The Sweet Sunday filled with scones at City Mission.

It is SCONE to be Great!!

City Mission’s Sweet Sunday at Home Dessert Festival presented by Realty One Group Gold Standard this year will mark the 27th year of the event and the first time it will be conducted virtually, with sweets delivered to your door on Sunday, February 28th. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will look quite a bit different than it has in past years, but it will still have all the fun and excitement that you have come to know and love from Sweet Sunday.

“Although Sweet Sunday will be very different this year, the need remains the same,” said City Mission President/CEO Dean Gartland. “This is a critical time of year because of the Pandemic and the need for hope is greater than ever.”

“This year, we’re bringing Sweet Sunday to everyone’s homes,” explained City Mission Event Coordinator, Katie Mason. “It starts on February 15 and culminates on Sunday, February 28th with delivery to your door. You can start early to order boxes of sweets, bid on silent auctions, and buy raffle tickets for your favorite baskets, the Wreath of Wealth, and a custom dollhouse!”

You can participate in the event online at: www.citymission.org/support/sweet-sunday. All sweets ordered between February 15 and February 27 will be delivered to your home on Sunday, February 28. Sweets ordered on the 28th will be delivered on Monday, March 1 along with auction prizes. You must live within a 30-mile radius of the Mission to have any sweets or items delivered to your home. Sweets can be purchased in small, medium, and large boxes on the website. All proceeds benefit City Mission’s life-changing programs.

“For years, people have loved Sweet Sunday,” said Chief Development Officer Dr. Sally Mounts. “It’s a fun family event at a reasonable price point. We’re doing everything we can to transfer that fun spirit to a virtual/at-your-door delivery event. And it will be so easy to access. Just go to our website, click on the Sweet Sunday tab, and get connected to wonderful, delicious sweets and fun auctions.”

The Mission will also host an exciting Facebook Live event on Sunday, February 28.

“You’ll get front row seats to an exclusive concert by Scott Blasey of the Clarks,” Mason explained. “The sweets will also be delivered right to your door, along with a special surprise bag full of goodies, including your program, information on voting foryour favorite sweets, kids’ activities, and gifts from our sponsors!”

Creating an online event that captures the fun and excitement of Sweet Sunday was no easy task, and for Mason, who joined City Mission’s staff in May, this was her first time ever planning the Mission’s largest yearly fundraiser. But she remembers attending the very first Sweet Sunday with her Dad, who passed away 21 years ago. “They are some of my most cherished memories with him,” she said. “I am honored to be working alongside amazing people to create an event that encompasses the essence of Sweet Sunday while maintaining low-risk of spread during the pandemic.”

“My favorite part of Sweet Sunday is the basket auctions,” said Mounts. “It’s always been so much fun to see the glittering baskets lined up, waiting for tickets. We’re having the same auction, only this year, it’s online. And I get two whole weeks to look at the pictures, read the descriptions, and decide what baskets to put my tickets in!”

“This will certainly be a different Sweet Sunday than I’m used to,” added Gartland. “However, I’m really looking forward to connecting online with first-time Sweet Sunday supporters. And I’m really looking forward to sharing in all the joy and excitement of this year’s event.”

Please go to www.citymission.org for more details about the event or contact Katie Mason at kmason@citymission.org.

‍

February 4, 2021

Gary Porter

Communications Manager

Gary has been with the mission since 2017. He writes many of our resident stories, getting to know many of them and seeing their transformations at the mission from the start.

gporter@citymission.org

Lift up the Word. Light up the World.

May 3, 2024

“Lord, you are a light to us,” prayed City Mission’s President Emeritus, Dean Gartland, at our annual National Day of Prayer meeting last Thursday. “May your light shine through us to others. We pray for City Mission. Help us to continue to be a bright light in a dark time.” On Thursday, May 2, City Mission hosted our annual National Day of Prayer celebration in our Porter Pillow and Peggie Beaver Pillow Chapel. Leah Dietrich, Director of Residential Programs, acted as Master of Ceremonies, and Dr. Sally Mounts, Chief Development Officer, kicked off the event singing “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns. Next, City Mission staff members came up to speak and pray on a series of topics. Dean Gartland, prayed for City Mission. Manager of Church and Community Relations, Shelley Kubincanek, prayed for our local churches. Dr. Sally Mounts prayed for the military. Chief Financial Officer, Denny Kennedy, prayed for the state of Pennsylvania. Director of Development, Trisha Schum, prayed for the United States. Pastor Lance Whitlock, our Manager of Men’s Services, prayed for peace. RSS Supervisor/Chaplain, Jared Nolan, prayed for faith, and Volunteer Manager, Amanda Blakemore, prayed for children. The theme for this year’s event was: Lift up the Word. Light up the World, and each speaker presented a unique twist on the theme. “The churches in our community are such a beacon of light to each and every one of us,” said Shelley Kubincanek during her prayer for our local churches. “In today’s world where there is so much darkness, we need patience, kindness, humility more now than ever.” During Lance Whitlock’s prayer for peace, he explained, “It’s been said that we’re either going into a storm, we are currently in a storm, or we’re just coming out of a storm, but in the midst of it all, Jesus still speaks peace.” It was a beautiful ceremony to highlight the need for God’s grace to shine down on us all so that we, in turn, have the capacity to give grace to others.

