Birthday bash raises funds for Gwen's Girls, women's shelter

Kate Benz
Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 8:54 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 8:54 p.m.

Taiesha Jones, Charissa Livingston and Roni Gilmore at the first annual “Ladies Night For A Cause” event at The Wine Loft of Pittsburgh in Southside Works, Saturday, August 25, 2012. Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

Lonnie Silver and Lana Neumeyer at the first annual “Ladies Night For A Cause” event at The Wine Loft of Pittsburgh in Southside Works, Saturday, August 25, 2012. Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

Miyoshi Anderson at the first annual “Ladies Night For A Cause” event at The Wine Loft of Pittsburgh in Southside Works, Saturday, August 25, 2012. Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

“Instead of having a birthday for myself, I thought I'd like to do something to give back. I'm completely shocked at how many people chipped in,” said Charissa Livingston, whose idea of a celebration to toast her 23rd year meant raising a glass in the name of charity.

Ladies Night for a Cause drew 150 of the young and the restless down to The Wine Loft in the SouthSide Works on Friday, where a walk on the red carpet led the likes of Roni Gilmore, Taiesha Jones, Lana Neumeyer, Rebecca Whitlinger and Miyoshi Anderson straight to the action.

A makeover buffet satisfied those looking to get their beauty and fashion fix, while the lounge areas didn't have to beg too hard for some pre-weekend attention.

“I thought (the idea) was fabulous! It's incredible,” said Gwen's Girls executive director Lonnie Silver, whose organization benefited from the event, along with The Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

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