Community

26Community

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

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THE POWER OF HOCKEY

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 2020.21, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Penguins Foundation proudly celebrated Hockey is for Everyone as follows throughout the season during these dedicated months:

• Black History Month – February 2021

• Gender Equality Month – March 2021

• Pride Month – June 2021

WILLIE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

In February, PPG Paints Arena opened its doors to local youth and their families for an afternoon screening of the new documentary, Willie. This complimentary event shared the impact of Willie O’Ree, a true gamechanger in our great sport and the first Black player in the NHL.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AUCTION

In celebration of Black History Month and in support of Pittsburgh I.C.E (Inclusion Creates Equality), a program committed to offering children of all socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn ice hockey, the Penguins Foundation held a month-long auction in February. Game-used equipment and signed items were auctioned to generate over $12,000 from our donors and fans for Pittsburgh I.C.E.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins are committed to bringing diversity, equity and inclusion to not only our organization but to our entire community both on and off the ice.”

Tracey McCants Lewis Vice President, HR & Deputy General Counsel Pittsburgh Penguins

TRY SKATING FOR FREE

In support of Hockey Day in America and through a commitment to empowering a brighter future for all, Discover Financial Services partnered with the Penguins Foundation to introduce hockey to new fans through a Try Skating for Free party with the City of Pittsburgh’s Citiparks department. This outdoor event gave families and local residents the chance to try skating for free at the Schenley Park Ice Rink.

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GROWING THE GAME

JUNETEENTH

The Penguins were proud to support the Juneteenth Youth Festival during the summer of 2021 in conjunction with the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Organization and First National Bank. Throughout the three-day festival, children and their parents participated in a collection of youth sports activities, including ball hockey, and had the opportunity to win Pens prizes courtesy of the Penguins Foundation.

HER HOCKEY

During the month of March, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Penguins Foundation, in conjunction with the NHL, celebrated Gender Equality Month. On March 7, the organization hosted Her Hockey Day presented by 84 Lumber. This day recognized girls stepping onto the ice for the first time, the women cheering on the Penguins from home and those who are trailblazers in the NHL. In partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods, the Penguins Foundation also hosted the Try Her Hockey for Free clinic for girls, a month-long #HerHockey social media contest and the Her Hockey Auction that featured unique Pens memorabilia, Team USA women’s items, and more in support of the Penguins Foundation’s girls hockey initiatives. This auction raised over $15,000 for the continued growth of girls hockey in the region. The Penguins and 84 Lumber also partnered to give back to a female-owned business within the community and provide her with a $25,000 EmpowerHER grant to support her business. This year’s grant was awarded to Curly Tail Coffee thanks to Penguins fans who casted over 34,000 votes. To further 84 Lumber’s efforts to lead and inspire females to thrive (LIFT), a complimentary panel discussion was held for 400+ women to connect with local leaders in our region.

Did You Know? Programs created by the Penguins Foundation in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods, including the Try Her Hockey for Free clinic, are making the game more accessible. Girls hockey is among the fastest-growing youth sports in the U.S. with girls’ participation growing by over 115% in Western PA over the past 15 years!

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We’re hoping that these girls start out on their own hockey path and continue playing, and realize that the game of hockey is certainly one that is hers, too.”

Amanda Susko Sr. Director, Foundation Programs & Strategic Planning Pittsburgh Penguins

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PENGUINS PROUD

PRIDE GAME

This year, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres co-hosted the NHL’s first ever joint Pride Game on April 17 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Together, the teams celebrated the LGBTQ+ community by taping their sticks for pre-game warm-ups with rainbow Pride Tape and wearing commemorative warm-up jerseys featuring the Progress Pride Flag. Further, the teams hosted an online auction featuring Pride Tape sticks, pucks, and additional signed items from both teams, with approximately $95,000 raised. The Penguins Foundation’s Pride Game fundraising benefited the You Can Play Project and the Pittsburgh Tigers.

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With a condensed schedule and limited capacities, we identified an opportunity to unite our teams to spotlight this event and the LGBTQ+ community through the national TV broadcast. As teamwork is at the heart of hockey, we have collaborated with the Sabres on every step and are proud to host this first in the NHL together.”

Amanda Susko Sr. Director, Foundation Programs & Strategic Planning Pittsburgh Penguins

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I think for myself, the ability to use my platform as a professional athlete and as a Pittsburgh Penguin - not only in the city but hopefully nationwide - to have my voice be heard is special. Whether it reaches one person or reaches a thousand people, if it can help somebody, that’s the goal.”

Bryan Rust Pittsburgh Penguins

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THE MARCH OF THE PENGUINS

PRIDE MONTH

In June 2021, the Pittsburgh Penguins joined the LGBTQ+ community in showing that Hockey is for Everyone by joining two events: the Pittsburgh Pride Revolution March and the Pittsburgh Tigers Open Skate. On June 5, members of the Penguins organization, including Brian Burke, walked in the Pride Revolution throughout the streets of downtown Pittsburgh. Then, on June 26, the organization supported the Pittsburgh Tigers with Pride memorabilia and merchandise during their open skate and scrimmage for local members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

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To the LGBTQ+ community, you are welcome in our building, you are welcome on our teams, you are welcome to come watch our games. The message is much broader than sports… If you can play and help our team win, you can play.”

Brian Burke President of Hockey Operations Pittsburgh Penguins

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