LHAS Announces Initiative to Raise Awareness for Its Diverse Social Service Programs

Local awareness initiative includes the Annual Gala with Jai Pausch as honorary chair.

Pittsburgh, PA, June 24, 2009

The Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS) today announced plans to kick off an initiative to continue to raise awareness about its mission and services in western Pennsylvania. This awareness initiative began at the annual board retreat and will lead up to the 2009 LHAS Gala on August 22 with Honorary Chair, Jai Pausch, wife of "Last Lecture" author and Carnegie Mellon University Professor, Dr. Randy Pausch. Proceeds from the event will benefit research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Digestive Disorders Center.

"My alignment with LHAS and this event goes beyond the funds being raised for research of pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and other digestive diseases," says Jai Pausch. "It is also to reinforce the significance of healthy and proactive survivorship from these diseases and how philanthropy and participation in events like the Gala can be a form of healing for families and caregivers grieving from a loss."

"For 111 years, LHAS has benefited residents of southwestern Pennsylvania through diverse social service programs," states Laura P. Kronk, president of LHAS. "Our goal is to raise awareness of our extensive efforts by sharing the stories of the families and volunteers who have benefited from or have helped to develop our services. These services range from grant support of programs at Riverview Towers, Family House and other social services including dissemination of free wigs, prosthetics, lodging, medications and transportation to purchasing a thermography machine for early detection of breast cancer."

As part of this awareness initiative, LHAS will be providing fact sheets, testimonials and updated "news" to local media outlets throughout the summer. They will also host several special events to raise funds for local social service programs.

Special events this summer include: "Sizzle Up The Night," a champagne and dessert reception immediately after the Diana Krall concert on July 8 in Heinz Hall's Garden Plaza and the Annual Gala with Honorary Chair Jai Pausch which will be held at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, Saturday, August 22. More information on both events can be found online at www.lhas.net or by calling 412-648-6106.

About the Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS)

LHAS is a non-profit organization governed by a board of 30 volunteers, with more than 850 members. A community partner for more than a century, LHAS is dedicated to providing educational, financial, medical and social services to Western Pennsylvania. LHAS provides special services from ambulance rides, to wigs and prosthetics, to fulfilling medication needs, going a step beyond medical care to personal care.

Since its inception, LHAS has raised over 13.5 million dollars and has volunteered several million work hours through special events, hospital operations and membership drives. LHAS raises money through special events like their Annual Black-Tie Gala, and through operating the LHAS Gift Shop, The LHAS Café and the LHAS Beauty Salons at Montefiore Hospital and the Hillman Cancer Center.

Calendar of Events: Summer/Fall 2009
Sizzle Up The Night with LHAS

Wednesday, July 8th, 8:00 p.m.
Heinz Hall (Garden Plaza)

Immediately following the Diana Krall concert, LHAS will host a champagne and dessert reception in the Garden Plaza. Proceeds benefit LHAS Charitable Projects. Honorary Hosts are Charlene and John Innocenti, President, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside. Please call the LHAS office 412-648-6106 for tickets for this event. $175 per person ($50 tax deduction) includes both the concert and reception. Reservations are limited.