Small Seeds holds 5th Annual Signature Event

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HONOREES—From left: Andrew Cheeseboro, Rev. Michael D. Wurschmidt, Carmen Anderson, Chaz Kellem (in front), Judge Kim Berkeley Clark and Rev. Dr. James H. McLemore. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)

The Small Seeds Development Inc. honorees at the 5th Annual Signature Event all agreed that they do what they do for others because the personal gain far exceeds what they give.
Board chair and founder of the organization, Rev. Dr. James H. McLemore said in his written remarks, “Small Seeds is about hope and faith, and is dedicated to the strengthening of the entire family,” which is a perfect connection to this year’s honorees.
“Families in Motion,” was the theme of the gala event.  On Sept. 25, overlooking Pittsburgh’s beautiful skyline atop Mt. Washington at the LeMont Restaurant, the organization celebrated 15 years of serving the community. Guests enjoyed the musical talents of the Kevin Howard Duo and feasted on fine dining LeMont style.
Scheduled to be co-mistresses of ceremonies were KDKA-TV Anchor/­Reporter and Small Seeds board member Brenda Waters, and Sonya Toler, Public Information Officer for the City of Pittsburgh; illness prevented Waters from attending and she was replaced by Suzanne Kerlin, from PNC Investments.
 
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HONOREE—Rev. Dr. James H. McLemore, Andrew Cheesboro and Sonya Toler, mistress of ceremonies, with honoree Judge Kim Berkley Clark (holding her plaque).

After the welcome by Rev. McLemore and invocation by board member Rev. Samuel Ware, the 150 plus banquet attendees were shown a video presentation that highlighted a few of the programs and services available to the families they serve.
The core programs of Small Seeds are: Mother to Son, Family Group Decision Making, Inua Ubuntu and Social Services Employment Assistance. These are the organization’s programs and services  that impact the quality of life for the families they serve.
“We impact communities by helping to provide a safe environment and empowering children, youth and families and educating people to become self–sufficient,” said Small Seeds CEO Andrew Cheeseboro.
 
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DOCTORS IN THE HOUSE—From left: Lucy Ware, PhD, Rev. Dr. Samuel Ware and Dara Ware Allen, Phd.

 
The evening’s main event was the recognition of leaders whose work has made a difference in the lives of children, families and communities. Reverend McLemore and Cheesboro distributed awards.   The Chairman’s Award, an honor that is bestowed upon individuals for their unique achievements or contributions to the development of children, youth and families, was presented to Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, administrative judge of the Family Division of the 5th Judicial District of Pennsylvania.  The Non-Profit Leadership award, which is given to an individual who works to improve the lives of children, youth and families by supporting non-profit organizations, was presented to Carmen Anderson, senior officer at the Heinz Endowments. The Inclusion and Diversity Award, which is presented to a leader who has provided outstanding community service to the community at large, was given to Chaz Kellem, manager of Diversity Initiatives for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Community Service in Business Award, which is presented to a leader who has provided outstanding business service to the community at large, was given to Howard B. Slaughter Jr., PhD, president & CEO of Christian Management Enterprises LLC. Also, Rev. Michael D. Wurschmidt, founder and pastor of Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship, an urban congregation that is located in Pittsburgh’s Uptown, was awarded the Community Service Award.
 
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HOWARD SLAUGHTER JR.

 
Shepherd’s Heart is part of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh and is dedicated to providing help and hope to the homeless of Pittsburgh and has been in operation since 1993.
Each honoree expressed the utmost gratitude for this recognition and stressed his/her support for the work Small Seeds does in the community.
The evening concluded with announcing the winners of the silent auction, closing remarks, a special thanks to funders and a benediction by Rev. Ware.  For more information on Small Seeds Inc., visit the https://www.ssdipgh.org or call 412-665-2810.
 

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