The Place: The August Wilson Cultural Center, Downtown, Friday night

The Purpose: “An Evening with Jackie Evancho” was the inaugural event for The Brave Heart Foundation of Pittsburgh. The concert and reception raised funds to benefit homeless LGBTQ youth with safe housing, emotional support and care. The foundation was founded by Lisa Evancho (with Mike), the mother of soprano Jackie Evancho and her sister Juliet. “This fundraising gala means the world to me, and my friend is actually the inspiration for all of this,” said Juliet. “My friend was adopted and when he came out as gay his parents told him on his 18th birthday he has an hour to get what he wanted and he had to leave,” she recalled. “When my mom heard the seed was planted for this organization and now we are all here,” she said smiling. Juliet is transgender. Her sister Jackie came in from New York City to support the cause. “I am so proud of my mother,” said the singer. “We are excited for how this will help in the future,” she added. Their father, Mike Evancho welcomed everyone to the auditorium after a VIP reception. Jackie dedicated the first song, “To Dream the Impossible Dream,” to her mother. “I usually dedicate it to her for helping me reach my impossible dream, but tonight it is because she has made her dream a reality,” explained Jackie. Among those applauding were David and Johanna Young, Aaron Valentic with Taylor Cavalovitch, Becky Haberstroh, Linda and Bill Evancho, Emily Skopov, Leigh Solomon Pugliano and Alice Beckett-Rumberger.

First Published: February 18, 2019, 4:45 p.m.