flavor of Evan Williams whiskey makes for an enjoyable cocktail if you want to go beyond the bubbly for a New Year’s party.
These coconut flake garnish bits look like falling snow, but the flavors of coconut and pineapple in this cocktail will transport you to warmer temperatures. Sparkling wine and coconut water combine to make a thoroughly enjoyable tropical drink. You may want to use a drier Prosecco like Montechiara Prosecco Extra Dry Nonvintage or a Cava like Gran Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva rather than Champagne, because the flavors will balance out better with coconut and pineapple.
Story by Emma Riva Cocktails by Star Laliberte Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
During this season of revelry and gift-giving, it’s important to turn our thoughts once in a while toward the gifts we give ourselves: a sense of belonging, and the knowledge that we’re doing our part to make our community a place were all are welcome, and all have what they need. The most rewarding thing you do all year may be volunteering and giving to help your neighbors meet their basic needs. These regional not-for-profit organizations are devoted to helping our neighbors, and to helping Western Pennsylvania be all that it can be. Please consider including them in your year-end charitable giving guide.
For many of us, year-end is a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate. It’s also a moment when many of us want to help others. Far too many people — no matter how hard they work — struggle to meet their family’s basic needs. How do we know? Calls and texts to United Way’s PA 211 Southwest help line more than doubled from 190,000 in 2019, pre-pandemic, to nearly 523,000 in 2022. The greatest needs are affordable housing, jobs and employment, and utility assistance—things that many of us take for granted.
As you consider holiday gift exchanges, I urge you to also consider charitable giving and volunteering. Each year, United Way and our partner agencies organize meaningful, hands-on volunteer opportunities that, for many, have become holiday traditions. To learn more and create your own holiday giving traditions, visit https://uwswpa.org/volunteer to learn how you can help meet basic needs, move people to financial stability and build for success in school and life. It just might be the most rewarding thing you do all year.
Achieva provides lifelong support to people with disabilities and their families throughout western Pennsylvania. Services include early intervention therapies, diverse community living options, employment support, and special needs trusts. These services are in addition to no cost advocacy and family support/foundational services on which Achieva was built in 1951.
As a faith-based community, we commit ourselves to the support of those who are most oppressed. The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh continuing 150 years of seeking God in community, ministry, and prayer.
This Giving Tuesday, support the Brave Women Project (BWP) in empowering women to take bold steps in their personal and professional lives. Through impactful programs like the Pillar Awards, Come As You Are (CAYA) confidential virtual lunches, and the upcoming 2025 Bravery in Business Learning Cohort, BWP creates opportunities for women to connect, grow, and lead with courage.
The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, where holistic care meets family empowerment. Our Pediatric Specialty Hospital transitions medically fragile children home safely. Child’s Way Daycare promotes clinicians and educators who support children with health complexities. Our adoption staff works with infants, children in foster care, birthparents, and adoptive families. World-renowned Pediatric VIEW focuses on pediatric cortical visual impairment. Our counseling services address growing mental health needs. Plus, specialized therapy prioritizes cohesive, comprehensive treatment.
City Theatre is Pittsburgh’s artistic home for bold, contemporary plays that challenge, engage, and inspire diverse audiences. Celebrating 50 years of storytelling, the company is rooted in the historic South Side, where its four-building cultural campus serves as a hub for creativity and community connection.
For over 100 years, Easterseals has been leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for children and adults with disabilities. Easterseals Western and Central PA provides over 15 programs and services across 47 counties in Pennsylvania, supporting over 12,000 individuals and their families in their local communities.
Family House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing and support for families facing medical crises away from home. Donations to Family House enable the provision of essential services for guests, including private lodging, nutritious meals, free transportation to local hospitals, and supportive programs for recovery and wellbeing.
Familylinks serves individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania through more than 20 integrated community, behavioral, and social programs. The organization is committed to creating thriving communities of healthy and strong people.
