AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PITTSBURGH NORTH REGIONAL CHAMBER
The Season of Giving Holidays 2025-26
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PITTSBURGH NORTH REGIONAL CHAMBER
Holidays 2025-26 2025 PNRC Executive Committee Board Chair Sheila Talarico, Glade Run Lutheran Services Past Chair Rakesh Unnithan, WesBanco Bank
Foundation Chair Jada Lehman, JIL Solutions
Chair Elect Tom Baker, Variety - Pittsburgh
Secretary Jacqlyn Boggs, North Hills Community Outreach
Vice Chair Beth Machine, Wesley Family Services
Treasurer Steven W. Diffenderfer, Dollar Bank
Chamber President Denise Martin 2025 PNRC Board of Directors Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Dr. Ryan Kociela, BC3 - Cranberry Nadia Bloom, Best Western Plus Cranberry Pittsburgh North Nate Musselman, IXOYE Designs Louis Civitarese, Three Rivers Diversified Capital Amy Smith, Cranberry Township Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher, United Way of Southwestern PA Felipe Valdez, Nothing Bundt Cakes Lisa Hunt, U$X Federal Credit Union Bradley Wilkins, KeyBank Donna Kline, HBKS Wealth Advisors
PNRC Staff Director of Events and Programs............Lorry Perkins Marketing & Programs Coordinator............Matt Popchock Membership Account Executive............Rachel Shepler Town Square Market Coordinator & Office Administrator............Debbie Raible
Cover photos: Al Marschke, BluMars Media. Cover designs: Melanie Williams, Minuteman Press Cranberry. Inside cover: Cadence Clubhouse in North Park is decorated for the PNRC Holiday Social Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Special thanks to our Chamber Partners
Zoom Sponsor:
Contact Denise Martin, Chamber President, at 724-934-9700 x16 for more information on becoming a Chamber Partner. 3
A Letter from the President Dear Chamber Members, Partners, and Sponsors, As we come to the end of another great year, I am reflecting with sincere gratitude on all that we have accomplished together. Our communities and region have flourished and enjoyed many successes, none of which would be possible without the love, support, and engagement from all of you. Your involvement through membership, sponsorship, leadership, and volunteerism has strengthened our Chamber and helped drive significant progress across our local economy and in our neighborhoods. Because of you, our incredible “helpers,” we have been able to support new business growth, create and continue meaningful relationships, strengthen and celebrate our communities, and achieve new levels of excellence. We are especially thankful to our partners and sponsors, whose generous investments allow us to continue our mission, host impactful and engaging events, and bring groups of people together to network, socialize, and simply enjoy their time together. The Chamber is only as strong as the people behind it: our members, partners, leaders, staff, and community, and we are fortunate to work alongside such dedicated people and organizations. In 2026, we are committed to showing our beloved region how much WE CARE about our communities, our businesses, and the families who live here. Everything we do is for all of you. On behalf of our board, staff, and leadership, thank you for your support, love, and continued commitment to the Chamber. We wish you all a joyful Holiday Season and a blessed and bright New Year! Warmest and sincerest regards, Denise Martin President
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Support Special Education by Donating to Laughlin Children’s Center The PNRC member nonprofit offers everything from dyslexia services to preschool and early childhood learning skills programs. By Jerry Gaughan Development Director Laughlin Children’s Center At Laughlin Children’s Center, we understand that the holiday season can be overwhelming for families—especially those supporting children with learning differences or developmental challenges. During this time, we work hard to ease stress by offering flexible scheduling, maintaining consistent routines, and providing encouragement so children continue to thrive. Our team shares practical strategies with parents to help keep the season joyful rather than stressful. While the holidays bring warmth and celebration, they also present financial challenges for our organization. Many families pause sessions for travel or holiday expenses, which can temporarily reduce revenue. At the same time, we remain committed to keeping our services accessible and uninterrupted for those who need them most. This is why year-end giving is so critical. Your support during this season ensures that children receive the tutoring and therapy they depend on, regardless of financial barriers. Every gift helps us sustain highquality programs and provide scholarships for families who otherwise could not afford care. When you give to Laughlin Children’s Center during the holidays, you’re doing more than donating—you’re giving parents peace of mind and helping children enter the new year with confidence and hope. Thank you for making a difference when it matters most. If you would like to partner with us to improve the lives of children in the region, please click here to donate. ■ Laughlin Children’s Center empowers children ages 2-18 through specialized academic and clinical services. Call 412-741-4087 to speak with an advisor today. 5
