COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
2024.25
CONTENTS
WELCOME .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 MISSION & PILLARS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 2024.25 BY THE NUMBERS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 FUNDRAISING ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 YOUTH HOCKEY ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 EDUCATION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 WELLNESS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 COMMUNITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 SIGNATURE EVENTS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 DONATION RECIPIENTS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 PPF BOARD AND STAFF .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
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The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is among the National Hockey League’s most impactful team foundations. Partnering with nonprofits, corporations, individual donors, and fans, we exist to build healthy futures for children and families in the city and across the region. Through our programming and initiatives, we advance and promote a love of hockey, mental and physical wellness, education, and a robust, vibrant community.
Discover more at PittsburghPenguinsFoundation.org
WELCOME
MISSION & PILLARS
SINCE 2010, THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS FOUNDATION HAS RAISED AND INVESTED $79,000,000 BACK INTO SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA THROUGH CHARITABLE GRANTS AND PROGRAMS. OUR MISSION To be the champions of all youth in our community, on and off the ice, through the power of hockey. OUR PILLARS YOUTH HOCKEY: We foster the growth, accessibility, and sustainability of youth hockey in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. EDUCATION: We provide opportunities for all children to benefit from outstanding learning tools and initiatives. WELLNESS: We support health, fitness, and awareness initiatives to improve our youth’s physical and mental health. COMMUNITY: We strengthen our city and region with programs, investments, and partnerships that support children and families.
On behalf of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, I am proud to share our 2024.25 Community Impact Report. This year, we continued to see how the power of hockey can unite communities, spark learning, and create opportunities for young people across Western Pennsylvania and beyond. Guided by our four pillars—youth hockey, education, wellness, and community—every initiative in this report reflects the generosity of our fans, partners, and team, who make our mission possible. Under Youth Hockey, the Foundation supports operations and programs such as Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play, and Try Hockey for Free. We expanded opportunities for girls through the Pittsburgh Pennies program and continued to grow access through PensFIT ball hockey in elementary schools, and the Willie O’Ree Academy (page 10). In Education, we launched Science Champions (page 14), an innovative partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh that uses hockey to spark curiosity and hands-on STEM learning. We also celebrated our 2025 scholarship recipients, including Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship honoree Robert Mahoney, whose leadership and character embody the Foundation’s mission. Our Wellness efforts advanced care and community health through a $100,000 grant to UPMC Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer research and support (page 18). We also helped revitalize the Carnegie One Gymnasium in Braddock, creating a welcoming space for play, movement, and connection, and we hosted over 600 people for a Mental Wellness Symposium. Through Community, we uplifted partners and neighbors—from Day Owl backpacks for foster youth to Kevin Hayes’ Heroes honoring first responders (page 23). We proudly supported the JCC Maccabi Campus Games, and invested $100,000 in the Science of Hockey exhibit at the Kamin Science Center, which will engage 500,000 people per year for the next seven years. We also unveiled our refreshed website and online shop, making it easier than ever for fans to connect and give back. None of this would be possible without our incredible fans, partners, and staff. Together, we’re showing that hockey is more than a game, it’s a force for good in our region and beyond.
