Luvfest

04/25/2020

I have not posted in Luvfest since taking a hiatus. For 10 years, I begged you all to come out and support the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and hang out with the Marlowes as we raised money and honored our mom.

So what now? We can't gather together. The GPCFB, like ALL food banks, need help. If you are still working and can afford to, please donate. I realize not everyone is from Pittsburgh: find your local food bank online! Just like Billie did, these food banks know how to maximize their dollars for their clients.

However, I also urge you to support the grass roots efforts in your neighborhood. For me, that is donating items at the Irma Freeman Center where boxes are put together for local restaurant/bar workers. Billie always bent over backwards for her cooks and servers. I'm not going that far but my little effort is helping someone who probably has waited me.

I hope I am not saying this to you, dear reader but it must be said: if you are still working and collecting a paycheck, please don't wait in line for free distribution.

Finally to all of the essential workers: from the cashier to the orderly to plumber to the drivers to the volunteers and coordinators to the mail delivery workers to med lab technicians to the teachers and personal care aides and so many more who wake up every day to work outside their homes so I can keep working safely in mine... THANK YOU does not sufficiently extend my gratitude.

Be safe and well.

11/18/2018

The writer Andrew Vacchs says "Love is a behavior". Go do some LUV today: hug a friend; call a family member; offer a smile and greeting to a neighbor... we never know when a small act will have a large impact.

Pittsburgh City Council proclaims it so... you should LUVFEST today! Thanks to my family for their LUV and to all of you for making sure our friends and neighbors have enough.

11/10/2018

The Marlowe Family will be donating, in memory of Billie, $1100 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

So, for those keeping a Luvfest score:
10 years; $10,000; 50,000 meals; 5 good kids

11/06/2018

I am elated to inform all that the Marlowe family will be donating $1000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Memory of Billie Marlowe. Thanks for celebrating ten years of Luvfest.

11/03/2018

There is so much going on in the city tonight. With Luvfest from 7-9, you can stop by and still make it elsewhere! See ya later, alligator!

11/02/2018

Spending the day prepping for tomorrow but taking a moment to remember all those I have lost in November. Take a moment to think of those who had a major or minor influence on you. Miss them. Mourn them. Then thank God for the blessings He put in your life.

Then go out and seek the opportunity to be a blessing in someone else's life.

We all have a debt. Pay it forward. Luvfest tomorrow is my meager attempt.

Still working on the debt I owe Billie, Wally, Marko & Dean.

10/30/2018

Whenever us kids fought, Billie would make us hug. Billie tolerated a lot in her life but not hatred or violence. She made us hug.

We are passing out free hugs to all who come to Luvfest. And you never know, you might get a hug from Elizabeth... those are as valuable as diamonds! (Please ask before hugging any stranger, but make the offer.)

10/27/2018

In one week I will be throwing Luvfest. The name came as a silly off-handed remark. Today is a reminder, though, that we all need love--regardless of religion--and need to practice it every day. Thankful for the friends in Squirrel Hill who are safe and send my feeble prayers to my grieving neighbors.

10/25/2018

Remember the first Luvfest? Maybe the second? Will I see you at the TENTH? 11/3!

10/17/2018