‘PICNIC IN YOUR PARK’ RETURNS FOR SECOND YEAR
PITTSBURGH – APRIL 12, 2021 – The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is thrilled to announce the return of ‘Picnic in Your Park’ on Sunday, June 6, 2021 in historic Schenley Park. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the non-profit.
Last year, ‘Picnic in Your Park presented by PNC’ debuted as a reimagining of the Parks Conservancy’s annual Spring Hat Luncheon fundraiser. This year’s festivities will once again incorporate the spirit of the Hat Luncheon with the necessary health and safety protocols to provide guests with a safe picnic experience. Parks lovers are invited to pre-order one-of-a-kind gourmet picnic baskets and enjoy them at the central pickup location in Schenley Park, at home, or in their own neighborhood parks on June 6. This year’s event also includes refreshed meal options, live entertainment, and a new lower ticket tier offering a delicious charcuterie board (available for pick-up only). The Parks Conservancy encourages guests to safely attend in-person to experience these fresh and exciting features but will also have baskets available again for delivery right to your doorstep.
Sophie Gage, philanthropy manger, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, said, “Last year’s reimagined event was so well received. As conditions improve, but continue to be closely monitored, we decided we would hold off on the traditional Spring Hat Luncheon festivities for another year.”
“One tradition that will never change are the Hats, so in keeping with this event tradition, supporters and attendees are once again encouraged to don their favorite Hat Luncheon fashions and amazing springtime hats while enjoying the day.” Gage added.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Parks Conservancy’s mission to enhance and maintain the city’s public parks and green spaces. The successful 2020 event raised nearly $500,000, as Pittsburghers welcomed the opportunity to support their cherished parks, while enjoying a physically distanced picnic. Like last year, for every basket sold, the Parks Conservancy will be
donating a meal to a child experiencing food insecurity through the City of Pittsburgh’s “Grab and Go” meal distribution program.
Event attendees can select from three picnic basket menus specially prepared by Common Plea Catering. The ‘Wine Country’ basket features a tart apple and brie baguette accompanied by quiche de Bouchon, contemporary turkey Devonshire serves as the main entrée in the ‘Three Rivers Flavor’ basket; and the ‘Southern Charm’ basket showcases a low country shrimp cocktail, country ham biscuits and cold fried chicken bites. Each basket includes tea and water; and variety of chef-selected fruits and cheeses, side dishes and desserts. Flatware, dishware, glassware, and napkins are provided.
To purchase a ‘Picnic in Your Park’ basket, or to donate to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, visit www.pittsburghparks.org/picnic. Basket orders must be received by May 26, 2021.
###
Alana Wenk
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
412.527.0020
awenk@pittsburghparks.org
About Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: Now celebrating its 25th year, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was founded in December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh’s historic city parks. A non-profit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement to restore and improve the city’s park system to its full potential. To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised more than $130 million and completed 22 major park improvement projects. The Parks Conservancy works with thousands of volunteers, hosts hundreds of events, and provides programming for more than 7,500 children annually.
About the Spring Hat Luncheon The PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon is traditionally one of Pittsburgh’s hallmark social gatherings. As the Parks Conservancy’s most vital fundraising event, the success of the luncheon helps determine how much restoration and maintenance can be accomplished in city parks each year. Since it was founded in 1999 by Ritchie Battle and Audrey Hillman Fisher, with support from Teresa Heinz, the Hat Luncheon has raised more than $9 million of direct support for Pittsburgh’s park system. Proceeds are used wherever they benefit the parks system most, from capital projects to underwriting general operating support for the Parks Conservancy. In addition to capital projects, funds raised by the Hat Luncheon enable ongoing maintenance, tree and perennial plantings, educational programs and free programs and events in the parks.