Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh Day Triumphs with Olympian Power Breaks the World Record for Largest Group Hug in a Tent

For Additional Info:   

Joanne Quinn-Smith

P.O. Box 1155 Pittsburgh, PA. 15230

Phone: (412) 444-5197 Email: info@hugathonpittsburgh.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh Day Triumphs with Olympian Power

Breaks the World Record for Largest Group Hug in a Tent

PITTSBURGH, PA, August 2012 – Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh™  Day broke the world record for the Largest Group Hug in a Tent on August 11, 2012, when 73 Pittsburghers came together to hug each other all at once under the tent in Schenley Park. The victory recorded and posted at http://recordsetter.com/huggingworldrecords & http://rec.st/mBYx.

“What a wonderful experience this was, to see all these people step up to show the world that Pittsburgh is the most huggable city in the world” said organizer, Joanne Quinn-Smith.

Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Day, September 6, 2012

On September 6, Pittsburgh hugs the world and home-town charities. During the day, you

can get a hug at one of four downtown locations. Hugs are free! But we are raising money for

four charities: Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Society, Pittsburgh Passion’s Passion for Life, and Operation Troop Appreciation. In the evening join our FUN gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites. Pittsburgh Downtown. Plus, enjoy hugs from local celebrities, sports stars, local legends, and hugger winners. Join us for dancing, entertainment, a silent auction, and a classic Pittsburgh foods dinner.

Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh Day (http://facebook.com/hugathonpittsburgh) is Joanne Quinn-Smith’s brain child. She is recognized as one of the most civic minded Pittsburghers around. She’s known as Techno Granny, has been the National Small Business Journalist of the Year, and is Publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine. PPLMag garners 220,000 visitors per month and 62,000 unique page views. It is Pittsburgh's first internet radio and TV network.  

Weekly Recap

Positively Pittsburgh Live!
Turning Page 

All the radio and TV shows generated on PPL Mag this week are here at your fingertips. Click the live links within the versions below to read and see what's happening in Pittsburgh. Good news, events, and the must do and see spots - all in one email! 

Past Two Week's Highlights: How To Be An Online World Record Setter, Celebrate World Gratitude Day, Announcing Celebrity Huggers, The Queen of Marketing Expands

**Download the version in PDF form, as shown below, and save to your desktop to browse in your free time.**

**Or, read the live, turning page version, as shown below, and experience the virtual magazine effect, as you flip pages and actually hear them turning.**

In both versions, when you click the link for the multimedia, you can download and listen to the audio shows, or watch the videos.

August 13 - August 19 - PDF / TURNING PAGE

August 20 - August 26 - PDF / TURNING PAGE

 *********************************************************************************************************

If you’d like to have an article, audio show, or video shared with the rest of Pittsburgh, click here to contact me.

Have a positive and successful week!

Joanne Quinn-Smith
412-444-5197
2009 National SBA Journalist of the Year
AKA TechnoGranny, Talkcast Host
Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
2010 Stevie Award Finalist for Best Media Website or Blog
Creative Energy Officer, Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Full Service Marketing Company Specializing in Web 2.0 Branding.

Take advantage of the PositivelyPittsburgh Alliance:
Post your Positive Events and Use Discussion Forum
Get Your Own Syndicated Pittsburgh Internet Radio or TV Channel at:
http://positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com http://pplmag.com
LinkedIn:  http://joannequinnsmith.com
twitter:  https://twitter.com/technogrannysho
TechnoGrannyTalks:  http://technogrannyshow.com

Fact Sheet for Our Celebrity Huggers!

Fact Sheet for Our Celebrity Huggers! 

It all started with the 2-14-12 Proclamation by Pittsburgh City Council Members, declaring 9-6-12 as Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Day™.

As the Olympics closed out, Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh had their own Olympic type event. They attempted and succeeded in setting a world record for the Largest Hug Under a Tent.
This is recorded at: http://rec.st/mBYx

The feat was accepted at recordsetters.com, the online record setter recorder. 73 people joined in the hug, from ages 4 to 74. Quite an accomplishment for the first year!

The charities benefiting from this year’s Hug-A-Thon are: Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Foundation, Operation Troop Appreciation, and Passion for Life Foundation.

The main event will take place on September 6th at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, in the heart of Downtown (One Bigelow Square) VIP Reception at 5:30 PM Gala from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. This is a casual gala with dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and of course hugging, and hopefully a lot of donations for these worthy charities.