Foster Love Project’s mission is to show love in action to children impacted by foster and kinship care through the provision of goods, services, and support. There are several ways to support our mission. To learn more about how we serve children and families click below.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s mission is to leverage the power of community to achieve lasting solutions to hunger and its root causes. Ending hunger takes us all working together—food pantries and meals programs, schools, volunteers, donors, grocery stores and regional distribution partners. Eliminating hunger is a community initiative. Last year, the Food Bank distributed enough food for 42 million meals, including 12.5 million pounds of fresh produce, through a network of more than 1,000 agencies, partners and programs across an 11-county service area known as the Three Rivers Region.
This Giving Tuesday, help Humane Action Pittsburgh create a kinder world for animals, people, and the environment. Through groundbreaking advocacy, education, and sustainable programs, we fight against cruelty, promote humane policies, and empower communities to protect vulnerable lives. Your generous donation will support life-saving initiatives that combat animal abuse, encourage compassion, and preserve our planet for future generations. Together, we can make an enduring impact—please give today and be a force for lasting change.
At the JCC, we shine a light on Community, Wellness and Connection. The JCC, among the largest social service, recreational and educational organizations in the region, is open and accessible to everyone. The JCC strives to meet the needs of the community, providing child care, preschool, after-school, and camping programs, senior adult activities, fitness and wellness, special needs and neurodiverse services, cultural activities, social justice and civic engagement, and scores of programs for the community.
It has been the mission of the Little Sisters to serve the needs of the elderly poor, since 1872. Two primary requirements for admission at any level of care are for the applicant to be over the age of 65 and financially needy. Our love and care of the elderly poor is the heart of our mission, as is our spirit of hospitality. Learn more about our mission and how you can help below.
Living in Liberty wants to ensure that every woman has access to a nurturing community with access to healing resources. Your support makes this happen. Please help Living in Liberty raise over $3 million to fund the Tiny Homes Project, building and maintaining 10 tiny homes to accommodate individual survivors. A balance between independence and a supportive community is key to facilitating healing, transformation and growth.
Metro Community Health Center is an integrated medical, mental health, and dental clinic, located in Swissvale. They serve the neighborhoods of Swissvale, Wilkinsburg, Braddock, the greater Pittsburgh area, and all people who come to them. At Metro, their providers collaborate with each other to treat every aspect of a patient’s health, all under one roof. They offer all of our services to everyone, regardless of identity, income, insurance status, or the ability to pay.
The National Aviary provides daily high-quality, individualized care for more than 500 birds and animals, while also working as leaders of many worldwide conservation efforts. Crucial to the survival of many species, like the endangered African penguin and the extinct in the wild Guam kingfisher, this work cannot be done without your support. By donating to the National Aviary on Giving Tuesday, you are directly supporting their mission to save species and protect their habitats.
The Nurture Program empowers women and mothers of young children through innovative virtual mentorship. Trained, empathetic mentors provide flexible support via text, helping mothers navigate challenges while prioritizing maternal mental health and early literacy. This free and confidential program welcomes all families, fostering resilience and nurturing the next generation. Join the Nurture Program in building a supportive community where mothers can thrive, and together, we can create lasting impact.
Pennsylvania Women Work empowers women to advance in their careers and achieve self-sufficiency through life-changing career development programs and mentorship. Through no-cost group workshops and one-on-one coaching, participants address the barriers they might be experiencing in their career or employment search with a helping hand to guide them along the way. When someone joins PA Women Work’s community, they are surrounded by caring people available to help them start, grow, or transition in their career.
Founded in 1972, Persad Center is the second oldest behavioral outpatient agency in the United States. Our mission is to improve the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and those living with AIDS/HIV through counseling, psychiatry, and support services. We provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all, especially for those who face significant barriers to mental health care. By prioritizing services for underserved populations, including Medicaid recipients, we aim to ensure that everyone has access to the mental health support they need.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden offers 65 acres of gardens and woodlands for all to explore. Start your adventure in the Garden of the Five Senses and continue through the Allegheny Plateau Woodlands and Hillside Pollinator Garden.
