Community

We impact our city and region through programming, investments and partnerships that create a strong community and secure future for children and families.

A GREAT DAY FOR GIVING

PENGUINS FOUNDATION GRANTS

Funded by the gameday 50/50 Raffle presented by BETRIVERS.COM, the Penguins Foundation Grant program awarded grants to 19 organizations in 2019.20, totaling approximately $742,000, that embody and further the mission of the Penguins Foundation.

Allegheny Conference on Community Development Protective Mask Fund Bailey’s Bottoms & Random Acts of Kindness Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial GOALS Foundation Heitz 61 Memorial Foundation Heroes Supporting Heroes Hockey Sticks Together Foundation March of Dimes, Inc. Operation Troop Appreciation Operation Warm Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. STAT Ligonier Therapeutic Center Strong Women, Strong Girls The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, Inc. The Shoebox Project USA University of Pittsburgh COVID-19 Vaccine Fund Variety - the Children’s Charity “The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation was one of the earliest supporters of Variety – the Children’s Charity’s My Bike® Program for children with disabilities. Since 2012, their generous donations of more than $70,000 have provided over 40 children with disabilities the life-changing gift of an adaptive bike. The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s early support of the program has been a catalyst for other organizations to join Variety in ensuring that all kids are able to experience the feelings of joy and independence that come from riding a bike with family and friends.”

Charles LaVallee Chief Executive Officer Variety – the Children’s Charity

“The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has given children a gift of warmth, confidence and hope through your support of Operation Warm this past year. Your grant provided brand new winter coats to 450 children in need, delivered by the Pittsburgh Firefighters. Your gift has brought ‘more than a coat’ to children who need it. It has brought the confidence that comes with having something brand new, and the hope that comes from knowing that you care.”

Grace Sica Executive Director Operation Warm

OUR GAME

HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE

The NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative uses the game of hockey to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. In 2019.20, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Penguins Foundation proudly celebrated Hockey is for Everyone as follows throughout the season:

• Black Hockey History Day – 01.31.20

• Hockey Day in America – 02.16.20

• Her Hockey Day – 03.22.20

• Pride Day – 06.26.20

“As the NHL has said, hockey is for everyone. We just wanted to expose children in the African-American community to hockey. Exposure builds interest… We want to build momentum.”

Tracey McCants-Lewis Deputy General Counsel and Director of HR Pittsburgh Penguins Black Hockey History Day – Black Hockey History Day was held in January as the NHL’s American Legacy Black Hockey History Bus tour rolled into Pittsburgh, one day before the start of Black History Month. The Penguins hosted black hockey history events both within the community and tied into the gameday experience itself. Hockey Day in America – The Penguins joined the NHL for the 13th annual Hockey Week Across America in February. Hockey Day in America in Pittsburgh celebrated players of all ages and abilities plus those who simply love this great game.

Her Hockey Day – To support the NHL’s Gender Equality Month in March, the Penguins organization proudly celebrated girls and women in hockey on Her Hockey Day utilizing social media to thank our female fan base and tell their passionate stories. Pride Day – On social media in June, the Penguins organization recognized our Pride community and their love for and inclusion in hockey during the league’s designated NHL Pride Day.

GAME ASSISTS

GAMEDAY COLLECTIONS

During the season of giving, the Penguins Foundation hosted the following gameday collections to assist those in need within Western Pennsylvania:

• Shutout Hunger Night – 11.22.20

• Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive – 12.04.20

Shutout Hunger Night – Shutout Hunger Night encouraged fans to make a monetary donation in support of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank either at the designated Penguins game or online. The collection raised $3,750 to help aid families and individuals in our community who struggle with food insecurities.

Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive – Through a partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, 96.1KISS, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Penguins Foundation hosted a toy drive for Toys for Tots with over $26,000 raised. Further, the Lady Pens collected enough toys to stuff an entire school bus, which then made its way to Mikey and Big Bob at the official Stuff-A-Bus drop-off location in Robinson.