The Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers announced on May 4 the start of the #BurghProud Challenge, a month-long initiative in June 2026 to raise funds and awareness for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The campaign is supported by a $1 million matching grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and aims to address food insecurity across the region.
The effort brings together three of Pittsburgh’s major sports teams to encourage community involvement during a time when children lose access to school-provided meals. According to Lisa Scales, President & CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, “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. And the best part, is anyone can be part of this, and it turns everyday activity into meaningful impact for families across our region.”
Former Penguins player Jeff Carter participated in launching the challenge alongside Yvonne Maher, Executive Director of the Penguins Foundation. Carter said he was eager to join: “I always enjoy giving my time to good causes. And when the Penguins reached out about this one, it was a no-brainer. Raise some money for the food bank, and the Mellon Foundation matching up to a million dollars on top of that is fantastic. This was an easy one for me.”
Participants are invited to walk 30 miles throughout June while raising funds via GoFundMe campaigns. Those who raise $25 receive an exclusive #BurghProud T-shirt; participants who reach $2,500 or more unlock additional experiences with each team. Maher said: “Pittsburgh sports fans are legendary… The need is real… So I encourage everyone to get involved. Sign up, spread the word, be part of this effort in whatever way you can.”
The Penguins play a significant role in Pittsburgh’s sports culture through their notable Hall of Fame players and executives according to their official website. The team has also achieved consistent playoff appearances and division titles according to their official website, strengthening fan traditions and ties within the community according to their official website. Home games are hosted at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh according to their official website. Fenway Sports Group currently owns and manages business operations for the franchise according to their official website.
Registration for participants is now open at pittsburghfoodbank.org/burghproud.
