When called upon to do things for others, many people respond, “I’m not sure if I can.” For Mary Odato, Baldwin High School class of 1979, the answer is a resounding “yes.” She has made her motto, “if not me, then who?” Mincin Odato goes to great lengths to find meaningful ways to help friends who need advice or have problems of any size, shape, or kind.
Whether in her work as a nanny or cleaning, Mincin Odato puts her heart into everything she does, seeking to make a positive difference. Her friends and family know they can always turn to her in times of need. During the pandemic, her niece’s wedding venue canceled with very little notice. Mary stepped up to host the event with an enthusiastic “yes!” Within a week, her husband had made a dance floor and bar, and the Odatos hosted guests at an unforgettable ceremony and reception. A week later they were asked if they would host a second wedding, scheduled to take place a month later. Again, they responded to the desperate couple with a cheerful “yes!” and hosted 200 guests. “It felt great to be able to help out. I am blessed with amazing friends who helped and supported for both weddings,” says Mincin Odato.
Years ago, a family from Bosnia immigrated to America and moved across the street from the Odatos. Always taking an interest in others, Mincin Odato took their young daughter Seila under her wing. Seila was also befriended by Sean Sluganski, a fifth-grade student at Paynter Elementary, who helped her navigate life in the United States. Earlier this year, Seila called with devastating news: Sluganski, now a police officer, had been killed in the line of duty. “Sean gave Seila her voice as a new American,” recalls Mincin Odato. “I knew we had to do something to help.”
Mincin Odato and her husband, Rip, hosted a fundraiser for the Sean Sluganski Memorial Scholarship at their home on September 10th, 2023. She was overwhelmed by the community response she encountered while planning the fundraiser. There was extraordinary community spirit and goodwill from local business owners, friends, and family. “I reached nearly 100 businesses in two weeks, and with rare exception, all of them came through for us,” shares Mincin Odato. “The food and beverage donations as well as the monetary, auction, and raffle items donated were incredible,” says Mincin Odato. The evening was DJed by BHS alumnus Jimmy Wodarek, who donated his services. Rip Odato built a bar which was used for the event, then auctioned off. The vibrant event was attended by over 150 guests, including the Sluganski family, Sean’s fiancée, Chelsea Cancilla, and daughter, Haven, Mrs. Cancilla, Baldwin Mayor Dave DePretis and wife Cindy, Susan Koeppen from WPXi, police officers from Baldwin, McKeesport, Brentwood, and Whitehall.
The event raised over $13,000 for the scholarship fund which will support graduating seniors of Baldwin High School who are pursuing a career in law enforcement. The Odatos showed their support for our civic servants through the event. Mincin Odato explains, “All officers that attended received a gift to show our appreciation for their service and dedication to our communities. Our police officers are a crucial part of our neighborhoods. This scholarship will benefit many new recruits coming out of Baldwin-Whitehall.”
She and her husband, Rip, have three grown daughters: Marissa, Erica, and Tina.
The Odato Family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for their exceptional support and help with the fundraiser: Diane and Mike Kennard, Judy and Randy Lutz, Louise and Scott Wolf, Steve and Donna Dziadyk, Leo and Kim Stadelman, Terri Wild, Laura and Vince Melito, Carrie and Alexa Hobson, Gabbi Plinta, Jackie Gerdun, Ali Simcho, Karen Hilko, Tom Frey, DJ Jimmy Wodarek, Kathy McConnell-Miller, and Nick Daugherty
Additionally, special appreciation and thanks to the following donors: Tony and Mary Machi from Gianna Via Restaurant and Bar, Carolyn and Pete Milan of J Poli Construction, Mike and Gail Facchiano of Facchiano Construction, Ray Piacquadio of Pasta Too, Stacy of Bad Azz BBQ, George Liotus, Attorney Gary Ogg, Mark Larimer TRUSS Brewery, Ricky Mitchell, Schultz Ford, an anonymous donor, and many others.
Special thanks to Family Tent Rental and Trailers-to-Go.
