Raffle proceeds top $1.2 million for second straight season

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated “Back-to-Back” Stanley Cup Championships this year. Likewise, the Penguins Foundation celebrated its own back-to-back milestone, having raised over $1.2 million for the second consecutive season during the 50/50 game night raffles.

A total of 109 local 501C3 charities received Penguins Foundation grants this year from 2016-17 raffle proceeds.

Penguins Foundation grants are awarded twice a year with Phase One awards distributed at mid-season and Phase Two of the annual grant process taking place at the conclusion of each hockey season.

Among the local charities benefiting from this year’s grants are the American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater PA, Boys & Girls Club, Cops for Kids, Junior Achievement of W. PA, National Aviary, Pressley Ridge, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh, Special Olympics PA, The Bradley Center and the W. PA School for the Deaf.

“We are thrilled that so many deserving charities have greatly benefited from our grant program again this year,” stated Penguins Foundation President Dave Soltesz. “Our grants are only possible because of the outstanding fan support we receive when 50/50 raffle tickets are purchased on game nights. And we applaud our fans for the Penguins Foundation’s “Back-to-Back” fundraising accomplishment.”

Over the past two seasons, more than $2.5 million has been awarded to 138 unique 501C3 charities through the Penguins Foundation’s grant program using funds generated from the 50/50 Raffle.

For more information on the Penguins Foundation and its grant program, please visit pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org.