November 7, 2026 • Manchester Craftsmen's Guild

20 Years of Impact. One Night to Fuel the Next 20.

Join Be the Force Behind the Change, the Greater Pittsburgh MAD DADS 20th Anniversary Benefit Concert at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild featuring pianist Dr. Alton Merrell. Support the Vanessa D. Spencer Scholarship and help keep Street Patrols on the street.

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Impact by the Numbers

From four people walking Wilkinsburg to a countywide movement.

Since the chapter was certified in 2006, what started as four people on a weeknight in Wilkinsburg has grown to steady patrols in three communities five days a week. In the past two years alone, patrols logged more than 800 shifts and 1,200 volunteer hours and welcomed 70 new volunteers.

0Years of service
0Neighborhoods served
0Scholarships awarded
0Days a week in core patrol areas
Why this night matters

The concert is not just entertainment. It is a way to fund presence, protection, mentorship, scholarship, and hope.

Why We Celebrate

Changing neighborhoods begins by changing relationships.

Twenty years ago, four people began heading out on a weeknight in Wilkinsburg because they believed young people deserved to grow up with safety, accountability, and love around them. This celebration honors the people who kept showing up and invites sponsors, donors, and ticket buyers to help carry the mission forward.

Support the Next 20 Years
2006
Street Patrol begins

Four committed people head out on a weeknight in Wilkinsburg.

2010
Community partnerships expand

MAD DADS grows relationships with families, churches, schools, and public safety partners.

2021
Vanessa D. Spencer Scholarship

Named for a founding chapter member, the scholarship has sponsored 12 students and awarded $25,500 since 2021.

2026
20th Anniversary Benefit Concert

A night of celebration, gratitude, music, and investment in the next generation.

Allegheny County Reach

Every gold pin represents a community where MAD DADS has walked.

For 20 years, MAD DADS has shown up where presence matters most. The gold pins mark communities where street patrols have taken place since the chapter began, based on the latest authoritative patrol list provided for this event site.

Hover or tap a gold pin to see the municipality name. Click the larger Pittsburgh #89 marker to view the city neighborhoods where MAD DADS has patrolled, including Homewood, East Liberty, Garfield, the Hill District, and more.

Imagine the next 20 years.

Each pin is a reminder of what consistent community presence can do. With more sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners, MAD DADS can help bring patrol support, youth connection, and neighborhood relationships to even more municipalities across Allegheny County.

22municipality pins shown
11Pittsburgh neighborhoods inside #89
130municipalities on the county map
Numbered Allegheny County municipality map with MAD DADS patrol-area overlay pins

Gold pins: communities where MAD DADS has held Street Patrol over its first 20 years.

People Behind the Impact

Behind every number is a name, a family, and a story.

This section is designed for the people who carry the mission: volunteers, parents, scholarship recipients, youth, and patrol leaders whose stories show why consistent community presence matters.

Volunteer SpotlightWhy we keep showing up
Scholarship RecipientWhat opportunity looks like
Street Patrol LeaderPresence changes atmosphere
Community ParentFamilies feel the difference
Dr. Alton Merrell performing at the piano
Featured Artist

An unforgettable night with Dr. Alton Merrell.

A pianist, composer, and educator across jazz, gospel, and classical traditions, Dr. Alton Merrell has performed with legends from Christian McBride to Donnie McClurkin. His latest album is on the Grammy-winning MCG Jazz label, housed at the very venue welcoming us.

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Event Experience

A celebration with purpose, music, and community honor.

The evening should feel like more than a concert. It is a mission-centered celebration at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, with sponsor recognition, scholarship impact, community gratitude, and a featured performance by Dr. Alton Merrell.

Manchester Craftsmen's Guild

1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233

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Reception Begins

Guests arrive and enjoy the opening reception.

Program Seating

Guests move into the event center for the program.

Two Sets by Dr. Alton Merrell

Dr. Alton Merrell will perform two sets. Program comments will conclude during the intermission.

Program Conclusion

Final remarks will be made during this window. Timing may be adjusted slightly as the event date approaches.

Where the Money Goes

Every sponsorship moves through two mission lanes: education and presence.

About 35 percent of each cash sponsorship covers fixed production costs, in line with nonprofit event standards. At least 60 percent goes directly to the two missions, split equally between the Vanessa D. Spencer Scholarship and MAD DADS Street Patrol.

Scholarship Fund

Fuels the Vanessa D. Spencer Scholarship: $1,000 funds a full academic year and $500 a semester.

Street Patrol

Supports training, equipment, and modest stipends that keep trained volunteers walking the routes our children travel.

Fundraising Progress
$35,000
Goal: $100,000

Totals are updated by the MAD DADS team as gifts come in.

35%of goal funded
$10,500example scholarship lane
$10,500example Street Patrol lane
Facebook

Let the celebration keep moving beyond the stage.

The Facebook feed below is live and refreshes every time the chapter posts, so the newest sponsor thank-yous, event updates, patrol moments, and ticket reminders always appear here.

FAQ

Answers that help people say yes with confidence.

Clear answers help ticket buyers, sponsors, and community partners move from interest to action without confusion.

Where do I buy tickets or arrange group seating?

Purchase individual tickets or select group seating through the official Zeffy ticket page.

Can my business sponsor the event?

Yes. Review the sponsorship packages above, then use the official Zeffy sponsorship page to select your level and submit payment.

Are there VIP options?

Several sponsorship tiers include VIP reception access and premium reserved seating.

Where does the money go?

About 35 percent of each cash sponsorship covers fixed production costs. At least 60 percent goes directly to the two missions, split equally between the Vanessa D. Spencer Scholarship and MAD DADS Street Patrol.

Who should I contact about sponsorship?

Albert Merritt, Executive Chair: almerritt0615@gmail.com or 412-801-2187. General questions: greaterpittsburghmaddads@gmail.com or 412-457-6635. Mail checks and forms to Greater Pittsburgh Area MAD DADS, P.O. Box 971, Monroeville, PA 15146.

Be Part of the Next 20 Years

Buy a ticket. Become a sponsor. Help Greater Pittsburgh MAD DADS keep showing up.

Every seat, gift, and sponsorship helps turn a celebration into sustained community impact.

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