Welcome to the ‘Burgh!

On Monday, August 10, 2009, UCP/CLASS held its 9th annual PUSH America Friendship Visit! Members from the Pi Kappa Phi fraternities from universities all over the United States ride bicycles from San Francisco to Washington D.C.. Each rider is asked to raise $5,000 which allows PUSH America to make grants available to nonprofit organizations all over the United States. Along the way, they make visits to different organizations to complete service projects or visit with the people the organizations support. UCP/CLASS hosts a friendship visit each year at the Community Service Center. Around June when the Journey of Hope begins, staff and participants sponsor riders by sending them letters and care packages.

The theme for this year’s party was a Pittsburgh tailgate brunch. Those who attended the event munched on Isaly’s Chipped Ham barbecues, halushki, pierogies, kielbasa and sauerkraut, and Smiley Cookies from Eat ‘n Park. The brunch gave the PUSH America riders time to visit with their pen pals and the other participants. After brunch, some of the riders told the group about their experiences on their way to Pittsburgh and answered questions.

The event concluded with the presentation of a check for the grant that UCP/CLASS had received. The $500 grant will be used by Community Skill Building community resources class. As part of the Community Resources class, participants visit or attend different places and events around Pittsburgh. The money from the grant will aid in alleviating the cost of admission to these events.

The event was a huge success and everyone is already looking forward to PUSH America’s visit next year. If you are interested in other events that are occurring at UCP/CLASS, check out our Events Calendar.