Pittsburgh Penguins provide financial help for a girls basketball team's trip to state championship

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins franchise, has come to the aid of the Monessen High School girls' basketball team.

The team faces a significant road trip for their upcoming state playoff game against Otto-Eldred, located 191 miles away in McKean County, with the school board unable to secure funds for a charter bus.

In response to a Twitter plea for financial assistance, the foundation offered to pay for the charter bus, with executive director Jim Britt instructing the school to send him the bill.

Monessen athletic director and vice principal Gina Naccarato expressed her appreciation for the foundation's help and the individuals who stepped up to support the team and the school district.

Thanks to the foundation's generosity, the Monessen Lady Hounds will embark on their state playoff journey in more comfortable and suitable transportation.

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Charitable Impact: The Pittsburgh Penguins' Commitment to Community

The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team in the NHL based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have a strong commitment to charitable work and are involved in a number of initiatives to give back to their community and one of their star players, Sidney Crosby, is a well-known philanthropist. Some examples of their charity work include:

1. Penguins Foundation: The Penguins Foundation is the team's official charity, dedicated to promoting physical well-being, encouraging teamwork, and supporting youth development in the Pittsburgh region. The foundation provides grants to local non-profits that focus on education, health, and wellness.

2. 412 Food Rescue: The Penguins have partnered with 412 Food Rescue to help reduce food waste and feed the hungry in the Pittsburgh area. Through this partnership, the team has helped distribute over 11,000 pounds of food to people in need.

3. Mario Lemieux Foundation: Mario Lemieux, a former Penguins player and current owner of the team, established the Mario Lemieux Foundation in 1993 to support cancer research and patient care initiatives. The Penguins are active supporters of the foundation and have helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research.

4. Military Appreciation Night: The Pittsburgh Penguins host the annual Military Appreciation Night to honor members of the armed forces and their families. The team provides free tickets to active duty military personnel and veterans and conducts a number of special events and activities to recognize their service.

5. Youth Hockey Programs: The Pittsburgh Penguins are committed to developing the next generation of hockey players through their youth hockey programs.

The team provides free equipment and coaching to children in underserved communities and supports local youth hockey leagues through donations and other initiatives.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are deeply committed to giving back to their community and supporting charitable causes. Through their various initiatives, the team has made a positive impact on the lives of many people in the Pittsburgh area.