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WHEREAS The Centre Avenue YMCA is a landmark organization founded as a Beacon of Hope for the Hill District community over 100 years ago. Founded in 1906 on the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Centre Avenue YMCA has strived to build a strong community by serving as one of the first social and recreational facilities in the Pittsburgh area for African Americans.
WHEREAS the YMCA was the only accommodation available for African Americans who visited the city when hotels in downtown Pittsburgh would not accept them in their facilities. The Centre Avenue YMCA also served as a dormitory for numerous African American students attending the University of Pittsburgh who were also not permitted to reside on campus during those times; and
WHEREAS the Centre Avenue YMCA continues to be an asset to the Hill District community today, with a multitude of services including food pantries, youth sports & employment and many more; and
WHEREAS on Saturday, October 18, 2008, the first ever Hill of Hope Gala, a fundraiser for the Centre Avenue YMCA will be held at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. The event will celebrate and honor the artistic and musical talents of community member.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does wish to show its support for the Hill of Hope Gala while additionally taking this opportunity to thank the Centre Avenue YMCA for its support of the community for over 100 years.