We’ve got exciting news to share about Pittsburgh’s coolest upcoming party that you won’t want to miss! The Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery, a.k.a. POWER, is hosting the city’s first-ever gala-style party that is intentionally sober and welcoming to all! Get ready for The Purple Party, which will take place on May 18th from 6pm – 9pm at the Energy Innovation Center downtown.

Presented by Robert Levin and Dr. Kerry Bron, The Purple Party is a celebration of POWER’s mission and welcomes attendees who are “sober curious, sober celebrating, and everyone that supports the recovery community.” The event is also a fundraiser to help support POWER’s essential work, including its POWER Campus project soon to open in Swissvale.

Since its founding in 1990, POWER has operated Allegheny County’s first halfway house specifically for women and has expanded to offer treatment – both inpatient and outpatient – for women seeking sobriety. POWER also offers community-based services to both men and women in recovery through the region and has helped to build a stronger safety net of support services for women in the county who have complex needs.

“Addiction is a serious illness that wreaks havoc on individuals, families, and communities – yet, recovery is possible,” says Rosa Davis, CEO of POWER. “It’s estimated that 22.3 million Americans are living in recovery and that’s worth celebrating. We want people to see the miracle and joy of recovery, and experience the fun of sober-celebrating while supporting the important work that POWER is dedicated to.”

The Purple Party will feature tons of delicious bites and sips, including a spread of tasty food and purple-themed desserts by Bella Christie’s Sweet Boutique, a menu of custom mocktails, and a gourmet coffee bar from Square Cafe. Guests can also enjoy live music from DJ Femi, Colicchie, and No Bad JuJu – and plenty of dancing with Element Dance!

“Fortunately, sober events are becoming popular, and not just for those in recovery,” says Davis. “There’s nothing like this in Pittsburgh. This party with a purpose is going to become the biggest sober party in Pittsburgh!”

Of course, guests are invited to dress in their loveliest purple attire (from casual to cocktail) for the event – because what else should you wear when it’s time to walk the purple carpet or to sip mocktails and coffee drinks in the lushly-decorated, floral Recovery Garden? Talk about Instagram-worthy moments!

To raise funds for POWER’s amazing work, you can also take part in a silent auction and raffle that will offer the chance to win more than 50 awesome prizes, including local art, getaways, club seats for upcoming Steelers games, fine dining experiences, theater tickets, and more.

“This party is the culmination of so much love and collaboration by everyone who touches POWER,” says Sherree Goldstein, owner of Square Cafe, POWER Board Member, and Capital Campaign Co-Chair. “Guests will get to experience the power of recovery and the community that POWER has built over the years. As a person who has proudly been in recovery for 34 years, I am dedicated to showcasing what life actually looks like in active recovery. It’s time we give ourselves space to celebrate and break the stigmas surrounding our community. Just because you are sober does not mean that you cannot have a fabulous time and The Purple Party will showcase this in every way.”

In addition to the fun party vibes, The Purple Party will also serve as an occasion to honor three esteemed POWER Alumni in the Purple Portraits Gallery, which will be showcased at the event. These alumnae’s photographs and stories will be on display to inspire partygoers and serve as an example of how influential POWER can be in supporting women in recovery. The Purple Party will also host the presentation of the Seeds of Hope Award, which will be presented to POWER’s CEO Rosa Davis in recognition of her 30+ years of leadership with POWER.

This event is unfortunately now sold out, but you can still party in purple by donating, volunteering, or shopping their Amazon Wishlist that benefits women receiving addiction treatment at POWER. There are also other ways to give on their website.

If you’re interested in learning more about POWER’s volunteer opportunities, new programs, success stories, and more, sign up for their mailing list!

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Kaidia Pickels

Kaidia is a native Pittsburgher and a content writer for a local marketing agency. She loves to travel, try new dishes at local restaurants, and drop in to fitness class throughout the city. She's a die-hard Pens fan as well as an amateur baker and mixologist — sometimes combining both in one recipe!

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