Falbos and Heritage Celebrated at Phipps

12/18/2009

Standing-room-only gala supports Heritage programs

BRADDOCK PA – It was standing room only on November 5, 2009 as Mimi and Ralph Falbo, two quiet heroes of the Pittsburgh area, were honored at a major fundraiser.

“The Falbos @ The Phipps” celebrated the accomplishments of Mimi Falbo, a nurse, executive, consultant, and dedicated volunteer who has spent her career working to bring quality health care to people who need but cannot afford it, and Ralph Falbo, a developer, builder, and executive who has spent his career creating housing that is appealing and affordable, working side-by-side with nonprofits to support community development.

The event at Phipps Conservatory benefited the work of Heritage Community Initiatives. Based in Braddock, Heritage is a 26-year-old nonprofit whose programs transform individual lives and entire communities in some of southwestern Pennsylvania’s most economically distressed areas. “The Falbos @ The Phipps” inaugurated The Falbo Fund, an exciting long-term approach to supporting Heritage’s work.

Prominent Pittsburgh corporations joined to help support the event. Sponsors included A. J. Silberman Company, Duquesne Light, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Massaro Corporation, Mistick Construction Company, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, UPMC, and US Steel.

Julie Bologna, Chief Meteorologist of WPXI, was emcee for the evening. Enthusiasm for the event drew attendees from across the country, and a heated tent with audio and video coverage of the program was added to accommodate the crowd.

Michele R. Atkins, Heritage Community Initiatives Chair, said, “Leaders like Mimi and Ralph Falbo, and sponsors like the companies who made this event possible, demonstrate the strength Pittsburgh brings to solving problems. Their support is vital to the success of our programs, and the health of our communities.”

The event was chaired by Diane and Jerry Holder. Co-chairs were Lynn and Joe Lagana, Sissy and Bill Lieberman, Carol and Joe Massaro, Pat and Bob Mistick, and Ruth Anne and Ralph Papa.

(Click an image to enlarge and see slideshow)

The Phipps Conservatory, early evening	Registration in the lobby	Part of the crowd	South City Jazz Trio, featuring Dr. Ralph Falbo III on keyboard
	Honorees Ralph and Mimi Falbo	WPXI's Julie Bologna was the emcee
Heritage Board Chair Michele Atkins	Tasha and Trula Woods spoke of their gratitude to the Falbos	Bob Mistick raises a toast to the honorees	Event chairs Jerry and Diane Holder
The Heritage Award		Diane and Jerry Holder, Mimi and Ralph Falbo, Michele Atkins
		Julie Bologna congratulates the Falbos