USC Prepares for Fundraiser, Hall of Fame Recognition

As the faces budget challenges and fiscal constraints, administrators and the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair are teaming up to plan a new fundraiser. 

The will take place at on Saturday, Oct. 1—one day after the homecoming football game against . The event will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will recognize the class of 2011 Hall of Fame inductees.

There are three different ways to participate in the Gala. For $100, individuals can register to attend the Gala.

Attendees or those who can't attend can also choose to make a donation to one of the following:

• Academic: assistive technology to benefit students with special needs
• Academic: components of the 21st Century Schools initiative
• Arts: wireless microphones for the Boyce and high school theaters to enhance the quality of the performances 
• Athletics: support the sports program of your choice

Third, individuals or companies can become a sponsor of the Gala.

• Panther Pride Sponsorship: $10,000
• Diamond Level Sponsorship: $5,000
• Platinum Level Sponsorship: $2,500
• Gold Level Sponsorship: $1,000
• Silver Level Sponsorship: $500

Click here to see the current sponsors.

The Gala will not only serve as a fundraiser for the district, it will also recognize the accomplishments of Upper St. Clair graduates.

"The Gala will support the school district and celebrate the success of the school district," said Superintendent Patrick O'Toole.

"This is our first opportunity to recognize the success of some of these students," said , school board member and chairperson of the Community Foundation board of trustees.

"I encourage all to look at the list of honorees from this year and the past," said , school board vice president and member of the Community Foundation board of trustees. "The talents are really impressive." 

The class of 2011 academic Hall of Fame recipients are Alicia Avick, Michael Barnard, Michelle Boss Catucci and Nicholas Beck.

The arts Hall of Fame recipient this year is Matthew Mehaffey.

The athletic Hall of Fame recipients are Amy Balsinger, Daniel Cafaro and Robert MacWhinnie.

It was announced at the last school board meeting that the Gala has already received more than $20,000 in pledges. The Community Foundation is donating $15,000 to the Gala to cover the event's expenses.

Gala attendees should plan on wearing cocktail attire.