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Yvonne J. Maher Executive Director Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
FUNDRAISING
2024.25 IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
520K IN GRANTS 6.1M DISTRIBUTED 200+ ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED 475 HOURS OF ON-ICE PROGRAMMING IN PITTSBURGH 261 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO DATE
50/50 RAFFLE $655,244 AUCTION/MERCHANDISE $2,648,204 CHARITY BAG GAME $2,396,166 CORPORATE PARTNERS $687,000 EVENTS $1,304,572 FOUNDATIONS $257,500 INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS $66,698 GROSS TOTAL ~$7.5M
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YOUTH HOCKEY
1,450 GIRLS PARTICIPATED IN REGIONAL HOCKEY PROGRAMS 29 PARTNER RINKS HOSTING LITTLE PENGUINS LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY 82% ATHLETE RETENTION RATE FOR THE WILLIE O’REE ACADEMY 36,887 ATTENDED EVENTS OR PROGRAMMING AT THE HIGHMARK HUNT ARMORY
PROGRAMS • Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods • Pittsburgh Pennies Girl’s Hockey • PensFIT Ball Hockey presented by FedEx • Try Hockey for Free presented by U. S. Steel • Learn to Skate • PPS Obama Eagles Hockey • The Willie O’Ree Academy presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods • Project Power Play in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Learn to Play Programs have had 17,000+ total on-ice participants over 17 seasons hosted at 25+ rinks across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. The Learn to Play program, which began in Pittsburgh in 2008, has since become a league-wide initiative for the NHL. More information on how to register your child and future dates can be found at: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/youth-hockey
Penguins Foundation Takes the Lead on Youth Hockey
Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins: Building Skills and Community on the Ice
PensFIT: Bringing Hockey to Schools Since 2022, PensFIT Ball Hockey, presented by FedEx, has been sparking a love of hockey in schools across Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program provides free floor hockey equipment and curriculum to 22 public school districts, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to play. To date, PensFIT has distributed 65 equipment kits, giving an estimated 12,159 students in grades 3–5 the chance to pick up a stick, learn the game, and build teamwork skills—often for the first time. By combining physical activity with accessible programming, PensFIT helps promote fitness, teamwork, and a lifelong enthusiasm for hockey. Thanks to FedEx’s support, the program continues to grow, introducing the sport to thousands of young players each year.
Over the summer, Youth Hockey staff and programs formally moved under the umbrella and support of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, underscoring our deep commitment to growing the game and future Penguins fans in the region. Our team includes Shannon Webster, Sr. Director of Youth Hockey; AJ Balboni, Coordinator of Youth Hockey; Jaden Lindo, Manager of Community Hockey; and Rocky Saganiuk, Local Manager, Learn to Play. Together, they oversee the Foundation’s full slate of youth hockey programming, which plays a vital role in fostering the growth, accessibility, and sustainability of the sport in Pittsburgh and beyond. Flagship programs include Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey, which introduces children ages 5–9 to the fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment; Try Hockey for Free, which partners with local rinks to provide equipment and ice time at no cost; and Learn to Skate, which teaches kids ages 4–10 essential skating skills. The team also leads the Pittsburgh Pennies program, presented by the Foundation and supported by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, which expands access and opportunities for girls ages 6–14 to learn and play hockey. More on these programs and others can be found at: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org . Through these efforts, the Penguins Foundation is ensuring the next generation has every opportunity to get on the ice and fall in love with the game.
Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey gives children ages 5–9 their first unforgettable step into the world of hockey. Through 8–10 on-ice sessions led by certified coaches, participants learn fundamental skating and hockey skills in a fun, supportive environment. Each child receives head-to-toe equipment, exclusive Penguins content, ticket discounts, program rewards at games, and special event opportunities—making it a true community experience for families. In the 2024.25 season, 852 kids across 29 rinks in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio participated. Beyond skating and puck handling, the program fosters responsibility, respect, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork—values that last well beyond the rink. Launched in Pittsburgh in 2008, Little Penguins continues to inspire new generations and welcome families into the hockey community.
For more information on Learn to Play and PensFIT: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/youth-hockey
Pittsburgh Pennies: Honoring History, Inspiring the Future
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Willie O’Ree Academy: Skills, Community, and Growth
In 1972, the Pittsburgh Pennies made history as the city’s first women’s hockey team, paving the way for generations of girls to come. More than 50 years later, their pioneering spirit lives on through the Pennies Girls Hockey Program—a bold new initiative from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, in partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, to expand access and foster gender equality in the sport. Backed by nearly $300,000 in funding over two seasons, the program invests in long-term efforts with local amateur hockey associations to create sustainable opportunities for girls to learn, play, and thrive on the ice. The launch event—a sold-out skills clinic at PPG Paints Arena for girls ages 10–12—brought together young players and members of the original Pennies team, celebrating Pittsburgh’s proud legacy in women’s hockey while inspiring the next generation. Future programming includes a girls hockey festival, Girls Clinic Series, and grants to six area rinks to support new playing opportunities. With girls’ hockey participation in Western Pennsylvania up 80% over the last 15 years, the Pennies program aims to keep that momentum rising—ensuring every girl who dreams of playing has a place on the ice.
