16th Annual Cocktails & Cuisine

Friday, May 12, 2023

An unforgettable night under the stars! Sip. Graze. Bid. Stargaze!

When you join Cocktails & Cuisine, the foodie event of the season, you partake of acclaimed dishes and desserts from the region’s top chefs while tasting top wines and brews. Crisis Center North's signature fundraiser supports victims and survivors of domestic violence with an evening to remember that includes amazing live and silent auctions. OUTDOORS with seating and entertainment under our big tent at The Woodlands, C&C features and the excitement of live bidding on trips of a lifetime and more led by auctioneer extraordinaire Geoff Cowan.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The renowned jazz stylings of Lisa Bleil with combo--Benny Benack, Jr. on horns and John Burgh at the keyboard--provide the evening’s musical underscoring.

EXPERTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Julie Grant, host on Court TV and former KDKA-TV legal reporter, returns to Cocktails & Cuisine as emcee.

Foodie Judges from area media: Our super Foodie Judges are led by food and garden maven Doug Oster, joined by:

Pittsburgh Magazine Food Editor Kristy Locklin;

Table Magazine's Star Laliberte;

Inspiring Lives Magazine's Dr. Shellie Hipsky;

WQED's Anna Singer;

Yelp's Liz Willen;

Very Local's Dave Forman of Plate It, Pittsburgh!

Sampling the restaurant offerings, the judges’ votes determine the "Best in Show" for cuisine and desserts. All guests get to vote for the "People’s Choice" award.

AUCTION FOR ADVOCACY

The excitement of our in-person, live and silent auctions returns! Browse from more than $25,000 worth of goods and services packaged to our delight in the silent auction, or join in the drama directly with the live auction, featuring Trips of a Lifetime to dream locations. Watch our social media for auction highlights!

Why This Event Matters...

Crisis Center North’s tradition of innovation and response to vital individual and community needs aims to give the victim service non-profit necessary resources for the provision of services and programming to survivors at no cost. Cocktails & Cuisine is an essential and principal source of individual and corporate donations for Crisis Center North during the agency’s fiscal year.

“We count on the greater community’s support in our mission to empower victims of domestic violence and be vigilant in breaking the cycle of violence,” Grace Coleman, CCN executive director says. “Whether it’s counseling, our 24-hour hotline, or essential house referrals or everyday goods to sustain those in transition, our services are related to the urgent need of victims who may be sheltering in place with an abusive partner.”

In lieu of tickets, CCN suggests community members and prospective attendees make donations in any amount online before and during the event. All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Event Sponsorships and Program Ads are available

Individuals, corporations, local businesses, and community groups can also support the vital mission of Crisis Center North by becoming an Event Sponsor. Each level of Sponsorship comes with its own perks, including tickets, parking passes, and special mentions via the event and social media. Ads in the Cocktails & Cuisine Program Booklet are a cost-effective way to reach the 400+ dedicated attendees of the event over the last 15 years!

Please see the Cocktails & Cuisine 2023 Pledge Form for all sponsor perks. Reach out to Crisis Center North directly for inquires. Rates for individual quarter-sized, half page, and full page ads are also listed.

Presenting - $5,000

Gold Spoon - $3,000

Silver Spoon - $1,400

Beverage Table - $1,000

Bronze Spoon - $600

Friend of CCN - $300 (Available on Eventbrite)

All sponsorships are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What apparel is best for Cocktails & Cuisine?

A. Relaxed, business casual attire. The event is held primarily outdoors with pavilion and tent coverings, so please dress for weather as appropriate.

Q. Do I need a paper ticket for entry to the event?

A. No paper tickets are used at Cocktails & Cuisine. At our registration table, you will simply tell us your name (if you purchased an individual ticket) or which group or table you are with if you are part of a Table of 8 or with a sponsoring organization. We will then collect your name and basic contact information and assign you a bid number to be used at Live and Silent Auctions.

Q. I purchased a Parking Pass: When do I receive this?

A. You will receive your Parking Pass emailed to you 24 hours before the event. Please print your PARKING PASS and place it on your vehicle's dashboard upon entering the Woodlands driveway.

Q. Where do I park?

A. If you purchased a Parking Pass, you will be able to park at the Woodlands Foundation. Approach the Parking Attendant and please place your Parking Pass on your vehicle's dashboard facing outward once you park.

If you do not have a Parking Pass, you will be able to park at Marshall Middle School (5145 Wexford Run Rd, Wexford, PA 15090). Two buses will be shuttling attendees to and from the Woodlands Foundation from 5:45-10:15pm.

Other questions?

For more information on Crisis Center North's 16th Annual Cocktails & Cuisine, or to support the event as a sponsor or advertiser, or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.crisiscenternorth.org. Tickets are for sale on EventBrite.

You can also contact Michael Brayack at 724-709-4279 or mbrayack@crisiscenternorth.org for more information on 2023 and future event opportunities.

Our Story

In 1978, thirteen women joined forces to establish Crisis Center North (CCN). They did so with nothing but the commitment of our founding mother, a small core of volunteers, a budget of $13.78, and a vision to end domestic violence in their community. For 45 years, CCN has worked to serve over 88,000 clients affected by domestic violence in Allegheny County with counseling; medical, legal, and economic advocacy; and prevention education and outreach to the community. CCN’s mission is to empower victims of domestic violence and cultivate community attitudes and behaviors that break the cycle of violence. Since 2008, CCN has held its annual signature fundraiser, Cocktails & Cuisine, celebrated as one of Pittsburgh’s top-ranked foodie events.

SUPPORT VICTIMS: DONATE NOW

Help make a difference in the life of a victim of intimate partner violence. Make a donation at www.crisiscenternorth.org and select "Donate." We thank you for your support!

In lieu of tickets, CCN suggests community members and prospective attendees make donations in any amount online before and during Cocktails & Cuisines. All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN. 25-1425416