SHIM Celebrates the South Hills with Successful Gala Fundraiser

Last Updated on Sunday, 29 May 2016 02:11

By Christen M. Stroh

Celebrate the South Hills with SHIM.

Jim Guffey, executive director at SHIM, welcomes guests to the fundraiser.

The event, held at the South Hills Country Club, drew 230 people who purchased tickets as part of this fundraiser to participate in an evening of socializing, wining and dining, and – most importantly – supporting SHIM’s initiatives to assist those in the South Hills who find themselves in need. A silent auction added to the festivities, and Matt Smith, former state senator and president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, was honored as the 2016 South Hills Champion for his efforts in supporting South Hills families and the Greater Pittsburgh community.

Jim Guffey, executive director of SHIM, opened the evening by welcoming everyone to the event, citing the accomplishments of SHIM over the past years and referencing, in particular, the success of the SHIM’s recent rebranding. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that SHIM still has work to do, noting, “The challenge before us is great.”

Cris Winter, morning show host of the “Cris Winter in the Morning” on WISH 99.7, served as Master of Ceremonies. A South Hills resident herself, Winter noted, “Being in the South Hills, it’s amazing how many of our neighbors, our friends, are in need.”

During dinner, slides with quiz questions were screened in two areas of the banquet hall, challenging those in attendance to see how well they know both the needs in their communities as well as the endeavors and successes of SHIM, and those in attendance included sponsors, donors, refugees aided by SHIM, and staff members, among others.

Mary Phan-Gruber, executive director at Jefferson Regional Foundation, noted that her organization is proud to support SHIM, stating, “SHIM is a key organization to serving the needs of the people of the South Hills. They not only have the scope and the ability to serve current needs; they recognize emerging needs.” Phan-Gruber also believes SHIM is a wonderful partner organization, working hard to bring together a number of resources so that they can continue to build and grow.

Guffey was pleased with the success of the event, stating, “Everything here worked out just wonderfully. The event itself is a success, but more importantly, this is what the evening is about – neighbors coming out to help neighbors, and there’s a lot of that taking place here tonight.”