The Steel City Team’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the Art of Wine and Food extravaganza, which benefits HEARTH. This year’s Art of Wine and Food fundraiser was held September 27 at Pittsburgh’s National Aviary. The event sold out well in advance and encouraged participants to enjoy samplings of fine wine and gourmet food while bidding on silent auction items. The team was the event's presenting sponsor and helped raise approximately $43,100 for the charity. The Steel City Team strives exceed this total the next time around, scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2008.

At another function called Martinis and More, which was held on April 18, the Steel City Team helped HEARTH raise nearly $1,000 at the LeMont restaurant. This year's event has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Steel City Team Branch Managers helped assemble gift baskets for "HEARTH moms Pampered by Parkvale."

Exceeding expectations, the Steel City Team’s charity drive known as “HEARTH Moms Pampered by Parkvale,” was a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of Parkvale customers and employees, 15 HEARTH moms received two gift baskets each that were loaded with much-needed items. Many HEARTH moms spend every available dollar taking care of their children and they appreciate personal luxuries that they may not be able to purchase for themselves. Steel City Team branches hold a donation drive each year to collect items to put into these Mother’s Day baskets. The donated articles included toiletry items, diapers, soap, lotion, makeup, candles and books.

Another time of year when Steel City Team members put baskets together for HEARTH families is Thanksgiving, and this year was no exception. HEARTH moms received Thanksgiving baskets that included the makings of a pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing mix and a $10 gift certificate to a local supermarket. During the holiday season, each Steel City Team branch adopts a HEARTH family to which they provide holiday decorations and gifts from their family’s wish list. They also shop, wrap and deliver the packages.

In ongoing efforts to raise money for HEARTH, Steel City Team offices sell chocolate from Yetters Candy Store in Millvale and Make-a-Wish Pearl Necklaces. Each necklace gives the buyer a chance to discover a real pearl that bestows various good tidings to its wearer.

For details on how to contribute or participate, contact Steel City Team Leader, Millvale Branch Manager & Sr. AVP Lin Mikelas at 412-821-4900. Thank you for helping Parkvale Bank support HEARTH.