Gala Awardees

2022 Heroes Awardees

Legislator of the Year

Erika Strassburger

Councilperson to District 8

In 2021, Councilperson Strassburger introduced and passed a ban on single use plastic bags and fee on single use paper bags.

Councilperson Strassburger is not only a longtime advocate for clean air and water policies (including working for the overhaul of Pittsburgh’s outdated municipal water and recycling codes) but an advocate for the people sharing those environments.

Passionate about preventing/ending gender discrimination and promoting equitable, diverse communities, Councilperson Erika Strassburger embodies a holistic humane career.

Compassionate Living Award

Karen Philips started her career (which she continues full-time) as a veterinary surgeon serving cats, dogs, birds, etc.
Over time, Karen noticed farm animals surrendered to the shelter at increasing rates. The shelter was under-equipped to care for the pot bellied pigs and geese coming in, but Karen determined she would be.
Initially conceived in 2008, Karen purchased Hope Haven’s property in 2011 and for over a decade has maintained it as a Sanctuary to both the animals and people it serves, including through its robust social media presence:

Monumental Achievement Award

Serving as HARP’s CEO for 12 years, Dan Rossi led the organization through the merger of Animal Rescue League and Western Pennsylvania Humane Society to create HARP, one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Pennsylvania.

Dan also guided HARP through their massive relocation campaign to the Animal Resource Center in the East End. 

Continuing his commitment to animal welfare, Dan Rossi’s next *monumental achievements* so to speak, will happen as Executive Director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter in California.

Past Heroes Awardees

2021

Legislator of the Year

Mike Doyle

Congressman

Compassionate Living Award

Richard Butler

HR Manager of Talent and Wellness Development, City of Pittsburgh

Senator Roy Afflerbach Monumental Achievement Award

Officer Christine Luffey

Pittsburgh Police Department

2019

Legislator of the Year

Matt Rudzki

Sharpsburg Mayor

Compassionate Living Award

Simone Frerk

VP EVS, Food and Nutrition UPMC Health Services Division

Compassionate Living Award

Dr. Michael Parkinson

UPMC

Senator Roy Afflerbach Monumental Achievement Award

Roy Afflerbach

Senator

2018

Legislator of the Year

Bruce Kraus

City Council President

Compassionate Living Award

Daisy Wise

Hello Bully

Monumental Achievement Award

Nancy Lee

Best Friend to Animal Award

David Mongillo, Esq.

2017

Legislator of the Year

Bruce Kraus

City Council President

Special Acknowledgement

Tucker Arensberg Attorneys

2016

Legislator of the Year

Adam Ravenstahl

State Representative