Current celebrity huggers include: J. T. Thomas, Hall of Fame Steeler; City Councilman, Bill Peduto; Varol Ablak, CEO and President, Vocelli Pizza; Joanne Quinn Smith, Techno Granny;
Veronica Burress, Pittsburgh Passion OL/DL; Melissa Gasdick, Pittsburgh Passion DB; Tammy Spencer, Pittsburgh Passion WR; Becky Auer, 6.5 Million Dollar Woman; Joe Hladiuk, Macy’s General Manager; Jessica Lee, Entrepreneurial Thursdays; Kelli Robbins, Contact One Communications; Sergeant Matthew Claycombe, US National Guard.

Vendors displaying at the Gala include: American Income Life Insurance, MBK Photography, Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Society, Inc., Operation Troop Appreciation, Passion for Life Foundation, Kara Vita, Jewelry Art by Amelia, and Body Beautiful Laser Medi Spa. Some vendor spots available.

Free Hugging will be downtown during the day: City County Building, (2:30 pm to 3:15 pm) Under Macy’s Clock (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) and Katz Plaza (4 pm to 5:30 pm) Donations accepted at Katz Only.


Founding Sponsor for Event is: PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com and Supporting Sponsor, Building Bridges for Business

Visit www.facebook.com/HugAThonPittsburgh for updates and information leading up to the event.


Tickets for the Event will be $55.00 and there will be a silent auction which has already started online. Tickets may be purchased at: http://hugathonpittsburgh.com.

Yinz Wanna Help?

Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Day Gala

Thursday, September 6, 2012
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites
Pittsburgh Downtown
One Bigelow Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Yinz Wanna Help?
When you attend the Hug-A-Thon Gala and you bring one of the following items you will receive a $100.00 gift card from Body Beautiful Medi Laser Spa

Cancer Caring Center needs bottles of Ensure, all flavors. Ensure isn't covered by most insurance companies.
&
Sickle Cell Society, Inc. needs bottled water.  Patients with sickle cell disease don't always have access to clean water
&
Operation Troop Appreciation needs packages of beef jerky for the troops who are stationed oversees.


You can purchase single tickets at $55.00 or
Donate if you can't attend
Click here to register to attend

OR

 Thanks to the generosity of our Supporting Sponsor

Building Bridges for Business

!!!Special!!!
Only till August 28th only for the first 20
registrations!!!
Purchase Ticket and become a Fan!
$85.00 A savings of 20%

**Becoming a Fan Will List You and Your Business

• Announced on Hug-A-Thon Facebook Page
   
• In the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Gala Program
• On the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Website
• On the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Channel on 
• PPL Mag
  
  

  Get in on the Savings and Fun Here!

  When you get to link scroll to bottom of form

  You Can Also Purchases single tickets at $55.00 or Donate if You Cannot Attend

  Our Charities, Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Foundation, Operation Troop Appreciation, Passion for Life Foundation

  This is not the usual gala,

  as you can see from our World Record Setting Largest Hug in a Tent
  
  

  (click on picture to see
  Record breaking video)

  Come back for more info

  
  

  We Will Have a Pittsburgh Dinner, Entertainment, Celebrity Huggers, Vendors, Massages, Dancing, Friending,

  Hugging, Hugging and More Hugging

  BTW this party is not in a tent, it is at the Doubletree by Hilton "Dahntahn"

  Let's Face It, If yinz are gonna live in Pittsburgh yinz better know how to hug, so Yinz Comin'
  
  !!!!Special!!!
  Only till August 28th only!!
  Purchase Ticket and become a Fan!
  $85.00 A savings of 20%

  Get in on the Savings and Fun Here!

  When you get to link scroll to bottom of form.

  You can also get a single ticket!
  
  But if you are a party pooper or you are busy elsewhere or even if you don't like hugging, you can still help out Four Pittsburgh Charties by

  becomin' a fan and  gettin' listed in our program.

  Become a Fan Here
  
  
   

  Get  Your Business In Front of Fun Pittsburghers Here!

  Vendors displaying at the Gala:
  Building Bridges for Business
  PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazi ne.com
  American Income Life Insurance
  MBK Photography
  Cancer Caring Center
  Sickle Cell Society, Inc.
  Operation Troop Appreciation
  Passion for Life Foundation
  Kara Vita
  Jewelery Art by Amelia
  Body Beautiful Laser Medi Spa

  
  There are only 7 spaces left!
  Click Here to be a vendor
  For more information or questions please contact Mary Pam Kilgore at 412-854-4827
  
  
  
   

  
  
  To Register Click Here

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 8-20-12

Positively Pittsburgh Live News

8-20-12

Listen to the show here.