We recognize that Black hockey players often face unique circumstances within the hockey community. The Wille O’ Ree Academy, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, supports local youth hockey players and their families by providing high-level training and a strong community network at no cost to participants. Named for hockey trailblazer Willie O’Ree, the Academy offers an 8-week off-season training program at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, featuring on-ice skills sessions, off-ice strength and conditioning, and instruction from Penguins staff and professional trainers. Throughout the season, families take part in monthly educational workshops and cultural discussions, covering topics such as college and junior hockey pathways, sports psychology, and career exposure with NHL executives and partners. The program also includes social events like Penguins game viewings and meet-and-greets with NHL players, creating meaningful opportunities both on and off the ice. By combining elite training with community-building and mentorship, the Willie O’Ree Academy helps young athletes sharpen their skills, build confidence, and feel supported as they pursue their hockey dreams.
PensFIT provides free floor hockey equipment to 22 school districts in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Learn more and see upcoming Pennies events at: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/youth-hockey
Twenty-nine rinks hosted Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play.
EDUCATION
12 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
PROGRAMS • Reading Champions in partnership with U. S. Steel • PPS All-Stars • Penguins MVPs • Science Champions • Science of Hockey • STEAM Lending Library • Pens Pals • Scholarships
754,000+ MINUTES READ THROUGH READING CHAMPIONS 40 EDUCATORS TAPPED TO DEVELOP THE SCIENCE CHAMPIONS CURRICULUM 140 PARTICIPANTS IN MINDHACKS
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Penguins Science Champions: A New Model for STEM Education Launching in the 2025.26 school year, Pittsburgh Penguins Science Champions is a bold new initiative designed to ignite curiosity and build scientific thinking among elementary students across Appalachia. By using hockey as a fun and familiar entry
Penguins Foundation Scholarships: Investing in the Next Generation When Robert Mahoney of Meadville, Pennsylvania learned he’d been selected as the 2025 Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship recipient, he was both honored and inspired. Now a freshman at Wake Forest
Each teacher in the pilot will receive a prototype kit to test in their classroom. “We have a lesson that can meet any STEELS standard,” Coppula explained. “All the materials you need are there, along with detailed instructions. We’d love to see teachers use it to fill gaps, try something new, or explore different subject matter.” Science Champions builds on the success of Reading Champions, the Penguins Foundation’s hockey-themed literacy initiative that has improved reading skills and engagement for hundreds of students. Just as Reading Champions helped children see themselves as readers, Science Champions aims to help them see themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators—pairing the thrill of the game with the wonder of discovery. Get Involved This initiative represents a long-term investment in the region’s future. By pairing the thrill of the game with the wonder of discovery, Science Champions is laying the groundwork for a replicable model of STEM education. Are you an educator in Allegheny County or West Virginia interested in bringing Science Champions to your classroom? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at info@pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org to receive curriculum kits and join the growing Science Champions network. Together, we can inspire the next generation of problem solvers.
A lifelong Penguins fan, Mahoney admires Sidney Crosby’s calm, steady leadership style—an approach he tried to emulate as captain of his high school team. He said the $5,000 scholarship has been a meaningful boost as he begins college. “The coolest part about this whole experience was learning about Bob Johnson, how much of an inspiration he was and what a positive impact he made in his year of coaching. It’s pretty cool and pretty remarkable.”
Each year, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, with support from UPMC, awards ten scholarships to Western Pennsylvania high school seniors who excel academically, give back through community service, and demonstrate leadership. In 2025, the Foundation awarded $41,000 across the following categories: • Penguins Foundation First-Year Scholarships – Five scholarships: $3,000 each for graduating seniors beginning their college journeys • Penguins Foundation Second-Year Scholarships – Five scholarships: $2,000 each for past recipients entering their sophomore year • Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship – One scholar- ship: $5,000 for academic achievement, community service, and leadership in school hockey programs • Penguins Alumni Association Scholarship – One scholarship: $5,000 for strong academics, good citizenship, community involvement, and a love for the game Are you a high school senior ready to take the next step? Apply for a Penguins Foundation Scholarship and join a growing community of future leaders. Visit pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/education for eligibility details and deadlines.