MFPAA Ready for Holiday, and Fundraising, Season This life-saving organization relies upon the financial support of Pittsburgh North residents. By Michael Wholihan, Ed.D. Financial Coordinator, EMT McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority (MFPAA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is always open to respond on every Allegheny County dispatched 9-1-1 call. We service all of McCandless, Franklin Park, Bradford Woods, Marshall and Pine Township. MFPAA covers 64 square miles, including North Park, and has three Emergency Medical Service (EMS) stations located in these communities. Our professional staff of paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) have met the medical needs of pre-hospital care with over 9,000 calls in 2025. In EMS, we respond to all medical-related requests, accessing patients with transport to the most appropriate emergency hospital.
Dr. Wholihan and the MFPAA visited the PNRC in May, giving guests a tour of one of their emergency vehicles.
The holiday season can create joyful memories, along with added anxiety or stress. To reduce that stress, MFPAA hosts an annual Holiday Party for the staff and their families, and staff members can request time off to be with their families during the holiday season. We also have a Wellness Committee of staff members that plan educational health-related programs throughout the year, and a volunteer EMT visits the EMS station once a month and cooks either breakfast or lunch for the on-duty crews. Our annual budget is approved by our Board of Directors every December. For financial support, MFPPA hosts an annual Subscription Drive, Capital Drive and Business Drive, and we are always accepting donations, which are tax-deductible. The generously donated funds are used to replace and purchase life-saving medical equipment. We are proud to support our three fellow McCandless Volunteer Fire Departments: Peebles, Franklin Park and Ingomar. MFPAA also values the dedicated service offered by the McCandless, Franklin Park and Northern Regional Police Departments and Allegheny County Park Rangers & Police Officers. MFPAA honors all military members and their families serving our county with the United States armed forces of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force and Marines. We are grateful for the past, current and future generations of those whose service and sacrifice upholds our country, especially to the military that are deployed overseas and unable to be with their families at this time of year. ■
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Thank You 2025 Giving Tree Participants! Each holiday season, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, in cooperation with its Community Outreach Committee, brings warmth and generosity to the community through its Giving Tree program, a cherished initiative that connects local nonprofits with generous individuals and businesses to fulfill holiday wishes for children, seniors and families in need. Our Ambassador locations distributed over 1,000 Giving Tree tags to gift purchasers who helped our nonprofit participants spread a little more holiday joy to those who could use some at this time of year. The PNRC and its Community Outreach Committee appreciate your cooperation! The 2025 PNRC Holiday Social was a holly, jolly time for all! We enjoyed the sensational holiday music of The Megan Paullet Quartet as much as we enjoyed some good-natured competition in our Holiday Ensemble Contest, won by Zoë Blumer of Dollar Bank. Special thanks to the entire Cadence Clubhouse staff, Megan Paullet and her talented band; all our Sponsors, Valued Members, and guests, especially those who supported the Chamber by donating or bidding on one of 25 unique silent auction gifts. Also, special thanks to the entire PNRC Board of Directors and Staff for making our Holiday Social a joyous and memorable event! (Photos: Al Marschke, BluMars Media)
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From Stress to Support: Finding Hope and Help This Holiday Season The holidays, while, ideally, a time of joy, often amplify feelings of stress, anxiety and loneliness for many. Recognizing this challenge allows us to shift focus from the pressure to the solutions. By Sheila Talarico Vice President, Development and External Affairs Glade Run Lutheran Services The phenomenon often referred to as the “holiday blues” is real, and it’s exacerbated by several common stressors. A significant portion of the population reports elevated stress levels during this season, pointing to three major contributing factors: financial pressure, family dynamics and isolation, and the pursuit of perfection.