Our World Record Submission is LIVE!

Group Hug!

Great news: our submission for Largest Group Hug In A Tent has been approved. We are now World Record Holders! Check out our official world record page here.

Want to win prizes through the Record of the Month Challenge? Ask your friends and family to share your achievement on Facebook. Details here.

***

NAWBO Awards - date has been changed

As the 2011-2012 NAWBO year comes to a close, it is The Pittsburgh Chapter of NAWBO tradition to recognize the women in our organization and in the Greater Pittsburgh area who have contributed their time, energy and talents to women business owners, to NAWBO and to our community.  We will also recognize our new members and share news on local and national benefits of NAWBO membership..

Please join us for NAWBO's Annual /Awards Celebration.  Reserve the date, Wednesday, September 19th.  We invite you to join us for a special luncheon of celebration of great businesspersons and their friends.  The luncheon will be held at the Grand Concourse, Station Square. Registration and networking start at 1:00 PM.  The cost of the luncheon is $35.00. To register, click here. 

***

The Latest News from our Neighborhoods

With the tragic recent deaths of two cyclists on Penn Avenue and the injury of a Pittsburgh Police Motorcycle officer, I want to let cyclists and pedestrians know that we have safe, welcoming alternative routes already in place in the East End. During Mayor Tom Murphy's term, a bike trail called the East End Loop, part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail developed in partnership with the Friends of the Riverfront, was developed to connect Mellon Park to Frick Park and offer a safe path for those cyclists who prefer to stay off of busy, sometimes dangerous streets, such as Penn Avenue. 

Later, Bike Pittsburgh worked to expand this path all the way to Highland Park. However, this in no way negates the need to make all of our streets safe and welcoming for cyclists. Some cyclists will still choose to use Penn Avenue, but for others, especially less-experienced cyclists, "comfort-zone cycling" on safer, quieter streets is a good option. We need a vision for complete streets -- with protected bike lanes and re-timed lights to slow traffic -- that provide adequate space for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians to travel safely and easily. And, we do need to address the serious safety concerns on Penn Avenue. But until then, I simply want people to know that there are safer alternatives already available to them. 

Mellon Park

Mellon Park, located in the heart of the City's East End, has been a meeting place for all East End neighborhoods for decades and it will soon be getting a bit of a facelift. I held a community meeting several weeks ago to talk about what is planned for the park and I'm excited about the improvements that will be completed within the next year. First of all, the long-awaited Mellon Spray Park will finally be open to the public in the Spring of 2013. The new spray park will include seven water features and will be a huge asset to the community. In addition to the spray park, new public restrooms were just installed and will be operational very soon. We are also adding a cyclist/pedestrian crosswalk to the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Penn Avenue -- an improvement that will enhance accessibility to the park and make the area safer for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Perhaps the most exciting improvements, though, are coming to us courtesy of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (BAMP), who will be celebrating their 75th anniversary next year. As a way of saying "thank you" to the residents of Pittsburgh, BAMP will be working with my office to construct the City's first handicapped-accessible playground in Mellon Park right next to the existing playground -- a place where children with physical disabilities can play together with their friends and siblings. BAMP is also planning to construct a concession stand and family picnic pavilions -- all free-of-charge to Pittsburgh taxpayers. As the plans move ahead, I look forward to sharing more details with you.

After working closely with my office and the surrounding community, Walnut Capital -- the developers of Bakery Square 2.0 -- will be presenting their zoning plan to the community at a meeting next Monday, August 20th at 6:30 PM at the Ellis School auditorium. After our initial community meeting in May, Walnut Capital has worked diligently with the community to change the zoning proposal and find a solution that maintains the character of the surrounding neighborhoods. Located on the site of the former Pittsburgh Reizenstein School, Bakery Square 2.0 will bring much-needed, high-quality office space to the East End to attract jobs and further investment in Shadyside, Larimer, Point Breeze, East Liberty, and Homewood. The development will be tiered, with multi-story office space along Penn Avenue, townhouses behind the office space, and single family homes near the borders of the residential heart of Shadyside. I hope you can join me at this meeting to learn more about this exciting development and lend your voice to the plans. For more information about the meeting, please see the flyer here. This meeting is public and open to everyone -- please join us! 

