Woodlands Foundation Auxiliary's Butterfly Ball celebrates accomplishments of Pittsburgh-area facility
A record-shattering crowd arrived at the Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel, Downtown, Oct. 23 to laud Sydelle Kessler and the late Dr. Laibe Kessler during the Woodlands Foundation Auxiliary's 15th annual Butterfly Ball.
“He would be very proud of this,” Kessler said. “It's a very devoted group of people.”
Equally as devoted has been the Kessler family. Seventeen years ago, they inspired the Notes from the Heart Music Program, now a year-round music ensemble and summer camp for special needs children.
“It wouldn't exist if it weren't for their vision,” said executive director Peter Clakeley.
The Woodlands, which began in 1979 with a mere $75, now occupies a 52-acre campus in Wexford that annually serves 8,000 children and adults living with disability and chronic disease
“This could never happen anywhere but Pittsburgh,” said Gay Reigel with her husband, founder Dr. Donald Reigel.
On the list were Auxiliary president Sandy and Bill Lambert, Kim Tillotson Fleming with son Todd, Veronica and Lou Guarino, Joe Milharcic, Tasso andJane Katselas and daughter Dana, board chairman Douglas Clark, and co-chairs Lori Roberts and Jacquelyn Stephanou.
Kate Benz is the society columnist for Trib Total Media and can be reached at kbenz@tribweb.com, 412-380-8515 or via Twitter @KateBenzTRIB.
