PITTSTON — Music and laughter filled the Pittston Knights Home Association Friday as supporters of Paint Pittston Pink filled the space for the nonprofit’s 2019 kickoff event.

Greeting guests on their way inside to see the premiere of Dueling Pianos, Paint Pittston Pink co-founder Barbara Sciandra was excited to begin this year’s fundraising efforts.

“We’re really excited. We’re hoping that we meet our $100,000 goal this year,” she said.

The organization in undergoing some slight changes this year, becoming a standalone nonprofit and creating its own fund at both the University of Pennsylvania as well as at The Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida to better control the types of research its funds are benefiting.

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Sciandra is currently undergoing a new clinical trial for booster vaccines to help the immune system at The Moffitt Cancer Center, as well.

“The best way to think of it is its just like getting a flu shot. All it’s doing is its helping to reboost my immune system,” she said, adding her results have been positive. “I’ve tried to dispel any misconceptions. I’m not sick; I’m not undergoing treatment. It’s just helping my immune system stay strong.”

Inside, a room full of guests sang along to Eric Henkels and Pat Smith of The Piano Fight Club, a Philadelphia-based duo and headliners of the event.

Playing classics from the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel to taking requests for country tunes and more, the duo injected some playful banter between themselves and the crowd as they hammered away at their keyboards.

Standing in the back of the room, Pittston resident Cassandra Ross said she wouldn’t miss the event for several reasons.

“I love (Piano Fight Club). I saw them in State College when I went to school there, so they were my favorite band to go see,” she explained.

Ross also attended the event to honor Lisa Jones Kutra, a close family friend and Paint Pittston Pink supporter who passed away from breast cancer earlier this year.

In fact, Friday’s kickoff was held in Kutra’s memory with dozens of attendees donning pink shirts bearing her name.

For Jones Kutra’s mother, Mary Kay Jones, the event was especially meaningful as she purchased over 100 of the shirts and asked friends and family to wear them in her daughter’s memory.

“I asked everyone to wear them, remember her and spread awareness,” she said, encouraging guests to support research to end breast cancer. “What Barb has done for breast cancer in Pittston is beyond words.”

The next scheduled event for Paint Pittston Pink will be the “Meet Your Match” charity date auction on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Tomato Bar & Bistro.

Pat Smith, left, and his partner Eric Henkels, of the Piano Fight Club based out of Philadelphia, provide entertainment during Paint Pittston Pink’s Dueling Pianos event at the Knights Home Association in Pittston Friday evening.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_PPP-Dueling-Pianos-1.jpg.optimal.jpgPat Smith, left, and his partner Eric Henkels, of the Piano Fight Club based out of Philadelphia, provide entertainment during Paint Pittston Pink’s Dueling Pianos event at the Knights Home Association in Pittston Friday evening. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Rosie Faciana, left, Joanna Fusco, center, and Lane Simkonis support Paint Pittston Pink.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_PPP-Dueling-Pianos-3.jpg.optimal.jpgRosie Faciana, left, Joanna Fusco, center, and Lane Simkonis support Paint Pittston Pink. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

It looks like P.J. Melvin, right, is throwing his support behind his son Paul for the Paint Pittston Pink Gentlemen’s Dash to be held Oct. 7.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_PPP-Dueling-Pianos-4.jpg.optimal.jpgIt looks like P.J. Melvin, right, is throwing his support behind his son Paul for the Paint Pittston Pink Gentlemen’s Dash to be held Oct. 7. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Showing their support for Paint Pittston Pink are, from left, Liz Waleski, Avoca; Cassie Ross, Pittston; Grace Hughes, Pittston; Katelyn Pugliese, Pittston; Rebecca Weinstock, Jenkins Twp.; Michaelene Mcadon, Pittston.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_PPP-Dueling-Pianos-5.jpg.optimal.jpgShowing their support for Paint Pittston Pink are, from left, Liz Waleski, Avoca; Cassie Ross, Pittston; Grace Hughes, Pittston; Katelyn Pugliese, Pittston; Rebecca Weinstock, Jenkins Twp.; Michaelene Mcadon, Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Charity hopes to raise $100,000 this year

By Marcella Kester

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.