It was a Gorgeous Day to Gather by the Allegheny in Foxburg as ARCA Honored its Donors – and Celebrated their Generosity and Friendship on Saturday, June 13 in The Allegheny Grille pavilion.
It was a joyous gathering as ARCA thanked its major donors for their generous annual contributions that support the concerts, exhibits and educational programs of artistic excellence that it brings to its community and audiences in the beautiful Allegheny River Valley – enriching the quality of life in rural western Pennsylvania.
ARCA’s first Silent Auction to raise money to support ARCA’s programs was a great success!
Special thanks to the energetic and creative Silent Auction Committee that obtained donations of auction premiums from local businesses, individuals and Pittsburgh cultural organizations brilliantly chaired by Mickey Bell, with Barbara Bott, Linda Bradley, Melissa Gottschalk, Lori James, Marg Keyes and Kathy Soroka.
Friends came together again…
Board colleagues and Friends – and Couples celebrated…
New friends were made.
New donors were welcomed!
And the music was fabulous with singer Maria Becoates-Bey and ARCA favorite John Burgh at the keyboard.
Couples enjoyed dancing in the afternoon streams of sun…
And in the twilight… “What a Wonderful World”
The table flowers donated by Kocher’s Flowers of Mars were glorious and The Allegheny Grille food was delicious with special thanks to Bobbi McGarvey and her team for their service.
Board members and patrons enjoyed bidding on the silent auction premiums!
Huge thanks to each of the businesses, Pittsburgh cultural organization and individuals who donated six one-of-a kind experiences and opportunities – with special thanks for the exceptional generosity of Saji and Shannon Daniel with the assistance of Alex Diiorio and Foxburg Hospitality and of Matt and Meghan Dreher of ALLEGHENY Drift.
The six Silent Auction baskets included:
- A Gathering by the River with a two night stay for up to eight people in ALLEGHENY Drift’s three bedroom Black Fox Retreat on the river with its chef’s kitchen, hot tub and fire pit a five minute walk or 30 second car ride across the river from Foxburg – and adventure by day with tubing or kayaking provided by River Riders Rentals for eight:
- Plus breakfast and treats from The Crow’s Cupboard donated by Jessica Zakrie;
- Coffees and dessert from Emlenton Coffee Haus donated by Liz Hoffman;
- ARCA tickets for the group, if a concert occurs during the stay
- A Romantic Escape for two in Foxburg with a two night stay at the Foxburg Inn with breakfasts at Foxburg Pizza, a curated wine and charcuterie board experience at Foxburg Wine Cellars, a supper/lunch at Foxburg Pizza and chef created Italian Classics Dinner served on the Foxburg Inn river deck or inside if inclement weather, donated by Saji and Shannon Daniel and Foxburg Hospitality
- Plus a round of golf and cart at the Foxburg Country Club
- A pontoon boat tour provided by Foxburg Tour and Kurt & Joanne Crosbie
- Two ARCA tickets to two concert in the 2026 season
- Year-round family memberships to the four Carnegie museums and four Heinz History Center museums, plus the Phipps Conservatory including a private VIP tour for eight; and VIP tickets to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Magic Show with thanks to Barbara Bott for securing complimentary memberships and experiences at multiple Pittsburgh non-profits;
- Monthly year-round flower delivery from Kocher’s Flowers of Mars donated by Bill and Lori Kocher;
- Two legendary bottles of aged, single barrel bourbon – Elijah Craig 18 year old vintage and Blanton’s donated by Norman and Melissa Gottschalk
- Tickets and free parking to two Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert plus Frick Museum passes that include admission to a Clayton tour and the French Moderns exhibit of Matisse, Renoir and Degas.
With gratitude for ARCA’s founders – the late Dr. Arthur Steffee and Patricia Steffee and Board member Jae Ann Brown – and so many whose generosity over the years built the organization that ARCA is now as it enters its third decade – special thanks were given to Marybeth Hinds Steffee who hosted events for ARCA for many years with Arthur Steffee in their StoneRidge Barn.
This successful rural arts initiative could not have possible without the generosity, time and talents of so many over the years – whose vision and caring have made it possible to enrich the lives of neighbors, friends and visitors to the Allegheny River Valley with the transformative power of music and art that inspires and ennobles the spirit.
Sincere thanks to all of them – including our Lincoln Hall musicians and performers and Red Brick Gallery artists – and to our future friends and supporters as we work together to continue to build the arts in our region and enhance the quality of life as a legacy for the future of our children and the community.