point, the program brings hands-on, inquiry-based science learning to life— especially in under-resourced schools, where access to high-quality STEM instruction is often limited. The program was developed in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and a dedicated group of 40 local educators, who gathered at PPG Paints Arena in March 2025 for Science on the Ice, a lively design charrette. During the session, teachers collaborated to brainstorm creative ways to weave science and math into the game of hockey—exploring topics like friction, force, geometry, and data analysis. Their input directly shaped the development of ready-to-use classroom kits that include lesson plans, hands-on materials, and support tools aligned with Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards and West Virginia’s College and Career Readiness Standards. Debbie Coppula, senior professional development manager at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, noted that the collaboration felt like a natural fit. “Science curriculum for second and third graders that addressed the STEELS standards was really in line with what we do at the museum. We try to make learning fun, we try to bring play into learning, and we try to inspire creativity and curiosity,” she said. “Knowing that this was a resource teachers could actually use in their classrooms was important for us.”
University, Mahoney continues to play on the school’s club hockey team and credits the sport with giving him lifelong friendships and confidence that extends far beyond the rink. “The relationships I built with coaches, players, my lifelong friends that I’ve made through the sport, is my favorite part of hockey,” Mahoney said. “It’s just been a great network for me.”
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Backed by nearly $100,000 in private investment from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, PNC Charitable Trust, and Alcoa Foundation, Science Champions will pilot in Allegheny County, PA, and Monongalia and Ohio Counties, WV. The pilot year will focus on distributing kits, delivering educator training, and collecting feedback to refine and strengthen the program for regional expansion.
1 PENGUINS HOCKEY TEAM SPENT A DAY VISITING WITH PATIENTS AT UPMC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL $100,000 DONATED TO PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH AND PROGRAMS AT UPMC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 610 COACHES, ATHLETIC TRAINERS, COUNSELORS, ADMINISTRATORS AND OTHERS PARTICIPATED IN THE SECOND ANNUAL MENTAL WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM 4,200+ SQ. FT. GYM RENOVATION AT THE BRADDOCK LIBRARY WELLNESS
PROGRAMS • COOL Zone • MindHacks in partnership with UPMC Western Behavioral Health, Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU3), and the Citrone 33 Foundation • HeadsUP Pittsburgh in collaboration with UPMC • Mental Health and Student Athletes Symposium • UPMC Children’s Hospital Visit • So Many Angels Hockey Fights Cancer Photo Shoot
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$100,000 Grant to Support Pediatric Cancer Research In November, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation deepened its commitment to children’s health by announcing a $100,000 grant to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in support of pediatric cancer programs. The gift contributed to the hospital’s This Moment campaign, which advances clinical excellence, patient experience, research, and community health. The funds were raised through a month of Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) initiatives, including auctions of player-worn jerseys, sweepstakes, the sale of warm-up and mystery pucks, and 50/50 raffle proceeds. The Werner Family Foundation, led by Penguins ownership, also contributed $25,000 to the effort. “This donation is also a gift from the Penguins back to the people of Pittsburgh,” said Yvonne Maher, Executive Director of the Penguins Foundation. “The fans who come to our games are the ones who make this possible, and we are proud to see their support go to such an important institution.”
A Revitalized Space for Braddock: Penguins Foundation Supports Gymnasium Renovation In June, the Braddock community gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of the nation’s first Carnegie Library, now known as Carnegie One. The four-year, $21 million renovation honored the building’s historic significance while creating modern spaces designed to serve the community for decades to come.
