Gwen Elliott Day of
Giving & Groundbreaking
Join Us for a Groundbreaking Event and 1st Annual Gwen Elliott Day of Giving!
On June 8, 2024, Gwen’s Girls will break ground on a $6 million building renovation for its new headquarters in Wilkinsburg. The ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 600 Ross Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 on what would have been the 80th birthday of the organization’s founder, Gwendolyn J. Elliott. To celebrate her legacy, Gwen’s Girls CEO, Dr. Kathi Elliott, is inviting the community to participate in the first annual Gwen Elliott Day of Giving. Immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony, attendees will see firsthand where their donations will go by touring the facility and viewing the architect’s designs on display.
Event Highlights
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Witness the beginning of a new chapter as we break ground on our future home. Be a part of history as we embark on this exciting journey to provide an even greater impact for the girls and young women we serve.
Gwen Elliott Day of Giving
In honor of Gwen’s legacy, we’re launching the first annual Gwen Elliott Day of Giving. Join us in celebrating her vision by contributing to our mission of providing essential support and resources to empower girls and young women in our community.
Exclusive Sneak Peek
Get an exclusive look at the blueprints and renderings of our new facility. Discover how this state-of-the-art space will elevate our programs and services to better serve the needs of our community.
The new space means new programs and increased participants. Plans include a STEM learning lab, a recording studio, a commercial teaching kitchen and cafe, behavioral and mental health services, conference rooms that are available to the community, and a pantry and laundry area to meet the basic needs of young people. The new building will also house Caring Connections for Youth, a community-led program developed by Gwen’s Girls and the Black Girls Equity Alliance. By calling 211 instead of 911, Allegheny County residents are connected to services to keep youth out of the legal system and on the right track. Renovations are expected to be completed by September 2025.
Invited Guests:
- Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis
- U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District,
- U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District
- Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Pennsylvania State Senate
- PA State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, 34th State House District
- Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive
- Rich Fitzerald, former Allegheny County Executive
- DeWitt Walton, Allegheny County Council Member
- Dontae Comans, Wilkinsburg Mayor
- Melanie Buzgan Dower, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative Principal
- Alexis Russell, A. Martini and Russell General Contracting Project Lead
- William Krahe, Grandview Development
- Peggy Outon, Excelsior Consulting
- Maureen Ryan, Write Connections, LLC
- Sheena Hancock, Interior Creations
You Can Help Build a New Generation of Leaders And a New Headquarters for Gwen’s Girls.
While our official Day of Giving kicks off on June 8th, we welcome early donations from those eager to support our mission of empowering girls and young women. Your contribution helps us provide essential programs and resources to make a positive impact in our community.