The Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers announced on May 4 the start of the #BurghProud Challenge, a month-long campaign in June aimed at raising funds and awareness for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The initiative is supported by a $1 million matching grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and includes collaboration with GoFundMe.
The challenge comes as food insecurity continues to affect many people in the region, especially during summer when children do not have access to school meals. According to organizers, one in five children and one in eight people overall face food insecurity across the 11-county area served by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Participants are encouraged to walk or run 30 miles over 30 days during June while raising money through GoFundMe for the food bank. The event is free and open to everyone. Incentives include an official #BurghProud T-shirt for those who raise $25, matched donations up to $1 million from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and special experiences for those who raise $2,500 or more.
Lisa Scales, President & CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank said, “The BurghProud Challenge will show what happens when neighbors step up for neighbors, which is at the heart of our mission every day. Seeing the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers and our entire community take on this challenge together is truly inspiring. It also reflects the long‑standing partnerships we’re honored to share with our hometown teams and the steadfast support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, whose $1 million match strengthens the impact we can make together.”
A joint statement from all three sports teams said: “The Penguins, Pirates and Steelers are proud to come together in support of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Pittsburgh is known as the only city where its major professional sports teams all wear the same colors, but what truly connects us is our shared pride in this city and commitment to our neighbors. Thanks to the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the #BurghProud Challenge gives all of us an opportunity to turn that pride into meaningful support for those in need.”
Sam Reiman of Richard King Mellon Foundation said: “The Richard King Mellon Foundation always is looking to deploy our national private-sector relationships to benefit our local grantees and the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania… We are bringing together…the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers with GoFundMe’s national giving platform…all to help…ensure that no one in our communities goes hungry.” Steve Froehlich from GoFundMe added: “At GoFundMe we’ve seen that when people are given a simple meaningful way…generosity spreads quickly through families friendships communities…”
Registration opened May 1; details are available at pittsburghfoodbank.org/burghproud.
The Penguins play a significant role within Pittsburgh’s sports culture through their strong fan base traditions according to their official website. The team has been recognized for numerous playoff appearances as well as Hall of Fame players coaches executives according to their official website. They host home games at PPG Paints Arena according to their official website.
Fenway Sports Group owns business operations for Penguins according to their official website.
