Project for Awesome 2015 - Beverly's Birthdays

I would like to share with you a new and upcoming charity that is near and dear to my heart. Beverly's Birthdays are a charitable fund that wants to help the children of impoverished families and give them the birthdays' that they deserve with memories that will last a lifetime.

It doesn't take much, but with a $10 monthly donation, YOU can help this Pittsburgh-based charity giving those very opportunities to young kids. It's that simple. They do all the work with the party planning, budgeting, and overall fun while you get to know that you're doing something good for a little child.

I would like you to watch the youtube video that I made this year and consider tossing some money in this charity's direction so that you too can make a child's birthday a memorable one.

Also, a big thank you goes to the great group of people who host the #P4A every year. They bring attention to a lot of varied charities and causes that people need to know about.

Fallen Officer Saluted with Second Annual Hockey Tournament

A few years ago, the Pittsburgh area was horrified by the tragic death of 3 police officers responding to a hostage situation. The tragedy was then turned around into something positive for the community. Many people started buying and wearing t-shirts to show their support for the policemen's families as well as solidarity among those who survived the gunfire.

But one of the fallen officers, Paul Scuillo, has had a street hockey tournament established in his honor. Having played hockey for Central Catholic, some of Scuillo's family members plan on having a memorial street hockey event that helps the immediate family in their loss.

For all the information related to the event and where you can possibly pledge support, go to the official website.

Another Voice Has Been Silenced By Cancer

John Barbaro, the legendary voice of the Civic/Mellon Arena passed away earlier this evening due to a long battle with brain cancer. Barbaro was 65 years old. Reports are that he was surrounded by his family in a hospice care home in Washington County.

Barbero called his first Penguins game in 1972-73 and worked 36 seasons for the team. He was part of three Stanley Cup championship seasons and had the distinction of announcing every home goal of Mario Lemieux's Hall of Fame career.


When I was working with the Penn State women's hokey team, I tried to mimic the unique style of Barbaro during the 2001-2002 season. Much like Lange's voice, Barbaro's voice in the arena was a signature of the Penguins brand of hockey. He will truly be missed.

No word if his voice was captured for posterity and will be played in the new Consol Energy Arena.

[Via: Patriot News and Official Pittsburgh Penguins Website]

Mario Lemieux Mosaic

As one of the most fan-friendly organizations in North America, the Pittsburgh Penguins have once again come up with an idea to celebrate and combine the deep love the city of Pittsburgh has for hockey, charity, and the new state of the art mega civic facility known as the Consol Energy Center.

As it has been just introduced this morning, the Mario Lemieux Foundation has decided to collect more needed funding for cancer charity research and allowing the Penguins fans to participate in a mural wall showing their Penguins pride.

For a modest yet poignant $66 dollars, you can purchase your spot in the Consol Energy Center showing off your Penguins pride in a picture that will make some sort of mural - most likely looking like one of the photos to the upper left hand corner of this blog.

Click on this link at the bottom of this blog to find out how you can be a part of the project.

[Via: Mario Lemieux Mosaic and