The donation builds on the Penguins Foundation’s year-round support of Hockey Fights Cancer. Beyond fundraising, players visited UPMC Children’s Hospital to spend time with young patients, strengthening connections between the team and families in care. Rachel Petrucelli, President of UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, underscored the importance of the commitment: “The support received from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve. It helps us ensure access to the best care and clinical trials, while also caring for the emotional and behavioral needs of each child.” From special HFC jerseys and “I Fight For” cards to hats and shirts distributed on Hockey Fights Cancer Night, fans played a central role in turning awareness into action. Together with the Penguins Foundation, their contributions are fueling research, care, and hope for children facing cancer in Pittsburgh and beyond.
who had never heard of it before and being able to say who we were—it was an opportunity we wouldn’t have had without this relationship.” During the reopening celebration, the gym came alive with activities that underscored its role as more than just a sports venue. Vargo said it stands as a gathering space for events, programs, and community connection—a free and welcoming resource for Braddock youth and families. “Now, when the elevator doors open, you see a huge Penguins Foundation Gymnasium sign. It’s a beautiful space with new lights and windows, and it’s already drawing people to host programs here.” While the capital campaign drew support from several partners, including U. S. Steel, the Penguins Foundation’s focus on the gymnasium ensured this historic building would also serve as a vibrant center for play, wellness, and togetherness.
One of the most visible transformations was the third-floor gymnasium, brought to life with support from the Penguins Foundation. The Foundation’s investment funded critical improvements—including new lighting, paint, windows, branded signage, and automatic door openers—that turned the space into a modern sports facility and flexible venue for community use. For Vicki Vargo, Executive Director of Carnegie One Braddock, the impact of this partnership extended beyond paint and glass. “The friendships that were made, the connections with the Penguins, being able to introduce Carnegie One to people
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COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS • Alumni Association • Crosby Charity Suite • Hayes’ Heroes • I’m Score for Kids • Players4Purpose • Project Bundle Up in collaboration with
800 DAY OWL BACKPACKS FILLED WITH SUPPLIES DONATED TO YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE $252,000 RAISED FOR LOCAL NONPROFITS THROUGH GAMEDAY SPECIALTY GAME FUNDRAISING 88% OF PARTNER NONPROFITS REPORTED FOUNDATION DONATIONS HELPED RAISE $130,000+ $379,000 RAISED BY ANNUAL NIGHT OF ASSISTS GALA
DICK’S Sporting Goods and The Salvation Army
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• Seats for Strength • Lady Pens • Military Salute • Rainbow Kitchen
• Penguins Make-A-Wish Day • Stuff-A-Bus in partnership with 96.1 KISS • Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Up with PPG and Kamin Science Center for Sports360 Exhibition Opening in December 2025, the Kamin Science Center’s all-new Sports360 exhibition promises to redefine how visitors experience the connection between sports and science — and the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing a key role in bringing it to life. Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet, Sports360 will be the largest exhibition ever hosted at the Center. Designed to blend athleticism with innovation, the exhibit features 25 interactive stations that explore the physics, anatomy, and technology behind sports performance. Visitors will test their reaction time, balance, strength, and strategy — all while uncovering the scientific principles that power athletic achievement. The Penguins Foundation’s $100,000 grant, along with $25,000 from the Werner Family Foundation, helps highlight the science behind hockey, from the speed and accuracy of a slap shot to the engineering of protective gear and the physics of skating. Fans will be able to explore exhibits testing slap shot velocity, trying out arcade-style goalie simulators, and analyzing the motion and mechanics of the game. Through these hands-on experiences, guests of all ages will discover how
Hayes’ Heroes: Honoring First Responders To honor and recognize the sacrifices that first responders make for their communities, Penguins forward Kevin Hayes launched the Hayes’ Heroes program at the start of the 2024.25 season. At every Penguins home game, selected first responders receive two tickets, a special gift, and the opportunity to enjoy a post-game meet-and-greet with Hayes—a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for their service. The inspiration for Hayes’ Heroes dates back to his early NHL career in New York, when a team visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum motivated him to find a personal way to honor the families and first responders affected by tragedy. Over the years, the initiative has grown, traveling with Hayes from the Rangers to the Flyers and now to Pittsburgh, where it’s quickly become a game-night tradition. Hayes personally purchases the tickets and takes time to meet with each honoree after the game, win or lose, for conversation and photos. Many guests bring along “victory coins” or department patches to share—a symbol of mutual respect and gratitude. This season, Hayes and the Penguins also extended their support beyond Pittsburgh. During a January road game against the Kings, the team honored the Los Angeles Fire Department amid devastating wildfires, wearing LAFD hats and stickers to show solidarity. Through Hayes’ Heroes, the Penguins family celebrates the bravery, dedication, and everyday heroism of first responders—offering a memorable night of hockey as a small but meaningful way to say thank you. Website Refresh & Online Shop Launch This year, we unveiled a refreshed Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation website designed to make it easier than ever to connect with our work. The new site — pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org — features streamlined content, intuitive navigation, and a powerful search tool to help visitors quickly find programs and initiatives that match their interests. We also launched our first online store at shop.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org, offering exclusive gear and merchandise. Every purchase supports the Foundation’s mission, making it simple for fans to give back while showing their Penguins pride.
