Our History
Our Origin Story
In 1995 Cathy organized a WALK FOR PEACE at the Civic Arena to raise awareness and money for the plight of the Bosnian orphans. She knew she needed some high-powered help and obeyed an inner urge to solicit the help of National Hockey League Super Star, Jaromir Jagr, a native of the Czech Republic. She sent him a letter and four color pictures taken at the refugee camp. “I knew in my heart he was the one to help!” she said. Within a few weeks Jagr responded saying he would join in her efforts to help the orphans of Bosnia.
On September 17, 1995 Jagr hosted the first WALK FOR PEACE. September of 1997 marked the third walk. The 1997 fundraiser was the most successful effort thus far, and their efforts had begun to make an impact on the Pittsburgh community. After three years of what seemed to be an uphill battle, Cathy was feeling quite optimistic about future events. As a result, she was planning additional fundraisers.
Unfortunately, that winter, Cathy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer. Her work was brought to a sudden halt. At home one evening during radiation therapy she heard the story of a child suffering from the same illness who would be spending the holiday in the hospital. Feeling the same heartache she did years earlier in Bosnia, Cathy knew she must reach out to this child and others suffering in the Pittsburgh area. The result was the birth of the Mother’s Hope Foundation which aids suffering children at home and abroad. The foundation is run out of Cathy’s home. Her work continued with three more WALKS FOR CHILDREN, now benefiting both children in Western Pennsylvania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
to help orphans in Bosnia by initially hosting the Walk for Peace in 1995.
Night of Hope - Fundraising Event
In February of 2001, Mother’s Hope Foundation held its Inaugural Night of Hope, a Rainbow and Roses Benefit Evening. This annual fundraising dinner was the cornerstone of the foundation’s effort to fulfill its mission for many years. The evening gave supporters an opportunity to mingle with well-known Pittsburghers, bid on special one-of-a-kind items, and support this deserving cause.
With the generous support of the Pittsburgh business community Mother’s Hope Foundation held 12 Annual Nights of Hope which supported the foundation by having a black-tie dinner accompanied by silent and live auctions in downtown Pittsburgh.
Following the Night of Hope the foundation has held various other fundraising events to raise money for the children. Events have included a Kentucky Derby Party, Golf Outing, Super Bowl Raffle Party and Night of Wine and Music.
Mother's Hope Catherine Howe Eternal Hope Award
In 2008, Dennis J. Sipe became the first ever Eternal Hope Award Recipient at Mother’s Hope Foundation’s Night of Hope. Through his generosity as an annual Circle of Hope Sponsor, Mother’s Hope greatly increased its efforts to bless children in Western Pennsylvania and abroad.
Honorary Chairmen and Advisory Board
Through the years Mother’s Hope has been supported by Honorary Board Members Jaromir Jagr, Pierre Larouche, KDKA Sports Anchor Bob Pompeani and WTAE News Anchor Mike Clark. Many other local sports celebrities have attended events including Mario Lemieux, Marc-Andre Fleury, Mark Recchi and Jordan Staal.