The United States was founded on religious equity and freedom. That is why it is particularly troubling to see discrimination and hate based solely on religion and ethnicity still rear its head in our country as it did most recently with the heartbreaking murders of innocent people at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Faith in the United States is incredibly diverse and this diversity is one of our greatest strengths -- a strength that should be nurtured and protected. That's why I'm so excited about Bridging Faiths. This is a groundbreaking program of the Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee (PAJC) that immerses high school students in a program to explore other faiths, share their own faith, and become ambassadors for religious freedom and understanding across the country and the world. The program blends arts and culture, religious literacy, and service and volunteerism to create bridges between our various faith communities to dissolve the harmful stereotypes that can so often divide us. If you, your child, or your school or congregation would like to learn more about this fantastic program, please see their brochure here or visit the PAJC website. 

***

World Gratitude Day Pittsburgh - sponsored by PPL 

Celebration of Appreciation: A World Gratitude Day Event

September 22, 2012, 1 pm, Undercroft Art Gallery, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood Ave.

Cultivate happiness through gratitude! Be uplifted through a program of music, poetry, reflection and sharing. The event will feature Life in Balance, a nationally touring Pittsburgh group that creates a unique, musical experience combining Chakra tuned quartz crystal bowls, synthesizers and World flutes.  A reception and activity tables, including gratitude journals and a thank-you-note-athon, will follow the formal program. Free will offering to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.  Hosted by Karen Litzinger of Litzinger Career Consulting. Read the entire release here.

***

Laugh and Learn: Laugh Often, Live Well – Free Laughter Workshop

Squirrel Hill Library, Wednesday, August 29th at 10:15 am, 5801 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh

Want to relieve stress, power up your immune system and have fun too? Join Julie Ann Sullivan, Certified Laughter Leader, for a laughter workshop that will transform your perspective. Included is the guide to a joyful life, Good Hearted Living. Bring a friend and go away with a smile. Call for information 412.422.9650 or email squirrelhill@carnegielibrary.org.

***

The Queen of Marketing Expands Her Territory

Becky Auer

Becky Auer, the Queen of Marketing, has expanded her territory into the world of networking/educational meetings and events by acquiring the business calendar website, www.BusinessCalendar.org this past week.

"Our goal is simple: to provide Pittsburgh entrepreneurs and business owners a place to find (and post) business meetings and events that would benefit them and their business," Auer says.

Auer continues, "Networking is a critical component to every business owner's overall marketing plan." BusinessCalendar.org was one of the first online business calendars in Pittsburgh, starting 15 years ago. It has helped thousands of people find the meetings and events they want to attend. Read the entire release here.

*** 

The Roving Pittsburgher Report

Dark Shadows, Maxi Saver Cinema

This is when the dollar movie at Maxi Saver Cinema is really a plus in Pittsburgh. Sometimes the staff at PPL gets so busy reviewing cultural events that we don’t get to see the first run movies. So off to the Maxi Saver Cinema in Century Square Plaza we go, yes I said, $1.00, maybe it’s $.99, nevertheless it’s a bargain especially if you are not sure you will like the movie.  So we figured a Johnny Depp movie could not be bad.  Ah well, it wasn't, it was campy and entertaining but no Pirates of the Caribbean and definitely worth a $1.00.

Beto’s Pizza
On the other hand, before Dark Shadows we went to Beto’s Pizza on Banksville Road. We never get tired of talking about this place. Most people like their pizza just with the sauce and the cheese thrown on top.  But us Italians call that raw, so we wait to get it baked which can be a challenge as it is not really in their repertoire. But still it’s worth the wait and a meal for two is usually under $10.00 with a salad. Also just in time for fall, they have a homemade soup of the day which is only $3.69 for a bowl. We talked to a woman from Carrick who says she comes there at least once a week and has been coming since she was a kid. Not telling any tales but she was almost as old as the TechnoGranny and the Nanno Granny and we remember when Beto’s used to hand your pizza to you out of the back window.

Entrepreneurial Thursdays
Last week was huge and packed out because Global Pittsburgh had its First Thursday there which added to the normal networking crowd that follows ET and Jessica Lee and friends.

***

This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.

Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

Announcing Celebrity Huggers, New Vendors and Ticket/Fan Package

Drum Roll Please!!!

