Verona resident raises more than $10K for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Walk for Children's

When Verona resident Nathaniel Pugliese is passionate about a cause, he will make it his mission to raise money for it.

That mission was achieved when he recently raised more than $10,000 for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s “Walk for Children’s.”

Pugliese was already involved in many volunteering opportunities for the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, including their Caring For Kids campaign for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Three years ago, he decided to start personally fundraising for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s “Walk for Children” event after he found out Eat’n Park sponsored it.

Pugliese works mainly at the Peters Township Eat’n Park restaurant, but has also helped out with training at other locations across the area.

“Working for the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group really helped me realize how much they give back to the community and how much I wanted to give back too,” he said.

The walk aims to celebrate, honor and support “the kids and families that have been or are being cared for at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.”

He raised $2,500 his first year and $5,000 his second year. This year, he wanted to double that amount to $10,000.

“I told myself, ‘you can absolutely raise $10,000,’” he said.

He started fundraising in February, promoting his effort on social media. He also received help from coworkers, regulars at Eat’n Park locations and families and friends.

Just 24 hours before the June 5 walk, Pugliese’s efforts had netted $7,000. Trying one last time, he sent out messages to everyone encouraging them to donate. His message would help him raise more than $3,000 in less than 24 hours to reach his goal with a total of $10,250.

“I couldn’t sleep because I kept seeing the money grow and rise. It had me in tears,” Pugliese said.

He credits his being immersed in volunteering for how much the community has helped him.

“I’ve met so many people who ask for my help,” Pugliese said. “Giving back so much of my time throughout so many places in Pittsburgh has helped me achieve it.”

Trina DeMarco, director of communications & community partnerships of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, has worked with Pugliese for more than five years. DeMarco said it was not surprising to see Pugliese achieve his goal.

“Nathan is so passionate about giving back to the community, and his passion sparks others,” she said.

DeMarco said Pugliese was recognized for his personal efforts when a coworker nominated him to be selected as one of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year finalists at Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. The award will be announced later this summer.

For next year, Pugliese said he wants to raise $15,000.

“If it is a cause important to me,” he said, “I will raise money for it.”