Located west of Downtown Pittsburgh, a winter visit includes lunch at Canopy Café and shopping for nature inspired home decor at Forage & Finds.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is proud to be your orchestra, one of the best in the world. Our sound reflects our Pittsburgh community – strong, energetic, and humble. The music you know and love is made possible by our donors. Every gift supports our performances, programs, and the people who make them happen. Support your PSO this Giving Tuesday and play your part to support great music in every life.
Your support keeps Pittsburgh’s parks thriving. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has revitalized neglected spaces, restored trails, planted thousands of trees, and revived historic sites for nearly three decades. With community-driven plans, we’re advancing park equity and climate resilience, ensuring vibrant, accessible green spaces for all. On Giving Tuesday, your contribution will help shape a greener, healthier Pittsburgh—one where future generations can explore, learn, and grow. Together, let’s keep Pittsburgh’s green heart beating.
Providence Connections, Inc. was founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1994 with the goal of providing comprehensive support services to develop economic and family self-sufficiency. Since then, Providence Connections has grown to host the Northside Family Center, a Keystone STARS 4 child care facility, extended care hours, and summer camp. Providence Connections works to strengthen families and enrich lives through our daily mission-driven work and provides a helping hand to those in need.
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of Western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Rivers of Steel showcases the region’s industrial and cultural heritage — offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more — while working with communities at the grassroots level to enhance economic revitalization.
Since 1901, Sarah Heinz House has shaped the future leaders of Pittsburgh, and we’re not slowing down. Our programs are about helping young people excel in school, grow personally, and become leaders in their community. Our supportive environment is where individuals can discover their potential, develop crucial skills, and make a positive impact on society. With a long history of fostering resilience, creativity, and civic responsibility, we’re dedicated to motivating and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
So Many Angels empowers children battling cancer and serious diagnoses to embrace their inner joy, capturing moments of pure childhood magic. Through personalized photo sessions, we help families treasure these beautiful works of art, preserving precious memories. Help us celebrate these amazing children by donating.
Your donations on Giving Tuesday will enable SOPA to provide sports training, competitions, year-round educational programs, and health services, all at no cost to the athletes.
Whether a monthly pledge donor, a volunteer at a local competition, a teacher promoting tolerance and acceptance in the classroom, or a campus volunteer recruiting fellow students to end the derogatory use of the “R-word,” our individual supporters are vital members of the global movement.
Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. This organization works regionally in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences.
UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation is the sole fundraising arm of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Join us in supporting UPMC Children’s physicians, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly to provide expert care to children and their families in their times of greatest need.
Through Aging, Autism, Foster Care and Adoption, Specialized Education, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities programs, Wesley Family Services is changing lives every day. Wesley Family Services has a proven commitment to creating and sustaining a culture that provides Quality Whole Person Care® that focuses on empowering lives and transforming futures – both those we are privileged to serve, and our dedicated team.
Do you watch birds in your backyard, take hikes or fish on a local stream? No matter how you enjoy it, nature is there for you. Please protect wild places and green spaces for future generations! When you support the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, you help to plant trees and gardens, protect and study wildlife, habitats and streams, maintain trails, conserve land and care for Fallingwater.
Donate or become a member of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy today!
The Westmoreland Food Bank works to ensure that no one go without the healthy and nutritious food needed to thrive. Our network of partners and programs keep our neighbors in need at the center of our work. Through your generous donations of time, food, and funds, the Westmoreland Food Bank can continue to provide ready access to food to neighbors in Westmoreland County.
WORK’s mission is to accompany families in Haiti out of poverty through good, dignified jobs. Nearly one in 10 people live in extreme poverty worldwide. We’re here to change that. We stand alongside the families we serve and accompany them with essential needs, training and placement into dignified work. They graduate with a living income, and with opportunities to build generational wealth to end generational poverty.
The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is a non-profit, tuition-free school that provides high quality academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs and clubs to deaf and hard-of-hearing children across Pennsylvania. In addition, the school offers the Residential Program which is available to students throughout the school week and provides a warm, yet structured family-like environment in the beautiful student residence. At WPSD, kids come first!