Glade Run volunteers gather around Santa at the organization’s 2025 Polar Express event.
These heightened demands can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Symptoms like persistent sadness, difficulty sleeping, or social withdrawal can be warning signs that the season’s stress is taking a serious toll. For federal employees, contractors, and individuals relying on government-funded services like many offered by Glade Run, the reality of government shutdowns and budget delay introduces immediate, high-stakes financial uncertainty that aren’t automatically or immediately resolved when they end. Losing paychecks before Christmas, or having crucial mental health and food assistance programs delayed or interrupted, creates acute distress. This financial instability is a well-known driver of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Tariffs—taxes on imported goods—contribute directly to inflation and rising costs for consumers. This means holiday gifts, groceries for traditional meals, and even basic household goods are more expensive. This environment of pervasive economic anxiety compounds the normal holiday pressure, pushing more individuals and families toward a breaking point.
Practical Steps to Relieve Holiday Stress Protecting mental health during the holidays is less about achieving “perfect joy” and more about implementing boundaries and self-care. Managing the pressure begins with taking control where possible:
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1. Set Realistic Boundaries: Say “No” to commitments that stretch you too thin. Prioritize rest, adequate sleep, and maintaining your basic health routines. Your well-being is more important than attending every event. 2. Focus on Connection, Not Commerce: Mitigate financial stress by creating a budget and sticking to it. Shift traditions away from expensive gift-giving toward meaningful experiences, shared time, or homemade presents. The emotional value of connection is the true currency of the season. 3. Find Your Support: Recognize that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Connect with trusted friends, family, or professional therapists. Resources like Glade Run are available in home, school, and community-based settings to provide support. 4. Practice Giving Back: The act of helping others is a powerful antidote to feelings of isolation and helplessness. Volunteering or donating, even in a small way, can provide a profound sense of purpose and connection to the community.
A Local Lifeline: Glade Run’s Comprehensive Support System When economic uncertainty stemming from political gridlock impacts job security, delays government aid, and drives up the cost of living, community organizations become essential buffers. Glade Run, recognizing that mental health cannot be addressed when basic needs are unmet, has strategically mobilized to provide tangible, critical support to those affected by these national events. Glade Run’s response is multi-faceted, focusing on immediate material aid while sustaining long-term mental health services: •
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Targeting Food Insecurity (Basic Needs): The financial strain from lost wages due to government furloughs or rising costs due to tariffs directly impacts a family’s ability to buy food. Glade Run addresses this fundamental need by coordinating in-kind drives and mobilizing resources to provide direct assistance—including food pantries, grocery and gas cards, utility assistance, and access to basic household necessities through our Good Neighbor Program. By removing the daily, debilitating stress of food insecurity, they create space for individuals to focus on their emotional and mental health and well-being. The Christmas Angel Program: This major annual drive is central to Glade Run’s holiday mission. It provides specific, requested gifts and basic necessities for children, adults, and families who would otherwise go without. These gifts often include much-needed items like clothing, toiletries, specialized therapeutic tools, and gift cards for gas or essentials, offering both joy and crucial practical relief. Comprehensive Mental Health Services: Glade Run’s core mission of providing mental health services—including outpatient counseling, in-home therapy, school-based programs, and trauma-focused care—remains the backbone of our support. In a world full of volatility, Glade Run’s approach is a testament to the power of community-based resilience. By linking our exceptional continuum of mental health services with robust material support, we offer a foundation of stability, demonstrating that during a season defined by giving, the greatest gift is the assurance that help is available.