Penguins Foundation and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Partner to Support Children in Foster Care The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Pittsburgh- based Day Owl, matching Highmark Health’s $25,000 grant to provide 800 backpacks filled with necessities for children entering the foster care system in Western Pennsylvania. The initiative, part of Highmark Bright Blue Futures Community Day on February 22, reflects a collaborative effort to bring moments of comfort and stability to young people facing abrupt transitions. The backpacks were filled with personal care essentials, pajamas, books, blankets, and thoughtful gifts. The contents were donated in part by the Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit Comfort Cases and packed with the help of World Vision in Sewickley, PA. “Oftentimes, children in the foster care system may have to move homes quickly and may not have the opportunity to collect their personal effects and essentials,” said Yvonne Maher, Executive Director for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. “These backpacks will provide necessities during a disruptive transitional period in their lives.” Backpacks were distributed to a network of local social service organizations supporting youth in foster care, including Every Child, Inc., Three Rivers Youth, Homeless Children’s Education Fund, A Child’s Place PA, Familylinks, A Second Chance, Inc., Greene County CYF, TRAC Services for Families, and Light of Life. By joining forces with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Day Owl, the Penguins Foundation continues its mission to create meaningful impact across the region— proving that small gestures, like a backpack filled with essentials, can carry a big message of care and support.
STEM and sports intersect both on and off the ice. The exhibition is structured around four key zones:
• Prepare – Warm up and uncover the science behind human movement. • Practice – Build skills and test basic abilities through interactive play. • Participate – Compete in simulated athletic challenges that bring science to life. • Go Pro! – Push your limits in advanced, high-energy experiences inspired by elite athletes. Whether you’re a lifelong Penguins fan or simply curious about what makes great athletes tick, Sports360 offers a unique chance to learn, move, and be inspired. Through the Penguins’ collaboration, the exhibit not only celebrates Pittsburgh’s rich sports legacy but also encourages a new generation to see science in action — one game at a time.
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Penguins Foundation Proud to Support Inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games in Pittsburgh This summer, Pittsburgh proudly hosted the inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games, the largest Jewish youth sporting event in the world. Nearly 2,000 Jewish teens and thousands of families gathered from August 3–8, 2025, for a weeklong celebration of sports, culture, and community pride.
Founded in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games provide teens with more than just athletic competition. The program emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, Jewish values, and community service, all while promoting health, fitness, and cultural pride. As part of the celebration, the Penguins Foundation underscored its commitment to creating a welcoming environment both on and off the ice. “Hockey is for everyone,” the Foundation emphasized, aligning with the Games’ spirit of respect, unity, and inclusion. The JCC Maccabi Campus Games showcased not only the talent of young athletes but also the vibrancy of Pittsburgh’s culture and its tradition of community support— making the city a fitting stage for this historic event.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation was honored to represent our city as the Official Ice Hockey Sponsor, contributing a $25,000 grant to help bring the event to life,” said Executive Director Yvonne Maher. “Ice hockey is the fastest growing sport in the Maccabi Games, and we were proud to play our part.”
