Dreams of Hope Absolute Motown Event March 28

Pittsburgh's only arts-focused LGBTQA youth organization, Dreams of Hope, will host their annual fundraiser, Absolute Motown, on March 28, 2015, 7:00 p.m. – VIP Pre-Party at 6:00. Join us for an evening of food, libations, music, live performance, and dance – while we honor Betty Hill, Executive Director of Persad Center, with the Dreams of Hope Champion Award. Be serenaded by Etta Cox and Friends, enjoy a performance by the theatriQ Youth Performance Ensemble, and join in both live and silent auctions – with award-winning artist Alexi Morrissey serving as auctioneer. General admission includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, and  desserts. VIP Pre-party features specially crafted VIP hors d'oeuvre, photo opportunities with Etta Cox, and all- evening access to open bar. Tickets and information at www.dreamsofhope.org.

Pittsburgh, PA –Pittsburgh's only arts-focused LGBTQA youth organization, Dreams of Hope, will host their annual fundraiser, Absolute Motown, March 28, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at Rodef Shalom Synagogue, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh. VIP Pre-Party starts at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of food, libations, music, live performance, and dance – while we honor Betty Hill, Executive Director of Persad Center, with the Dreams of Hope Champion Award. Be serenaded by Etta Cox and Friends, enjoy a performance by the theatriQ Youth Performance Ensemble, and join in both live and silent auctions – with award-winning artist Alexi Morrissey serving as auctioneer.

General admission includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, desserts, and – of course – lots of dancing.

The VIP Pre-party will feature specially crafted VIP hors d'oeuvre selections, meet ‘n greet photo opportunities with Etta Cox, and all-evening access to an open bar.

Established in 2003, Dreams of Hope uses the power of the arts to provide the region's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied (LGBTQA) youth a welcoming environment to grow in confidence, express themselves, and develop as leaders. Their creative contributions educate audiences, build awareness, and increase acceptance.

"I am thrilled by the growth of our programs. It is great to be providing safe, fun, artistic opportunities to more young people. The challenges facing the youth, from bullying to parental rejection, are numerous, but we're proud to be a part of making each of their world's a little safer," said Susan Haugh, Dreams of Hope Founder and Artistic Director.

Members of the group gain valuable skills and abilities as they tell their stories through spoken word, movement, drama, percussion, and song.  They are one of the few LGBTQA youth groups in the country that performs before adults who work with youth. They've performed before family court judges, probation officers, CEOs, union members, and, last year in Washington, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and his staff.

All proceeds from the event will go towards helping Dreams of Hope continue to provide safe spaces, nurture youth leaders, and educate audiences. Absolute Motown is supported by Alcoa, BNY Mellon, Dollar Bank, WQED, WYEP, and WESA.
Dreams of Hope Champion Award:
Dreams of Hope will honor Betty Hill, Executive Director of Persad Center, with the Dreams of Hope Champion Award. This annual award is presented to individuals who have provided outstanding support to the Dreams of Hope mission and the LGBTQ community. Persad Center is a human service organization whose mission is to improve the well-being of the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities. They serve these target populations and their loved ones, cradle to grave, across western Pennsylvania, with service centers in Pittsburgh, Washington, and Erie. 

 "We are delighted to honor Betty this year. Everyone is aware of the incredible work being done by the Persad Center. In addition, Betty has been a great friend to Dreams of Hope over the years and this is a small way to try to express our appreciation," said Dreams of Hope Executive Director, Seth Rosenberg.

Ticket Information:
Tickets are available on-line at www.dreamsofhope.org.
Ticket prices:
$75      Heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer wine, desserts, dancing; admission at 7:00 p.m.
$150      VIP hors d'oeuvres,  meet and greet photo opportunities with Etta Cox, during the VIP Pre-party at 6:00 p.m.  Plus, all evening access to open bar.