The Treasure Awards Dinner was created to recognize our neighborhood Treasures, the people and places that make Squirrel Hill a great place to live, work and do business. The Squirrel Hill Treasure Dinner has become an annual celebration and fundraiser for the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. In 2024, we will honor three individuals who have made a great impact on Squirrel Hill and the city at large. Please join us on Thursday, November 7th at 6 pm for a celebration to remember! Event tickets, virtual ads and raffle tickets can be purchased here.
Announcing Our 2024 Treasures
Dr. Stanley Marks
Dr. Stanley M. Marks serves as the Chairman of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UPMC Shadyside. As a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. Marks has dedicated his career to advancing the field of cancer research and patient care. His commitment to innovation led to the creation of the Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund, which plays a crucial role in driving forward groundbreaking cancer research and treatment.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Marks has been more than just a physician; he has been a pillar of support and a source of hope for countless patients and families, particularly in the Squirrel Hill community. His compassionate approach and understanding of challenges faced by those battling cancer have left an indelible mark on the lives he has touched, making him a revered figure in both the medical community and the communities he serves.
Maggie Feinstien, Director of 10.27 Healing Partnership
Maggie Feinstein, a dedicated community leader, serves as the Director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, an organization established in the wake of the devastating Tree of Life synagogue massacre. The 10.27 Healing Partnership has become a beacon of hope and recovery for those affected by the tragedy and for others who have experienced hate-based violence.
Ms. Feinstein’s leadership is characterized by her unwavering commitment to fostering collective healing and resilience within the community. She emphasizes the importance of impactful service, ensuring that every initiative undertaken by the Partnership is designed to support those in need while also strengthening the bonds of community. Her focus on building a resilient community has been vital in helping individuals and families navigate the long and often difficult journey toward healing, turning a time of profound pain into an opportunity for renewed strength and unity.
Reverend Canon Natalie Hall, Church of the Redeemer
Reverend Canon Natalie Hall, Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, stands as a prominent figure in Squirrel Hill’s diverse community, where her leadership in interfaith educational initiatives plays a crucial role. Under her guidance, the Church of the Redeemer not only continues its longstanding commitment to social justice but also serves as a vital hub for fostering dialogue and understanding among different faiths and cultures.
Rev. Hall is deeply engaged in bridging divides, recognizing the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by a multicultural community. Her efforts are instrumental in creating spaces where mutual respect and learning can flourish, ensuring that the church remains a strong advocate for social equity and justice.
Place Treasure: Neill Log House
The c.1795 Neill Log House, a remarkable piece of Pittsburgh’s history, stands as the oldest domestic log dwelling in the city, representing a tangible link to the region’s early frontier days. This historic structure has weathered the passage of time, bearing silent witness to over two centuries of change, yet it has remained long-abandoned and in need of restoration.
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Neill Log House, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition has taken on the role of fiduciary for the Friends of the Neill Log House, a dedicated group committed to preserving this invaluable treasure. Their efforts are focused on restoring the house to its former glory, ensuring that it can once again serve as a living testament to Pittsburgh’s early settlers. With plans to open the restored Neill Log House to the public in the summer of 2024, this initiative not only aims to preserve the physical structure but also to create a space where the community can connect with its rich heritage, learn about the city’s early history, and appreciate the enduring legacy of those who came before. This project is more than just a restoration; it is a revival of Pittsburgh’s historical narrative, brought to life through the careful stewardship and vision of SHUC and the Friends of the Neill Log House.
2024 Treasure Dinner Details
This year’s Treasure Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 7th at the Pittsburgh Golf Club from 6-8pm. Tickets are $125 per person.
Event tickets, virtual ads and raffle tickets can be purchased here.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2023 Treasure Dinner a successful and fun event! See photos of the event below:
Archives
2023 Treasures: Helen Wilson, Ellen Kessler, Dr. Liz Miller, and Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS).
2022 Treasures: Carol Brown, Dr. Harry Clark, Mildred Miller Posvar, Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
2021 Treasures: Nancy Polinsky Johnson, Brian Lee, Kiya Tomlin, Wightman Park
2020 Treasures: Norraset “Nor” Nareedokmai, Jasmine Cho, Barbara Burstin, First Tee/ Arnold Palmer Learning Center
2019 Treasures: The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Michael Ehrmann, Sunburst School of Music, Our valiant City of Pittsburgh First Responders
2018 Treasures: Natalie Kaplan, The Pittsburgh Chinese School, National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh, Littles Shoes
2017 Treasures: E.J. Strassberger, Maria Caruso, John Katz, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
2016 Treasures: The Friendship Circle, Classic Lines, Books and more, Pittsburgh Citiparks, Community Day School
2015 Treasures: Bill Isler, David Stock, Mike Chen, Taylor Allderdice High School
2014 Treasures: Pamela’s Diner, The Hebrew Free Loan Association, The Honorable William Peduto, The Homewood Cemetery
2013 Treasures: Rabbi James A. Gibson, Karla Boos, Wendell G. Freeland, Esquire, Squirrel Hill Post Office WPA era mural
2012 Treasures: Deborah R. Fidel, Esquire, Robert Qualters, The Manor Theatre, Holly McCullough and the Staff of the Squirrel Hill Branch of the Carnegie Library Pittsburgh
2011 Treasures: The Corner of Murray and Forbes, Deborah Acklin, Robert Levin, and The Honorable Sophie Masloff