The team, its fans, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and various corporate partners have conducted ongoing fund-raising efforts, in a campaign called "Stronger Than Hate," since the tragic shooting at the synagogue took 11 lives on October 27.
The Penguins also will be donating $200,000 to the city's newly-created Public Safety Support Trust Fund to honor the police, fire, medic and public safety personnel who responded, especially the six officers who were wounded or injured during the shooting.
Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse made today's presentation to representatives of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Tree of Life Synagogue. He was accompanied by Dave Soltesz, president of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Following an original commitment of $50,000, the Penguins Foundation began to raise funds through an auction of game-worn jerseys (autographed by Penguins players) bearing a special "Stronger Than Hate" patch; the sale of individual "Stronger Than Hate" patches; a collection held at the October 30 game vs. the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena; in-game auctions; and a special text-to donate program.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation contributed $100,000 to the fund, and partners GNC and Wendell August Forge also made financial donations.
"Stronger Than Hate" patches are still for sale, and the Penguins' jersey auction will continue through November 13. Links to access those efforts are available at
www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org
. Additional funds will be donated at a later date.