Hug-A-Thon Pittsbugh Announces the
Celebrity Huggers

City Councilman Bill Peduto
Joanne Quinn Smith, Techno Granny
J. T. Thomas, Hall of Fame Steeler
Veronica Burress, Pittsburgh Passion OL/DL
Melissa Gasdick Pittsburgh Passion DB
Tammy Spencer, Pittsburgh Passion WR
Becky Auer, 6.5 Million Dollar Woman
Joe Hladiuk, Macy’s General Manager
Jessica Lee, Entrepreneurial Thursdays
Kelli Robbins,  Contact One Communications

Varol Ablak, CEO and President Vocelli Pizza
...More to come

And where will you be able to get a hug from these celebrities?

Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Casual Gala

September 6, 2012

There will be Hugging, Hugging and More Hugging

BTW this party is not in a tent, it is at the
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh "Dahntahn"
One Bigelow Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
 

Let's Face It, If yinz are gonna live in Pittsburgh you better know how to hug, so Yinz Comin?

Thanks to the generosity of our Supporting Sponsor

Building Bridges for Business

!!!!Special!!!
Only till August 28th only or the first 20 registrations!!
Purchase Ticket and become a Fan!
$85.00 A savings of 20%

**Becoming a Fan Will List Your and Your Business

• Announced on Hug-A-Thon Facebook Page

• In the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Gala Program
• On the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Website
• On the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh channel on PPL Mag

Get in on the Savings and Fun Here!

When you get to link scroll to bottom of form

You Can Also Purchases single tickets at $50.00 or Donate if You Cannot Attend

Our Charities, Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Foundation, Operation Troop Appreciation, Passion for Life Foundation

This is not the usual gala,

as you can see from our World Record Setting Largest Hug in a Tent

(click on picture to see
Record breaking video)

Come back for more info

We Will Have a Pittsburgh Dinner, Entertainment, Celebrity Huggers, Vendors, Massages, Dancing, Friending,

Hugging, Hugging and More Hugging

BTW this party is not in a tent, it is at the Doubletree by Hilton "Dahntahn"

Let's Face It, If yinz are gonna live in Pittsburgh yinz better know how to hug, so Yinz Comin'

!!!!Special!!!
Only till August 28th only!!
Purchase Ticket and become a Fan!
$85.00 A savings of 20%

Get in on the Savings and Fun Here!

When you get to link scroll to bottom of form.

You can also get a single ticket!

But if you are a party pooper or you are busy elsewhere or even if you don't like hugging, you can still help out Four Pittsburgh Charties by

becomin' a fan and  gettin' listed in our program.

Become a Fan Here


 

Get  Your Business In Front of Fun Pittsburghers Here!

Vendors displaying at the Gala:
Building Bridges for Business
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
American Income Life Insurance
MBK Photography
Cancer Caring Center
Sickle Cell Society, Inc.
Operation Troop Appreciation
Passion for Life Foundation
Cara Vita
Jewelery Art by Ameila 

Body Beautiful Laser Medi Spa

There are only 7 spaces left!
Click Here to be a vendor
For more information or questions please contact Mary Pam Kilgore at 412-854-4827

To Register Click Here

Join The Pittsburgh Passion

Olympic Size Hugs and other PPL Mag Weekly Recaps

Positively Pittsburgh Live!
Turning Page 

All the radio and TV shows generated on PPL Mag this week are here at your fingertips. Click the live links within the versions below to read and see what's happening in Pittsburgh. Good news, events, and the must do and see spots.

This Week's Highlights: Over 100 Ways To Make Money Blogging, Olympic Size Hugs, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch

**Download the version in PDF form, as shown below, and save to your desktop to browse in your free time.**

**Or, read the live, turning page version, as shown below, and experience the virtual magazine effect, as you flip pages and actually hear them turning.**

In both versions, when you click the link for the multimedia, you can download and listen to the audio shows, or watch the videos.

August 6 - August 12 - PDF / TURNING PAGE

 *********************************************************************************************************

If you’d like to have an article, audio show, or video shared with the rest of Pittsburgh, click here to contact me.

Have a positive and successful week!

Joanne Quinn-Smith
412-444-5197
2009 National SBA Journalist of the Year
AKA TechnoGranny, Talkcast Host
Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
2010 Stevie Award Finalist for Best Media Website or Blog
Creative Energy Officer, Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Full Service Marketing Company Specializing in Web 2.0 Branding.

Take advantage of the PositivelyPittsburgh Alliance:
Post your Positive Events and Use Discussion Forum
Get Your Own Syndicated Pittsburgh Internet Radio or TV Channel at:
http://positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com http://pplmag.com
LinkedIn:  http://joannequinnsmith.com
twitter:  https://twitter.com/technogrannysho
TechnoGrannyTalks:  http://technogrannyshow.com