...After the LUVFEST Has Gone! (Part 1)

Friday night, November 14th, 2014 marked the night we'd all been waiting for.

What made LUVFEST 2014 an extra special night was the fact that for the first time in almost ten years, all of Billie Marlowe's kids - Denise, Connie, Betsy, Jami and Wally - were gathered together in the same place. Few things compare to watching this family trade jokes, hugs, barbs, beers and laughs. Spend two minutes in their company and rest assured, you'll also feel like a member of the family.

Billie's Kids (l-r): Connie, Denise, Elizabeth, Jami and Wally

Those close to Jami know just how much work goes into pulling this off every year. Thanks to the annual efforts of her and her family, untold numbers of Pittsburgh-area families are able to have food in their homes. It's an incredibly simple goal and one that, as of this year's event, has raised over $7,000 dollars for The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

In honor of their ongoing sense of commitment, Councilwoman Deborah Gross graciously sponsored a proclamation commemorating the spirit of LUVFEST with its own day.

Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 was officially LUVFEST Day in the City of Pittsburgh. This was an unofficial secret until the night of the fundraiser, the previous Friday. None of the Marlowes were aware of the news. Here is a photo of the exact moment that Jami Marlowe and the rest of the family heard the announcement from Marcel Walker.

Imagine that moment with lots and lots of cheering and tears and you've basically got it.

The full text of the proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Jami Marlowe, a longtime Pittsburgh resident, a community minded individual, and an advocate for those in need, has dedicated herself to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank by organizing and throwing a fundraiser since 2007; and 

WHEREAS, this fundraiser, called LUVFEST, has, to date, raised over $6000 for the GPCFB, whose goal is feeding people in need and mobilizing communities to end hunger; and 

WHEREAS, LUVFEST has grown in attendance, sponsorship, and community investment each year due to the enthusiastic efforts of Jami and her fellow organizers; and 

WHEREAS, LUVFEST was established in loving memory of Jami’s mother, Billie, a restaurant owner who would selflessly open the doors of her establishment to those in need, offering a hand of friendship and care at the moment when one was needed most; and 

WHEREAS, Jami and her siblings have organized LUVFEST to continue Billie’s legacy of strength, love, and unending community care; and 

WHEREAS, this amazing effort is both applauded and supported by the members of this community and anyone who is pulled toward this wonderful cause. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the outstanding efforts of Jami Marlowe, her siblings Elizabeth, Wallace, Connie and Denise, and other involved volunteers towards making LUVFEST a beautiful event representing love and care for those in need; and 

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, November 18^th 2014 “LUVFEST Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.

  

SPONSORED BY

COUNCIL MEMBER DEBORAH L. GROSS

Thanks to all of the attendees from Friday night's event, the ToonSeum staff, Councilwoman Gross and her staff, and everyone who came out to support  us at the City County Building -- all of our friends from Deloitte, the Winghart Family, the Church of the Drunkard, and everyone watching the ceremony online.

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Next: We'll talk more about the event itself. (And how about those bands and bellydancers? 8^D)