Thank you for your nominations for the 2009 Dominion VITA Awards! Please check back soon to see the winners.

If you have questions regarding the VITA Awards, please call Emily Gallentine at 412-622-1590.

The Dominion VITA Awards program is a joint community partnership between Dominion and WQED Pittsburgh. It is funded by an annual grant from Dominion. Dominion is one of the nation's largest fully integrated electric and natural gas holding companies. The Dominion VITA Awards are coordinated by WQED Pittsburgh, the nation's first community-owned public broadcasting station. Today, WQED Pittsburgh is a leading regional, public multimedia enterprise that creates and distributes quality products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within its community and around the world.

2008 Marked the 20th Anniversary of the Dominion VITA (Volunteer in the Arts) Awards!

WQED and Dominion are proud to partner to celebrate this milestone. Together, we hosted a special 20th Anniversary celebration in September 2008 where all past VITA recipients were honored. Watch the video here and look back again on all of these individuals who have given tirelessly of their time, talents and efforts to the arts community.

The 2007 VITA Award honorees are:

Chiapih Shaw
Although not a professional dancer, when she saw the need to promote Chinese culture in Pittsburgh she took on the challenge. As Vice President of Cultural Affairs for The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) – Pittsburgh Chapter, Chiapih Shaw has successfully sought professional dancers from Taiwan and Japan on her visits home. Not only was she able to learn the intricate art of Chinese dance, she was able to bring her invaluable instruction back to Pittsburgh to share and teach the youth of OCA at no cost.

Through her efforts, Ms. Shaw continues to expand the mission of the OCA by organizing a dance ensemble composed of young students and by exposing the community to Chinese dance.

Dr. Bruce Wilder
When he is not traveling the country consulting on a wide range of health care issues, Dr. Bruce Wilder, a lawyer and neurosurgeon, serves as a board member for the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. For over 15 years Dr. Wilder has stood steadfast with the Ensemble during good times and through the challenging ones, as well. He has contributed both financially and personally to the organization by purchasing desperately needed equipment and regularly giving free legal advice, to helping organize successful artistic and outreach activities. Dr. Wilder has tirelessly upheld the organization’s mission to return immediacy and relevancy to live concert performances in Pittsburgh.

Donald Patterson
The term volunteer spirit has a new life when someone is speaking about Donald Patterson of the Afro-American Music Institute. Through his volunteer efforts, the Music Institute received increased media exposure which led to an important relationship with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tennessee. This new partnership made Pittsburgh the very first city in the nation to host this timeless exhibit. Through Mr. Patterson’s work with Stax and the Music Institute, he was able to give the children of the Afro- American Music Institute’s Youth Lab the opportunity to perform at the Memphis museum amongst a host of legendary soul music performers.

Ruth S. Hahn
A true embodiment of passion for the arts, Ruth Hahn diligently serves Old Economy Village in multiple capacities. While she can be counted on to assist staff members in collections management, exhibit creation and interpretation, Ms. Hahn demonstrates an extensive knowledge and interest in this Beaver County historic site and its rich history.

She was instrumental in the development of Old Economy’s music program which provides historic presentations from the 19th century. She continually challenges visitors, staff and volunteers to learn more about this fascinating Beaver County landmark, thereby ensuring that the mission to preserve it is fulfilled.

Dr. George R. White
Both promoting and embracing diversity is just one of the ways that George White helped the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh develop into a successful cultural organization. Known throughout the community as a generous philanthropist, Mr. White has offered both financial support and wise counsel to the theater so it could continue its mission to support emerging talent, thereby broadening the audience base. Mr. White was also instrumental in acquiring a three-year collaboration agreement with Opera America, which cited the theater as innovative. This recognition was noticed by a reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

Beatrice Campbell
With unwavering resolve Beatrice Campbell has insured that the talents of the artists of Touchststone Center for Crafts in Fayette County do not go unnoticed. For over the past 15 years, Ms. Campbell single-handedly operated Touchstone’s gift shop, including identifying products, negotiating sales, displaying goods, and ensuring that accounts are sound and balanced. She succeeded in establishing a temporary store for the Center that is easily assessable during the winter months. Under her management, the mission of Touchstone is upheld by showcasing the crafts that encourage quality design and innovative expression.

Meet the 2006 honorees.