Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation hosted the Pittsburgh premiere of Smurfs: The Lost Village in partnership with actor Joe Manganiello on Thursday, March 16 at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont.

Seven non-profit organizations attended the event including the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh & West Virginia, Jameson’s Army, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh, Best Buddies Pennsylvania, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, DePaul School for Hearing & Speech and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.

“My boys were smiling ear to ear throughout the entire event,” expressed Danielle McKain, President and Co-Founder of Jameson’s Army.  “Viewing the Smurfs’ movie was a memory that they will never forget and it’s all thanks to the kind hearted people at the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.”

In total, 285 children and special guests were treated to the two-hour premiere event including families of members of the Penguins Alumni Association:  Colby Armstrong, Mark Recchi and J.S. Aubin.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is extremely grateful to Joe Manganiello for allowing our organization to be a part of tonight’s advanced screening,” said Dave Soltesz, President of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.  “We are thrilled to welcome these tremendous children’s charities to such a special event and to bring smiles to each and every face in this theater thanks to the lovable Smurfs.”

“Best Buddies is so honored to be a part of the [Smurfs] screening and so grateful to be a part of the Penguins family,” stated Matthew Sousa, State Director of Best Buddies Pennsylvania. “I hope it is clear, not only from our attendance, but the attendance of many other organizations how proud we are of our Pens.  It’s because of you that many of us can continue to do our work, so THANK YOU!”

Joe Manganiello, originally from Mt. Lebanon, is the voice of Hefty Smurf in the feature film set to be released on April 7 by Sony Pictures.