Partners for Quality raised $19,000 last year for their emergency fund to help families get past a single crisis, such as an unpaid utility bill, that might lead to kids being separated from their parents. They hope to exceed that amount this year with a pop art-themed fashion show at J. Verno Studio on the South Side on Sept. 10, chaired by Andy Warhol Museum Director Tom Sokolowski.
"There's always the need" for such a fund, says Marie Manzella, coordinator of the Partners For Quality Foundation in McKees Rocks. "There are so many different services we provide. We're always trying … to provide more services to more people."
Partners for Quality is an umbrella organization with four subsidiaries. The seventh annual Pittsburgh Fashion Story supports the emergency fund of their Allegheny Children's Initiative, which provides family-focused mental health services, behavioral health rehabilitation services and other wraparound care for children with mental and behavioral disabilities and their families.
This year's Fashion Story will feature new looks from Charles Spiegel for Men, Jupe Boutique, Ambiance Boutique and Maxalto, as well as hair and make-up designs from Brett James Salon.
"And," adds Manzella, "we're going to have a few Andy Warhol surprises."
Author: Marty Levine
Source: Marie Manzella, Partners For Quality Foundation