SIGNATURE EVENTS
MILITARY APPRECIATION GAME Benefited Fisher House and Pittsburgh Warriors RAISED: $19,762 HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER Benefited Cancer Programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital RAISED: $75,792 Additional $25,000 from the Werner Family Foundation SPORTS MATTER Benefited DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation RAISED: $24,387 NIGHT OF ASSISTS GALA $379,000 to support Penguins Foundation programming BLACK HOCKEY HISTORY GAME Benefited Pittsburgh I.C.E. RAISED: $11,379
HER HOCKEY NIGHT Benefited Pittsburgh Pennies
RAISED: $27,984 PRIDE GAME Benefited local LGBTQ+ organizations RAISED: $36,290
Recipients: Pride Parade, Pittsburgh Puffins, Pittsburgh LGBTQ+, 3RBA, Carrick Student Club, Persad Center HOCKEY TALKS Benefited Penguins Foundation mental health initiatives RAISED: $31,485 Used to support the Mental Health and Student Athletes Symposium
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DONATION RECIPIENTS
• 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. • 201st Red Horse Alumni Association • A Very Yinzer Christmas • ACHIEVA • Alexis Joy Dachille Foundation for Postpartum Depression • Allegheny County Police Association • Alpha Omicron Lambda Charities • Altar & Rosary Society of Holy Family • Always B Smiling • Ambridge Center of Hope • American Diabetes Association • American Heart Association • American Special Hockey Association • Arctic Foxes Hockey Organization • Arthritis Foundation • Austin’s Place • Beaver County Amateur Hockey Association • Beaver County Ice Sharks Special Hockey Association • Bender Leadership Academy • Best Buddies • Bethel Park Hockey Boosters • Bids for Kids • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh • BK Hope Cures • Bloomsburg University Men’s Ice Hockey • Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania • BREATHE Pennsylvania • Bridgeville Public Library • Burrell Hockey Club • Butler County Humane Society • Caleb’s Crusaders Heart Foundation
• Camp Cadet of Lancaster County • Canine Partners for Life • Canton Akron Hockey Association • Center High School Hockey Club • Central Catholic High School • Chartiers Houston Community Library Association • Children’s Advocacy Center Lawrence County • Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County • Children’s Heart Foundation • Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh – Bone Marrow and Transplant • Christopher’s Kitchen • Cobb’s Classic • Community Cares • Community College of Beaver County • Cops for K.O.P.S • Cure JM Foundation • Damian Mele Memorial Basketball Tournament – Lehigh Valley Community Foundation • Dayna Brons Memorial Scholarship • DNA Charities, Inc. • Don Swan Memorial Fund • Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh • Dreams Come True • Dress for Success Pittsburgh • Duquesne University
• Family House, Inc. • Family Services Incorporated • FBI National Academy Association • Foster Love Project • Fostering Music • Foundation for Fighting Blindness, Inc. • Friends of Penn State Men’s Hockey • Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, Inc. • From Alex With Love • Gabriele D’Annunzio Society, the Pitcairn Italian Club • Going Home Greyhounds, Inc. • Golfing for the Cure • Grace Gaita Scholarship Dinner • Graham’s Barbershop • Greater Pittsburgh Special Hockey Association d/b/a Steel City Icebergs • Greensburg Salem Hockey • Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. • Harmony House • Heartfest, Inc. • Hearts 4 Haiti • Hello Neighbor • Heroes Supporting Heroes • High Fives Nonprofit Foundation • Highmark Health • Holy Family Institute • Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary • HOPE in the AIR • Horses With Hope • Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund • Huntington Pelotonia • Imani Christian Academy • Jamie Cordial Hall Foundation • Jasmine Nyree Home
• Johnstown Generals Veteran Hockey • Josh Merriman Foundation • Justice Max Baer Memorial Fund • Kami Simon Memorial Annual Golf Scramble Benefiting Pancreatic Cancer Action Network • Katie Swaney Foundation • Kickin It For Katy • KidCelerate • Kingsley Association • Knead Community Cafe • La Roche College • Lawrence County Humane Society • Leg Up Farm, Inc. • Listen, Lucy • Little Eric’s Foundation • Magee Womens Research Institute and Foundation • Malone Family Foundation • March of Dimes: Western & Central PA • Maddie’s Mission • Mars Hockey Club • McGuire Memorial Foundation • Melting Pot Ministries • Mid American District Hockey, Inc. • Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey • Millcreek Education Foundation • Miracle League of the South Hills • Mission Empower • Mon Valley Paws • Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. • Mother’s Hope Foundation • NAMI Butler County, PA • National Kidney Foundation • No Hero Left Behind Foundation
