Annual Fundraiser

Save-the-Date for Power Ball 2012 - November 17, 2012

Annual Fundraisers Through the Years

The Power Ball 2011 was held on November 19, 2011.  The Ballroom never looked better!  As guests entered the room, it was an 'aha' moment for all.  Guests were delighted at the elegance of the table decorations by Kamie Shoonhoven.  She not only personally decorated each table but donated the centerpieces. 

This year's Women of Distinction:  Marie Milie Jones, Esq., Chairmain of the Duquesne University Board and founding partner of JonesPassodelis, PLLC; Claudia Pinza, Director of EPCASO and voice faculty at the Mary Pappert School of Music; Dr. Cynthia McCarthy, Health Care Ethicist and adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh and LaRoche College.  A special performance by the 2011 Women's Advisory Board Music Scholarship Competition Winner, Flutist Leigh Poulton, was enjoyed by all. 

Power Ball Chairs Janet O'Connor and Mickey Gatto worked endlessly to ensure a financially successful Ball that raised $54,000.  Funds benefited the Women's Advisory Board's Endowed Scholarship, the Music School, Law School and Rangos School of Health Sciences. 

On Saturday Nov 6, 2010, Duquesne University's Women's Advisory Board honored it's 2010 Women of Distinction.

Over 200 guests, including President Charles J. Dougherty, attended. Honored recipients were PNC's Beth Friday Bovay, physician and author Patricia Gussin, and Professor of Music Education Christine Jordanoff, who impressed the guests with her singing.

Power Ball Chair Mary McIntyre presided over the event which raised $55,000 to fund scholarships for students at the University, both in the Music School and in the other departments on a rotating basis.

The 2010 Mary Pappert Music School Scholarship winner, Devin DiMauro, entertained guests with his solo award winning performance. Music was also provided by Mike Tomaro & the University Jazz Ensemble. Lots of fundraising fun surrounded the silent auction, with a Lottery Tree and Mystery Boxes.

In 2009, the Second Annual Duquesne University Women of Distinction awards were presented to:  Marilyn Brooks, Diane Hupp, and Gretchen G. Smarto.  In 2008, the First Annual Duquesne University Women of Distinction awards were presented to Suzie McConnell-Serio, Marianne Cornetti and the Honorable Joy Flowers Conti.

Marilyn Brooks (WTAE's retired medical reporter) was honored during the 2009 Power Ball benefiting the Mary Pappert School of Music and the School of Nursing.

Pictured: Gretchen Smarto, Diane Hupp and Marilyn Brooks (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)