Spotlight on Supporters

Mike and Judy moved to our area to be closer to their four beloved grandsons.  As avid golfers and energetic individuals, they embraced their daughter Julie’s recommendation to explore Lauri Ann West Community Center’s exceptional fitness facilities and personal trainer options. The vibrant, warm, welcoming community at the Center is what they cherish.

As a former kindergarten teacher, Judy recognizes the vital importance of providing youth with a safe and enriching environment. Their generous contributions to the Center support the Arts and Enrichment After School programming, including scholarships for deserving participants who may otherwise face financial barriers.

The Sullivans are not just members.  They are passionate ambassadors for Lauri Ann West Community Center, encouraging their friends to discover the plethora of opportunities available.

Ginny Merchant has called Fox Chapel home for over fifty years.  Originally from San Marino, California, she moved to Pittsburgh to raise her four children: Trip, Bobby, McCall, and Michael.  Today, she is an engaged grandmother to four grandchildren living nearby and a fifth in Taiwan.

Ginny takes pride in setting an example for her grandchildren by staying active in both her community and personal life. Her volunteer journey began at the Animal Rescue League, where she discovered a passion for dogs.  Over the years, she has provided a home to more than 20 dogs and currently has three: Charlie, Elvis, and Banjo.

The satisfaction Ginny found in volunteering quickly grew to include many other organizations. Ginny now devotes her energy and resources to numerous local groups , positively impacting individuals throughout the Fox Chapel area.

When she’s not being “Gigi” to her grandchildren or volunteering, Ginny enjoys exercising and playing pickleball, mahjongg, bridge, and bowling.  At home, she is an avid gardener tending to many gardens and containers brimming with beautiful plants and flowers.

Ginny lives by the motto, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”  Her interest in our community center began when she witnessed the positive impact it has by offering experiences and activities for people of all ages.  She appreciates how the Center unites everyone to create  last memories together.  Ginny’s support of the Lauri Ann West Community Center helps ensure that she and her neighbors can continue to enjoy this special place for years to come.

Louise and Trip moved to O’Hara Township two decades ago and watched the transformation of 1220 Powers Run Road.  They came to Boyd Community Center with their daughter, Emily, later joining Lauri Ann West Community Center as regular fitness members.  Over the years, they’ve built a consistent workout routine and enjoyed personal training sessions that help them stay strong, learn new techniques, and continue challenging themselves.

Originally from Northern New Jersey, Trip spent time as a Naval Aviator and a Maritime Attorney before dedicating the last several decades to ministry, currently serving as a pastor for New Hope Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills.  Louise currently works as an ESL teacher for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Louise and Trip choose to invest in our Community Center because they believe  deeply in the power of community resources.  They see the Lauri Ann West Community Center as a true asset – one that strengthens the place they proudly call home.

Jane Siddons Herrmann has been a dedicated advocate and supporter of Lauri Ann West Community Center since its inception. Growing up in the area and raising her three children here, Jane appreciates the importance of having a safe gathering space for community members of all ages. As a realtor with 25 years of experience, she understands the profound impact a community center can have on its neighborhoods. Therefore, she passionately backed the establishment of such a facility for the residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District.

She loves that Lauri Ann West Community Center offers various ways to engage, such as attending lectures, participating in classes to learn new skills, making friends, and staying physically active. To extend the Center’s outreach, Jane has consistently supported various initiatives, including Breakfast with Santa during the holidays, providing a Kona Ice Truck for summer camp participants, and serving as a presenting sponsor for Celebrate the Center. 

This year, her generous donation funds the new “Unity in the Community” events.  On February 28, 2025, “Unity in the Community” welcomed families with children ages 4 to 12 to engage in scientific experimentation, crafting art, and physical games, all led by the Arts and Enrichment After-School program instructors.  Additionally, on May 16, 2025, families will dance during a Silent Disco event. More “Unity in the Community” events will be announced later this year. 

The Lauri Ann West Community Center is immensely grateful for Jane’s infectious enthusiasm and ongoing support, which are vital in providing more opportunities to unite and inspire our community.