Clean Slate Day

Brian Gorman, Executive Director of Summit Legal Aid

April 12, 2024

Summit Legal Aid, Washington County’s nonprofit legal aid organization, partnered with the Washington County Bar Association and City Mission for Clean Slate Day on Friday, April 12 in the City Mission Dining Hall.Clean Slate Day allows individuals with criminal charges or convictions to meet with volunteer attorneys and pardon coaches for free to find out if they are eligible for pardons, expungements, or sealing their records. Volunteer legal professionals will review case information and assist with the application process.“A criminal record is a very real barrier to employment for our residents,” said City Mission Manager of Career Services, Brianna Kadlecik. “And sustainable employment is a vital piece of the puzzle for them to get back to independent living.”But a clean slate does not just help with employment. Kadlecik has seen criminal records create barriers for our residents to obtain housing, financial aid for education, and even a driver’s license – all things that could help to clear a path for them to a better life. “It’s a beautiful thing,” Kadlecik said of the Clean Slate Day event. “Residents who have attended in the past have been able to get answers to things they didn’t think they would ever be able to get answers to.” For Brian Gorman, the Executive Director of Summit Legal Aid, Clean Slate Day is about giving people a second chance. “Everybody who comes here is looking to better themselves in some way,” he explained. “They’re looking for a job or a higher-income job. They could also be trying to go to school or to obtain housing, and their criminal record is preventing them from achieving those goals. So it not only gives people hope and redemption, but it also gives them tangible things that can help them create a better life.”

Dean's Retirement Video

March 26, 2024

City Mission's President/CEO for the past 14 years, Dean Gartland retired from that position on March 1, 2024. He will continue on as President Emeritus until September 30, 2024. We wish thank him for his faithful service to those in need, and we wish him all the very best for years to come! We love you, Dean!

The Sweetest Sunday

February 8, 2024

In 1994, a group of City Mission volunteers and board members had a sweet idea! Sweet Sunday co-founders, Cindy Pfrimmer and Phyllis Ross began meeting regularly to discuss fundraising ideas, and one day, over a cup of coffee, the idea for the Sweet Sunday Dessert Festival was born. The first Sweet Sunday was held at the Holiday Inn on Racetrack Road in Washington. There were dessert vendors, celebrity judges, kids’ activities, auction items, raffle baskets, and a line-up of live entertainers – the same event framework that we still use today. The premiere sponsor that year was Dr. Ron Salvitti, a local ophthalmologist and founder of the Southwestern PA Eye Care Center. Remarkably, Dr. Salvitti and his group at Southwest PA Eye Center have continued to sponsor Sweet Sunday every single year for the past 30 years. Bob Gregg from WJPA helped to promote that first Sweet Sunday, and to this day, he still helps promote Sweet Sunday. For the past 20 years, he has also broadcast live from the event, conducting interviews and making live announcements. Ross and Pfrimmer were expecting 500 guests at the very first Sweet Sunday, but an astounding 1500 showed up! The dessert festival has grown every year since then and has become City Mission’s largest fundraiser of the year and one of the premiere winter events in Washington County. This year, City Mission’s thirtieth anniversary presented by MPLX, is expecting over 3200 guests, 27 dessert vendors, and an amazing schedule of live entertainment, featuring Scott Blasey of The Clarks. As always, there will be raffle baskets, auction items, the café, Kids Korner complete with your favorite characters from Royal Princess Engagements, and all the sweets you can possibly imagine! This year’s event will take place on Sunday, February 25 from 12-5pm at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. All proceeds support City Mission’s life-transforming programs and services for the homeless. Sweet Sunday is the sweetest way you can help those in need in your community. You donut want to miss it! Learn more by visiting www.citymission.org/support/sweet-sunday.

