Out & About: Habitat gala-goers say 'Home is where the heart is'

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, April 1, 2019 1:30 a.m. | Monday, April 1, 2019 1:30 a.m.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Mike Charley (left) and Tom Charley, both of Greensburg, pose for a photo March 30 during the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity’s Home Is Where the Heart Is Gala held at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Gala committee members (from left) Jennifer Tacconi of Pittsburgh, Bobbi DeBord of Mt. Pleasant, Melinda Charley of Greensburg and Amee Mazzarese of Pittsburgh, also a board member, gather for a photo March 30 during the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity’s Home Is Where the Heart Is Gala, held at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Representing the Central Westmoreland Habitat For Humanity (from left) Patrick Thomas of Greensburg, vice president of the board of directors, Otis DiCerbo, board president, and Dan Giovannelli, executive director, gather for a photo March 30 during the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity’s Home Is Where the Heart Is Gala, held at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Beth Noakes of New Stanton, representing the Elliott Group, Andrea Bortoluzzi of Irwin, representing FirstEngery, and Ronald DiBiase of Irwin, representing First Commonwealth Bank, gather for a photo March 30 during the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity’s Home Is Where the Heart Is Gala, held at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Gala chairs Rachael TeDesco (left) of North Huntingdon and Suzanne Ward of Greensburg pose for a photo March 30 during the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity’s Home Is Where the Heart Is Gala, held at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Go to the website of Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity, and you’ll see two sentences that sum up the work of the nonprofit organization that works to provide affordable housing for qualifying families in Westmoreland County:

“Every child deserves a home base from which to explore the world,” and “Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life.”

Helping to sustain that mission was the organization’s annual Home Is Where the Heart Is Gala, held March 30 at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Gala-goers enjoyed a reception with cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an auction, dinner and dancing.

Event co-chairs were Suzanne Ward and Rachael Tedesco.

CWHH executive director is Daniel Giovannelli. Manager of its building supply warehouse outlet is Sean Kunkle. Board officers are Otis DiCerbo, Patrick Thomas, Joanna Sinchar and Ronald DiBiase.