Pittsburgh ProjectED - 5/8/10

Urban farming is revitalizing neighborhoods in cities worldwide by promoting sustainable agriculture and nourishing people who can't afford their own food. Leading their own urban farming initiative, the Pittsburgh Project, a nonprofit organization aiding in the development of local communities, hosted Pittsburgh ProjectED, a gala that raised more than $43,000. United States Secretary of Agriculture and Pittsburgh native Tom Vilsack was the keynote speaker at the event. He shared with the 250 guests the importance of implementing such projects and encouraging Pittsburgh to continue its work. Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II and his wife Greta, in addition to PA Representative Jake Wheatley, were honored for their contributions to improving quality of life on the North Side. Photographer Annie O’Neill took portraits of guests, local artist Matthew Conboy exhibited his photographs, and members of Youth Voices displayed their personal art, which documented their own urban environments in association with the Pittsburgh Project. “We were certainly delighted in the Secretary’s interest in our work and his encouragement to keep growing the urban farming initiative,” says Development Manager of the Pittsburgh Project Bryan Perry. “And, we had a great time showing the photographs of the girls in order to open the public’s eyes about what is happening around Pittsburgh.”
Photography by Megan Wylie