- Last Updated on Saturday, 30 May 2015 23:19
Every December, Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services, in Rostraver, hosts a Choo Choo Chow Chow luncheon to raise funds for the Children's Free Care Fund at Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH).
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| Howard Hanna Luncheon |
Tom Simon Sr., broker/owner of the agency, recently presented a check for $10,000 to MVH. The 2015 donation brings his agency's total contribution to the Free Care Fund to more than $131,000 over the years.
Pittsburgh-based Howard Hanna Real Estate Services' corporate office and agencies sponsor the Chow Chow luncheons each fall and during the holiday seasons to provide medical care to children regardless of insurance or their families' ability to pay.
Mr. Simon hosted his first Chow Chow Luncheon in 1997 in his office with approximately 30 people in attendance. After a few years, the luncheon outgrew his office and moved down the road to a larger restaurant. It was at that time that he decided that since his agency does business in the Mon Valley that the funds should stay in the Mon Valley to help children in the community. He met with Mr. Cullen and the two worked together to establish the hospital's Free Care Fund. When the event outgrew the restaurant, Mr. Simon moved the luncheon to the Club House Grille at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Rostraver.
More than 200 people attended the 2014 luncheon that included a live auction, Chinese auction, 50-50, bake sale and cash donations.
In the Photo at Right:
(l to r) During the check presentation ceremony, are Cindy Walman, manager of Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services; Tom Simon; Tommy Simon III; Tom Cullen; and Deanna Bovard, a realtor who served on the Chow Chow committee.
