Artists transform old windows to raise funds for Type 1 diabetes research

For Monroeville resident Steve Rennekamp, the fight against Type 1 diabetes is personal.

The founder of Energy Swing Windows lost his first wife, Susan, at age 33, and his son, Stephen, at age 41, both to complications from the disease. This devastating experience became the driving force behind his dedication to supporting a worthy cause.

“He dealt with a lot,” Rennekamp said of his son, who had two kidney transplants. “It’s a struggle when you’re young. Kids are very erratic in terms of activity.”

Over the past 12 years, Energy Swing Windows has donated over $140,000 to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), a leader in research and treatment for Type 1 diabetes.

This year, Energy Swing launched a new initiative: “Creating Breakthroughs One Window at a Time.” Old window sashes are being repurposed and painted by local artists, and will be displayed and auctioned off at the Breakthrough T1D Walk on Oct. 19 at Acrisure Stadium. All money raised will directly benefit the Western PA Chapter of Breakthrough T1D.

Rennekamp, the corporate chair for this year’s walk, was inspired by a similar project from his close friend and fellow business owner, Brian Gottlieb from Wisconsin. Over the past seven years, Gottlieb has donated $180,000 to various charities.

Energy Swing reached out to several local groups, including the East Suburban Artist League in Murrysville, Greensburg Art Center, Latrobe Art Center and Uncle Dave’s Art Studio in Lower Burrell, inviting artists to paint a piece for the silent auction. The company donated the windows for the project.

“It was a little slow to start,” Rennekamp said, “but then we gained some momentum.” After reaching out to various groups, Energy Swing now has 50 sashes, and the company is still collecting more.

“It’s amazing, the talent some people have,” Rennekamp said. “One thing artists all tend to have in common is they are fun people to be with. And they are all empathetic.”

The window company also received responses from Gateway and Penn-Trafford high schools.

“I have two close relatives who manage Type 1 diabetes, so I knew immediately when I read the invitation that I would like to contribute a window,” said Gateway art teacher Greta Severson. “I think it’s a beautiful way to bring people together and raise money for a very worthy cause.”

Severson and five of her students participated in the project: sophomore Miranda Humphries, juniors Katherine Jordan and Abigail Whisner, senior Kati Hutchinson, and 2025 graduate Madison Lu. Some students worked on their pieces during the spring, while others finished up over the summer.

“Each of these students readily chose to volunteer their time, talents, and creativity to support the fundraiser,” Severson said. “(They) felt driven to participate and felt pride in their experience knowing that their work would be used to help others.”

At Penn-Trafford High School, art teacher Jen Haberberger’s entire class is working on the project, with students painting individually or in small groups.

“Giving of yourself with no immediate reward is so important to teach our students,” Haberberger said. “This assignment is a great opportunity for the students to see how their talents can impact the community outside of our classroom by providing incredible art and helping fund research for a disease that has impacted so many of our families. We’re very happy to be involved with this project.”

Rennekamp’s drive is well-established. He holds an engineering degree from NYU, where he also played Division I basketball, and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He previously served for three years as chairman of the Westmoreland County Walk for Diabetes.

Energy Swing has held several fundraisers for T1D research. One of their biggest initiatives is “Signs of Satisfaction,” where the company places a sign in a customer’s yard for a month. For each sign, Energy Swing donates $25 to Breakthrough T1D and gives the customer a $25 gift card, though customers can choose to donate their portion as well. The project has raised more than $5,000.

“The knowledge that Mr. Rennekamp lives in the community only added further meaning and depth to the process,” Severson added. “We hope that their contributions will help to make the event a wonderful success.”

To learn more about Breakthrough T1D, visit breakthrought1d.org.