• Noah’s Legacy Foundation • North Allegheny Hockey Association • Northside Leadership Conference • Oakland Catholic High School, Inc. • Operation Vet Now, Inc. • PAACC Enterprise Foundation • Partners for Quality Foundation • Passavant Community • Pathstone Foundation • Peebles Elementary School PTA • Penn State University • Pennies from Heaven • Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education • Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery • Pennsylvania Speech & Hearing Association • Peoples Library Programs • Pitcairn Camp B • Pittsburgh Amateur Predators Hockey • Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation • Pittsburgh Parrot Head Club • Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Amateur Hockey
• Ryley’s Reason • Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School • Seneca Valley Hockey Association • Shaler Area Elementary School (Shaler Area School District) • Sharks Foundation • Shenango Valley Pride Alliance • Slippery Rock University Athletics • Sojourner House, Inc. • Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus • South Park High School Boys Soccer Boosters • South Park Hockey Association
• Spartan Central Baseball Association • Spread the Love Projects • Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund • St. Anthony School Programs • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital • Steelers Charities • Teddy Bear Fund Drive • The 412 Foundation • The Bradley Center • The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center • The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research
• The Education Partnership • The Ellis School
• Tiny Steps of Hope, Inc. • Trying Together • UPMC Shadyside Hospital with The Shadyside Foundation • Valley Community Services • Variety the Children’s Charity • Venom Ball Hockey Association • Vinik Sports Group • Washington Area Humane Society • Wesley Family Services Foundation • West Allegheny Inline Hockey Association • West Hills Baseball
• West Mifflin Youth Association • Western PA School for the Deaf • Western Pennsylvania Special Hockey Association • Westinghouse Arts FTO • Whitehead’s Wishes • Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins • Wolfs Camping Resort • Women Who Rock • Women’s Care Center of Erie County • Young Life Pittsburgh East Hills • Young Mothers Study Club
• The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Inc. • The National MS Society • The Owen Galluzzo Memorial Fund • The Pittsburgh Project • The Reading Room Pittsburgh, Inc. • Three Rivers Adoption Council • Three Rivers Mothers’ Milk Bank • Three Rivers Youth • Tickets for Kids Foundation
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES PENGUINS FOUNDATION STAFF
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• Teddy Werner
• Dan Onorato
• AJ Balboni Coordinator Youth Hockey • Jaden Lindo Manager of
• Lindsay Litterini Senior Manager • Darya Snoznik Senior Manager Foundation Programs • Julie Hallinan Senior Director Special Projects • Yvonne J. Maher Executive Director
• Shannon Webster Senior Director Youth Hockey • Cindy Himes Director Community/Alumni Relations • Delaney Metikosh Coordinator • Trista Zajch
Alternate Governor Pittsburgh Penguins • Yvonne J. Maher Executive Director Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation • Tracey McCants Lewis Chief Legal and Community Affairs Officer Pittsburgh Penguins • Donald Heberle Executive Vice President of Wealth Management PNC • Melissa Armstrong Consultant
Executive Vice President, Highmark Health
• Michael Dillon
Chief Financial Officer Pittsburgh Penguins
Community Hockey Youth Hockey • Rocky Saganiuk Local Manager Learn to Play • Alexis Brezny Manager
• Pittsburgh Warriors Hockey • Plum Hockey Association, Inc.
• David Farner Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic & Transformation Officer UPMC
• Press Your Luck • Pressley Ridge
• Purchase Line Sports Boosters • Quaker Valley Youth Football and Cheerleading • Redstone Highlands • Richland Rams Hockey Boosters, Inc. • Riverview Dek Hockey • Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation
• Duttine-Cavataio Fund – Drop the Puck on Cancer
Executive Assistant and Special Projects Associate
• East Liberty Women’s Care Center • Eat’n Park Caring for Kids Children’s Hospital • ENVISION Blind Sports • Evolve-Coaching
One Chatham Center, Suite 300 • Pittsburgh, PA • (412) 255-1952 info@pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org
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