After a year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Norwin Play It Forward Fund’s WindUp/WineDown and Music on Tap #11 was an evening of celebration! Almost 140 people were in attendance at the Kitchen by Vangura, as capacity was limited to ensure spacing and sanitization to keep the event as safe as possible. The event came one week following the Norwin Area High School Marching Band’s championship in the Music For All/Bands of America Grand National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana, capturing first place in the 2A division!
Over $7,000 was raised to go toward subsidizing private music lessons for students in grades 4 through 12 in the Norwin Area School District’s band and orchestra program. District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeffrey M. Taylor and his wife were in attendance, as was Band Director Tim Daniels, along with several instrumental teachers from the program. Wine tasting was provided by Greenhouse Winery, and beer sampling was provided by Quinn Brewing. Good Guys also returned with great music for the evening.
Our sincere thanks goes to our generous event sponsors: UPMC East, Sheetz, Somerset Trust Company, Cleaveland/Price, Dr. Carla Capozzi Orthodontics and Jacktown Ride and Hunt Club.
Door prizes included 2 $750 Delta Airlines vouchers from an anonymous donor, a Yeti cooler from Don’s Appliances, a storage package (including 3 months of free storage space and an Amazon Fire tablet) from Guardian Storage, a Fender acoustic guitar autographed by The Clarks courtesy of Main Street Music and Sound, and 2 tickets to a Penguins hockey game from Synergy Group, Inc. in White Oak.
Food was plentiful as well, as Salsa Sam cooked up street tacos along with chips and salsa, meatballs from Caliente Pizza and Drafthouse, pasta from Cenacolo, bread from Gia Visto Modern Italian, pretzel dogs from Philly Pretzel Factory, salad from Will-Onita’s Family Restaurant, water from Giant Eagle, and a return of the cannoli bar from Patti’s Pasticceria. Other in-kind sponsors included Metal Photo Serivce for printing, the Norwin Chamber of Commerce for publicity, and treats from Pittsburgh Popcorn Company and Sarris Candy. Business Partner UPMC Presbyterian/Shadyside rounds out the list of our Business Partners.
Many thanks goes to members and businesses of our community who have supported this event over the years and continue to do so, including: Altoona Curve, Berk’s Menswear, Carnegie Science Center, Chipotle Mexican Grille, Dian Colletti of ReMax Realty Access, Countryside Veterinary Hospital, Carnegie Science Center, D Michael Salon, DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash, Eat ‘n Park, Headliners Studio, Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh, Inferno Pizza, Laurie Junker, David and Rebecca Kierski, MicahMade! by Micah Whitfield, Michelle’s Bella Boutique and Day Spa, Mr. Squeegy Window Cleaning, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Angela Schad, Tom and Paula Steiner, Synergy Salon and Day Spa, The Firepit Wood Fired Grill, The Kitchen by Vangura, The Nest, The Toffee House, The Warhol, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Washington Wild Things, Tom Wheaton, Jordan Ziemski and Ralph & Theresa Ziemski.
Here’s to all those who attended, all those who supported, and all those who will benefit from the work of the committee, including Sharon Parisi Bass, Janice Calhoun, Chris Daniels, Ron & Judy Giuliana, Lester and Jean Hale, Doris Kurinko, John & Mary Russo, Anna Safos, Tom & Paula Steiner, Mike & Claire Vranesevic and Micah Whitfield without whom this event would not be possible.
May your holidays ahead be joy-filled, as we look forward to a healthier 2022!