City Mission Mourns Beloved Employee and Warrior for Christ

October 11, 2023

All who knew Doug Bush knew he was not someone to sit still for very long. He was always doing something or going somewhere. On Monday October 9th, Doug made his final trip and went home to be with the one who changed and transformed his life, Jesus Christ. Doug was surrounded by family and friends when he made his final journey. Doug faithfully served City Mission in Washington, PA for over 24 years. His love for the work, and most importantly for God, showed in every moment of his day. He was a tireless advocate for individuals in recovery and his message of hope and testimony of faith have been heard around the globe. Doug served in many roles during his over two-decade time at City Mission: in the donations center; in the Programs department; and served as Chaplain - he touched countless lives in all his roles. Doug’s laugh and presence could be felt in any room and this helped him make connections, too numerous to list. He then turned those connections into help for many people finding their way into recovery and into church homes. Doug always took time for people - whether it was stopping to pray with someone, taking a phone call, or sending a text message. If he couldn’t help with something, he always found someone who could. He served in the community through his ministry as the Pastor of Legacy Recovery Church - a part of Legacy Church International. He presided over many weddings and even more baptisms in the City Mission’s Porter Pillow and Peggy Beaver Pillow Chapel. Doug leaves a legacy of love, grace, and faith. No one will be able to replace Doug Bush. But together we can continue his work: by sharing the love of God with those who are hurting; giving one another grace; and remembering that a smile goes a long way. There is a section of scripture that reminds me of Doug. It is found in Mathew chapter 25 versus 35 – 36, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” For me, this verse describes Doug Bush. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements for Doug Bush are as follows:  Viewing: Friday, October 13th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM  Funeral: Saturday, October 14th at 11:00 AM doors open at 10:00 AM All of the Above will be held at Life Church 100 North Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 After Service Meal: Saturday, October 14th, 12:30pm at City Mission, 84 W. Wheeling St, Washington, PA For those wanting to honor Doug and his Christ-focused legacy, the family requests making donations to either City Mission (www.citymission.org or by check to address listed above) or by check to Legacy Church International, 200 N Forrest Ave., Washington, PA 15301, noting Doug Bush in memorial. In His Name, Dean R. Gartland, MS On behalf of City Mission staff Friend of Doug Bush and President/CEO of City Mission

"An Unforgettable Experience"

September 29, 2023

“Homeless and veteran are two words that should never be in the same sentence,” City Mission Chief Development Officer, Dr. Sally Mounts, said to the crowd at the 1st Annual Washington County Warriors Rock Concert on Thursday, September 28 at Wild Things Stadium. “But unfortunately, veteran homelessness is a reality, and because of that, we have an obligation to help. That’s why the City Mission has created the Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House for homeless veterans. We hope that you all support our veterans, and just by being here tonight, you are helping us.” Proceeds from the rockin’ evening benefit City Mission’s Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House and the 22 homeless veterans looking to turn their lives around at the Mission. Despite the gloomy, rainy weather, there was a good crowd at the event, safe and dry under a huge tent in the outfield grass of the stadium. After a helicopter flyover, flown by a local veteran, 11-year-old local singer, Josie Salvitti, sang the National Anthem. And then Gary Racan and the Studio E Band took the stage. They sang a variety of songs from all eras and genres. So there was something for everyone to enjoy. Woven in between the songs were video presentations featuring local veterans sharing the stories of their military service. Paul Karpan was the first veteran to be featured. He is a 101-year-old World War II veteran. Jim Balog, a US Army Aviation veteran, told the harrowing story of his helicopter crash during the Vietnam conflict. Dr. Dan Ravasio, veteran of the US Army Medical Corps, told the tale of helping to save the life of a female pilot who was the sole survivor of a helicopter crash during the war in Iraq. The woman whose life was saved is now a US Senator. Each veteran chose a song that had special meaning for them and the military service, and the Studio-E Band would play it. Paul Karpan, the WWII veteran, chose “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller. Dr. Ravasio selected “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. Jim Balog requested “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors. The event flowed smoothly and was incredibly compelling from start to finish. The most emotional part of the night was a presentation by a Gold Star Family. Judi Kovacicek and her daughter Renae Salvitti honored US Marine Lance Corporal Ryan Kovacicek who was killed in combat in Hit, Iraq in 2005. The story of their beloved son and brother was so moving that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The event culminated in a celebration of every veteran in attendance and a firework display. It was truly a beautiful and memorable night. We would like to thank everyone involved with the event: John and Michaela Salvitti who spearheaded the event, Gary and Kim Racan and the Studio E Band for their enthralling performances and presentations, all the veterans who participated, Wild Things Stadium for hosting the event, all of the many event sponsors who made the evening possible, everyone who braved the weather to attend the event, all the volunteers, and everyone who pitched-in in any way to make this benefit concert such a resounding success! “Warriors Rock was an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended,” said Dr. Mounts, “moving and meaningful, and a ton of fun!”

Sweet Sunday at Home