By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
A Gala Pittsburgh Sports Night was held at Heinz Field and sports fans had the chance to meet current and former Steelers, as well as former Pirates players and athletes from local colleges.
The event, now in the 11th year, has raised over a million dollars for Cardinal Wright Regional School on Pittsburgh's North Side since the inception.
"I speak to the whole blessing of Catholic Education," said Bishop David A Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh. "I am product of 37 years of formal Catholic Education – 24 behind the student's desk and 13 years as an administrator and teacher. All of the people who attended, their contributions help to pave the way to success for so many young people on the North Side who may not know the promise of success. We are able to provide great opportunities for youngsters to really achieve great success in their lives."
The Gala is put on with a partnership between the Steelers and Pirates and the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese.
"Mr. (Dan) Rooney has spoken so openly about what Catholic education has meant for him and growing up on the North Side and all of the benefits he received from Catholic education," said Bishop Zubik.
Honored at the event this year was St. Vincent College Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, along with business managers from the building trade unions, including Thomas Bigley (Plumbers Local Union 27), Kenneth Broadbent (Steamfitters Local Union 449), Michael Dunleavy (IBEW Local Union 5) and Kenneth Greiner (Sheet Metal Workers Local 12).
"This is a great event," said Archabbot Nowicki. "Catholic schools have been an important part of the fabric of American society for a long time. This is paying tribute to all of those who keep alive this important aspect. Cardinal Wright School is a celebration of that great tradition."
A silent and live auction also highlighted the evening and included a trip with the Steelers to see them play the Patriots in New England.