Brave Women Project exists to develop opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds to move into brave action through conscious choice and intentionality within our spheres of influence. We use the 5 Es for Life – Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve – as a guide for women to promote equity through developing in four core areas: relationships, professionalism, impact, and wellness.
Brave Women Project
Brave Women Project’s mission is to create a space for professional women to move into brave action. This comes from our community of women as we experience the power of unparalleled encouragement. Through peer-to-peer education and constant evolution, we also engage and uplift women. By fostering confidence, resilience, and mutual support, we empower women to take bold steps toward their personal and professional growth, knowing they have the strength of an inspiring community behind them.
The Pillar Awards celebrate women who embody the 5 Es of Life—Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve. This annual event, now in its second year, honors women who have made significant contributions to their communities, workplaces, and personal growth. By recognizing women who lead with bravery, the Pillar Awards then inspire others to step into leadership roles and embrace their own brave actions, encouraging more women to take bold steps toward their goals.
An unforgettable evening of empowerment, the Diamond Dinners promise to elevate, inspire, and leave attendees glowing with the warmth of genuine connections. Not to mention, these exclusive gatherings are designed for BWP members to foster authentic relationships and ignite meaningful conversations. Each dinner provides a unique opportunity for participants to connect deeply with one another, share their stories, and find inspiration in the collective energy of empowered women.
The Come As You Are (CAYA) series provides a safe, confidential space for women to engage in meaningful, honest conversations. These monthly virtual lunches offer members a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs while receiving support from a community of like-minded women. Focused on one of the 5 Es each month, the sessions help participants then reflect on what resonates most with them.
How You Can Help
To help with the Brave Women Project (BWP), readers can start by joining our empowering community through membership, which grants access to exclusive programs like the Come As You Are (CAYA) confidential virtual lunches and the Diamond Dinners. Members can also participate in events such as the annual Pillar Awards and the upcoming 2025 Bravery in Business Learning Cohort. Those looking to support or engage further can volunteer, become mentors, or share their personal stories of bravery within our network. To learn more, visit our website at bwp.life and apply for membership.
City Theatre is Pittsburgh’s artistic home for bold, contemporary plays that challenge, engage, and inspire diverse audiences. Celebrating 50 years of storytelling, the company is rooted in the historic South Side, where its four-building cultural campus serves as a hub for creativity and community connection.
City Theatre
City Theatre produces a season of innovative regional and world premieres, showcases emerging voices through its Young Playwrights Festival, and supports the creation of new works through a season-long reading series and the annual Momentum Festival. Beyond the stage, the company empowers students of all abilities to explore and express their creativity through playmaking and theater arts, fostering the next generation of storytellers.
The organization’s mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays that engage and challenge a diverse audience. Its vision is to become the best mid-sized theater in America. It’s guided by core values of Community, Collaboration, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility, and Creativity.
For 25 years, the Young Playwrights Festival has provided a platform for aspiring student writers to see their stories brought to life. This helps instill confidence and nurturing creativity. The Momentum Festival has introduced audiences to groundbreaking works in progress. Many of these have gone on to full productions, amplifying underrepresented voices. Additionally, City Theatre’s regular season features bold and relevant plays that spark meaningful conversations and emotional connections among audiences. Through these projects, the company has become a catalyst for personal growth, community dialogue, and cultural enrichment.
How You Can Help
Supporters can engage with City Theatre in many ways. Attending performances allows audiences to experience the power of live storytelling. It also advocates for the organization’s mission by sharing its work helps expand its reach. Educational workshops and volunteer opportunities also offer direct ways for individuals to contribute to City Theatre’s success.
Donations play a critical role in sustaining City Theatre’s work. These donations fund everything from the staging of bold new productions to the expansion of educational outreach programs. Contributions help commission and develop new plays, provide subsidized tickets to ensure access for all, and maintain the organization’s vibrant cultural campus. With the support of the community, City Theatre continues to inspire, challenge, and connect audiences for generations to come.
