Jamie and Ali McMutrie shot into the national spotlight last month when an emergency airlift they helped orchestrate brought 54 orphans from earthquake-ravaged Haiti to Pittsburgh. Most of the children were in the final stages of adoption and have since been released to their new families. But 12 from BRESMA orphanage, which the Ben Avon sisters helped run in Port-au-Prince, are still living at Holy Family Institute in Emsworth.

To help provide for their care, a group of Ben Avon residents is holding a benefit Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Fire Escape Coffee & Tea, a new coffeehouse.

The event is organized by the Orphan Relief Committee of Avonworth, a group of Avonworth parents and alums that just happens to include the McMutrie sisters.

"It's neighbors trying to do something good for a neighborhood organization," says John Graf, whose Priory Hotel will be donating food and drink.

Suggested contribution for "A Mid-Winter Warming" is $25 per person (adults only, please). Along with complimentary wine and beer, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres prepared by Priory executive chef Mike Henney. Vincent Beatty, a jazz guitarist from Emsworth, will provide live music. Sister Linda Yankoski, president and CEO of Holy Family, will give an update on the orphans.

All proceeds will benefit The Holy Family Children's Fund, which was recently established by the non-denominational social services organization to assist all children in Holy Family's care.

For more information, contact Earl Bohn at 412-551-4896

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