Glade Run has been serving our communities since 1854, providing support to children, adults and families in need in home, school, and community-based settings. We’re here to help this holiday season and always. Find out more about our extensive offerings and contact us directly for help for yourself of someone you love at contact@gladerun.org or www.gladerun.org. ■
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How Light of Life Rescue Mission Relieves Holiday Stress for Our Neighbors in Need By Jocelyn Buhite Communications Coordinator Light of Life Rescue Mission The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, abundance, and togetherness. But for thousands of individuals and families across Pittsburgh, November and December bring something very different: increased financial pressure, emotional strain, and the painful reminder of unmet needs. At Light of Life Rescue Mission, we see firsthand how the weight of the holidays impacts our most vulnerable neighbors, and every year we work intentionally to make this season a little brighter, and a lot less overwhelming, for those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and crisis.
Meeting Basic Needs: Food and Warmth
(Photo by Sean Carroll/Monmade)
Our Food Pantry becomes a lifeline in the final months of the year, providing fresh produce, pantry supplies, and holiday ingredients to families struggling to make ends meet. As winter quickly sets in across Pittsburgh, bitter temperatures can become life-threatening for those living outdoors or in unstable housing. To help, Light of Life distributes warm coats, gloves, hats, and other cold weather clothing each holiday season, providing not just warmth, but comfort to those in need.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Outreach
This November, Light of Life provided 2,800 Thanksgiving dinner boxes to feed families across Allegheny County. On Thanksgiving day, we host a special meal and celebration at the shelter for those with nowhere else to go. These meals provide more than food; they offer dignity, connection, and a sense of belonging. During December, every client and guest receives gifts, and we host a Christmas celebration meal on December 18. Parents in our programs can select gifts for their children, restoring joy and agency, while adults receive items that acknowledge their progress and worth.
Bring Hope This Season
The holiday season is our busiest time of year. Demand for our services increases, and nearly half of our annual donations come in during these months. These gifts sustain our programs year-round, allowing us to provide shelter, recovery services, and long-term support far beyond the holidays. You can make a difference today. Your gift ensures a warm meal, a coat, or a special holiday gift reaches someone in need. Help us turn the season from one of stress into one of hope, joy, and connection for Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable neighbors. Give today and bring light to someone’s holiday season at www.lightoflife.org/give. ■
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Highmark Caring Place Continues Comforting the Aggrieved, 25 Years Later The holidays can be difficult for those dealing with loss. The Caring Place professes understanding of the different ways this grief can be managed. By Michelle Vargas Senior Community Engagement & Fundraising Specialist Highmark Caring Place At the Highmark Caring Place, we know that grieving children, teens, and families need support throughout the year, and we are especially mindful that the winter holiday season can be profoundly difficult after a death. Whether the death occurred a few weeks ago or a number of years ago, the holidays can often bring unique challenges. Beyond missing their special person, children often encounter the absence of familiar traditions, routines, and the very expectations that once brought joy and comfort to the season. But grieving children, teens and families can get through the holidays. Here are some things we suggest to families that they can do to help themselves during this time of year: • • • •
Be with supportive people. Find those people who accept your feelings and who allow you to express your feelings—happy and sad. Talk about your grief, and about the person who has died. With people you trust, share your feelings and your memories. Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone you love. Remember your limits. Grieving takes energy. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to take whatever time for yourself you need. Plan family get-togethers. Focus on your needs, not on what well-meaning friends might have planned for you. Having a plan—which you can change at any point if you wish to—can help you from being caught off guard.
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Remember that different people grieve differently—even within the same family. Try to see how much each person’s wishes can be accommodated. In many cases, the choices don’t have to be all or nothing. Allow children space to grieve in their own way. Be prepared for any type of reaction from children. They need to grieve as well. And, especially with older children, don’t expect that they should spend the entire day with you. They may need the support and security of hanging out with friends. Remember that your grief is important. Grief is born out of giving and receiving love. Be patient with yourself, love yourself, and don’t let anyone take your grief away. Allow yourself to be surrounded by loving, caring people. If we did not love, we would not grieve.
