$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
18
19
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator