Shake Your Booties 2009: A Spectaculaire Event

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Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 11:11

The lobby of the U.S. Steel Tower sparkled on March 7 when more than 400 guests arrived for the eighth annual Shake Your Booties gala. Thanks to the generous support from sponsors and attendees, the event raised nearly $250,000 for the programs of The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center.

Event co-chairs Betsy Boughner, Georgette Pascale, and Courtney Wissinger transformed the U.S. Steel tower lobby into a spring paradise; lime green and magenta flowers and umbrellas exploded throughout the venue and the elegantly designed tables provided the perfect setting for the night’s festivities.

The evening, a “High-Style Spectaculaire” event, began with cocktails and a delectable dinner by Michael Lench and ended with entertainment by Zany Umbrella Circus including a trapeze set up over dinner tables and acrobatic feats performed on stage.

This year, special tribute was paid to Dr. Fred Sherman, president of The Children’s Home medical staff and long-time board member, for his dedication and leadership in expanding The Children’s Home’s medical programs. Pam Schanwald, CEO, and Ranny Ferguson, president of The Children’s Home Board of Directors, presented Dr. Sherman with the honor.

Special guests Jennifer and Adam Angelici gave an inspirational and heartfelt message, thanking Dr. Sherman and The Children’s Home for the help and support they received during Jennifer’s pregnancy and upon the birth of their twin sons, one of whom had a heart condition.

Other highlights of the evening included a silent auction as well as a unique live donation auction which raised over $30,000 to benefit the Pediatric Specialty Hospital. A fervent bidding war erupted over a Capitol dome tour donated by Congressman Mike Doyle, and ended with Doyle generously providing an additional two tours.

Eric Sobkiewicz won the raffle drawing of a $5000 gift certificate courtesy of Henne Jewelers, then donated the certificate back to the organization as a last minute live auction item. In total, the raffle raised a tremendous $17,000.

Thank you to all who helped make the night a great success! To find out how you can get involved in next year’s event, contact Audrey Tierney at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To view pictures from the event, please visit our photo album.