The Caring Place provides educational programs and resources for grieving children and families.
For more than 25 years, the Highmark Caring Place has been a vital community resource, offering free, compassionate grief support services to children, teens, young adults and families regardless of insurance coverage. Beyond direct family support, we also offer consultation services, presentations, and valuable resources for schools and other professionals, empowering them to better support grieving children and their communities. Since our founding in Pittsburgh in 1997, with additional facilities in Erie, Harrisburg and Warrendale, Pennsylvania, the Caring Place has served more than 100,000 family and community members. With four convenient locations across western and central Pennsylvania and a proven track record of helping thousands of families, support and hope begin here. Contact the Highmark Caring Place at 888-567-1028. ■
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Give Your Employees a Happy Zoo Year By Matt Phillips Communications Manager Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium With a Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Corporate Membership, your organization can enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting the Zoo’s mission. This program offers businesses of all sizes an opportunity to engage employees, contribute to conservation efforts, and enhance their brand visibility through a wildly rewarding partnership… and is also the perfect holiday way to thank your employees for their dedication throughout the year! “The Corporate Membership Program partners with businesses to support the Zoo’s mission of fostering positive lifelong connections between animals and people,” says Corporate Relations Officer Alissa Rudolph Johnston. “Annual passes can be used to reward employees, entertain clients, and connect with community partners. As a low-cost employee benefit, a free trip to the Zoo is a great way to reward dedication, loyalty, and hard work!” More than just a one-time company visit, this membership offers four seasons of wild adventure for your team! There are several different levels of participation available. Benefits of corporate membership include: • • • • • •
Brand Visibility: Gain exposure and visibility for your brand through promotional materials, signage, and recognition at the Zoo’s events and exhibits. Community Involvement: Demonstrate your company’s commitment to the local community by supporting a beloved institution and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. Employee Engagement: Enhance employee morale and engagement by providing them with access to the zoo’s attractions, events, and educational programs. Philanthropic Alignment: Align your company with a meaningful cause and support the zoo’s conservation initiatives, promoting a positive brand image and corporate social responsibility. Employee Discounts: Provide discounted admission rates and special offers to your employees, encouraging them to explore the zoo with their families and friends. Brand Association: Leverage the positive reputation and strong brand equity of the zoo to enhance your company’s image and strengthen brand associations.
Most importantly, the Corporate Membership Program aligns your business philanthropically with a meaningful cause to support the Zoo’s conservation initiatives and promotes both positive brand image and corporate social responsibility. To learn more about our Corporate Membership program, email us at sponsorships@pittsburghzoo.org. ■
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Catholic Charities Still Bringing Holiday Hospitality to Region By Caleb Knudsen Foundation & Government Relations Officer Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Throughout the year, Catholic Charities serves Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber residents in a number of ways. Last fiscal year, we served more than 34,000 individuals across the six counties in our footprint, which include Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler. This holiday season, government funding uncertainty has resulted in more need for the families that we serve, and our team has been working diligently to meet clients where they are. We are in the middle of a busy time between our Thanksgiving meal distribution and Christmas Gift Program. This year, we anticipate providing 185 full Thanksgiving dinners to families and individuals. A Thanksgiving meal is about more than just the food, though. At Catholic Charities, we understand that there is dignity in a parent being able to focus on creating memories instead of choosing between groceries and bills. Our Christmas program brings together volunteers, donors, and staff to provide more than 2,300 gifts to 250 families. These gifts are extremely meaningful to families that are struggling financially and give parents the joy of seeing their children open presents on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, the holidays also bring about emotional and financial stress that can be difficult to cope with. When clients come to us seeking assistance with utilities, housing, or counseling services, our trained team of staff and volunteers create a warm, welcoming environment where they can find relief. Our goal is to bring hope and stability during a time that can often feel challenging. The end of the calendar year is typically our busiest period from a fundraising standpoint. This is when many donors feel inspired to give, and we rely on that generosity to fund a portion of our programs for the coming year. Through the generosity of our community and the dedication of our staff, Catholic Charities remains committed to bringing compassion, healing, and hope to the Pittsburgh region throughout the entire year. ■
