Thank You for Celebrating Mainstay’s 25th Anniversary with Us

Nov 24, 2024

Thank you for celebrating Mainstay’s 25th Anniversary with us

By Aubrey Lutz, Mainstay’s Advancement & Engagement Fall Intern

Our guests were welcomed by Mainstay staff members into a beautiful ballroom with a view of Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Everyone was invited to enjoy the cocktail hour featuring the opportunity to purchase a newly branded Mainstay glass and a signature cocktail or mocktail. Guests were also able to have their photos taken, a caricature drawn, and participate in an awesome photobooth.

Event guest having their caricature drawn by artist Sam Thong. Photograph by Aubrey Lutz / Mainstay

Following the cocktail hour, guests were served an incredible dinner and conducted our evening’s program. Chief Executive Officer Kim Sonafelt welcomed guests and introduced John Lovelace and Tom Junker – longtime board members with Mainstay and its predecessor agencies – to share the stories of Horizon Homes, Idlewood Center, and the creation of Mainstay in 1999. Kim was joined on stage by colleagues Jodie Esper, Dorothy Gordon, and Willette Walker to introduce Mainstay’s new vision, mission, and values.

Our wonderful guest speaker – and Mainstay friend – Mrs. Pennsylvania American Amanda Neatrour was welcomed and gave a moving talk sharing her experiences with Mainstay, as well as her work supporting people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Guest speaker Mrs. Pennsylvania American Amanda Neatrour. Photograph by Aubrey Lutz / Mainstay

The inaugural Enriching Lives and Unlocking Potential Award, established in memory of Ron Chiurazzi, was introduced by Kim Sonafelt and event co-chair Janna Chiurazzi Young. The annual award was launched to recognize people, groups, or organizations that help to enrich the lives and unlock the potential of people with diverse abilities. The first award was given to Trish, Ron, and Ronnie Chiurazzi, posthumously. Chiurazzi family members accepted the award and spoke about the impact Mainstay has made for their family.

The Chiurazzi family accepting the inaugural Enriching Lives and Unlocking Potential Award. Photograph by Aubrey Lutz / Mainstay

To conclude the evening’s program, Amanda and Kim were joined on stage by Rob and Russell for a toast to Mainstay and its bright future! The evening continued with dancing, music, and more fun!

From Left to Right: Amanda Neatrour, Kim Sonafelt, Rob Pastir, and Russel Petrosky. Photograph by Aubrey Lutz / Mainstay

We would like to thank everyone involved in Mainstay’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and all who attended. This event would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors, donors, underwriters, event committee, and day of event helpers.

Don’t forget to check out our digital program book for a full list of sponsors, donors, underwriters, and more! You can also view photos taken throughout the evening on our website’s photo gallery and watch our new brand video on our YouTube channel.

Stay tuned for the launch of Mainstay’s new website before the end of the year, and the grand re-opening of our renovated office in 2025!

And be sure to save the date and sign up early for the 2025 Charlie Ross Memorial Charity Golf Outing that will be held at Nevillewood on June 23.