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Local Restaurant Worker Embodies Spirit of Rebuild Better Together Meet Jeneanne—a shining example of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. By Alyssa Boehringer Board Member Rebuild Better Together For 23 years, Jeneanne has been a bright light at the Springfield Grille in Mars, the warm smile greeting guests, the joyful spirit lifting people’s days, and the familiar face so many have come to love. But in a single moment, everything changed. A sudden fall at home resulted in a spinal cord injury that, in the blink of an eye, turned her entire world upside down. When she entered rehab, Jeneanne was unable to move from her chest down. Yet even in those early days, her strength was Jeneanne, with Rebuild Better Together Co-Founder/President undeniable. Step by step, first in hope, then literally, she began to Cindy Fox (right). make progress that inspired everyone around her. Today, she is slowly taking steps again, proving every single day what determination can look like. Rebuild Better Together (RBT) met Jeneanne and her fiancé, Ron, during her rehab stay. We were grateful to walk beside them, offering comfort items through our Better Together Program, as well as advocacy, connection, and resources as they faced what quickly became an overwhelming storm of challenges. Because this wasn’t only a medical crisis. It was a life crisis. With her injury, Jeneanne could no longer return to bartending. Working primarily for tips meant her income stopped instantly. Her health benefits were set to end shortly after. There was no short-term disability program to bridge the gap. And to make matters worse, the timing couldn’t have been more devastating: the government shutdown had brought essential programs for the disabled community to a complete standstill.
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Phone lines went unanswered. Messages left were not returned. Applications froze in place. SNAP benefits, SSDI reviews, and disability approvals all halted communication between the agencies and Ron, who was making the calls on behalf of Jeneanne. Ron, who stepped into the role of full-time caregiver, was told he would need to wait at least six weeks for a determination on his caregiver benefit. Yet even that application couldn’t be submitted until her disability decision letter arrived, which was also delayed by the shutdown. The ripple effects were overwhelming. When someone suffers a spinal cord injury, certain medical equipment is Alyssa Boehringer currently serves RBT in a marketing and business development role. (Staff Photo) typically approved to support their recovery, items like wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, hospital beds, safety rails, and so forth. But even these critical needs were delayed. The medical equipment program that normally helps families in crisis wasn’t responding, and her discharge was two days away. Meanwhile, their insurance required a $5,000 out-of-pocket deductible to be met before coverage would begin, leaving them responsible for every piece of equipment up front. Through our KARA Program, RBT was honored to step in and provide the adaptive equipment she urgently needed, including a walker, safety rails, a bedside step, a shower transport chair, a bedside commode, and a ramp to make her home safer and more accessible. Her mother even loaned her own wheelchair until we could secure one for Jeneanne permanently. We feel deeply blessed that we could support Jeneanne and Ron during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. But their story highlights something much bigger: they were only one couple among countless others who endured similar, or even more heartbreaking, struggles during the shutdown. And still, despite everything stacked against her, Jeneane’s spirit never dimmed. Today, we celebrate her courage, her progress, and the powerful resilience that continues to guide her healing. Her story is one of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, light can break through. RBT remains committed to advocating for survivors like Jeneanne, working to improve the systems that often fail people at their most vulnerable moments. ■
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Special thanks to our Affinity Partners
Contact Denise Martin, Chamber President, at 724-934-9700 x16 for more information on becoming an Affinity Partner. 17