Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Night of Assists sparkles with disco theme
Instead of Saturday Night Fever, it was Wednesday Night Fever at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation hosted its third annual “Night of Assists” on Wednesday.
This year’s theme? “The Pens Disco.”
Presented by Highmark, the arena was transformed to the 1970s, complete with disco balls and neon lights.
More than 850 guests turned back the fashion clock to the days of bell bottoms, mini-skirts, hot pants, headbands, platform footwear, wide collars, glitter and satin.
The event featured a wide variety of entertainment that captured the essence of a 1970s disco. It included a 1970s band, dance troupe and a disco-themed photo destination.
It gave patrons an opportunity to play casino games with the Penguins players, who wore sparkly shirts as they dealt blackjack, challenged guests at roulette and craps and hosted a variety of themed experiences.
Songs played included “Freak Out,” “Dancing Queen,” “Car Wash,” and “Funky Town” and, of course, “We Are Family.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation’s youth initiatives and special needs programs that assist children throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
To date, Night of Assists has generated $900,000 for the Penguins Foundation.
On the menu was crab and barbecue chicken sliders, ice cream, and pasta as well as signature cocktails.
Auction items included a flight with the team to an away game in 2020-21; breakfast in the Penguins’ locker room for you and 23 guests, which includes a tour of PPG Paints Arena; a chance to watch a Pens game from the Penguins Party Deck in 2020-21; and players jerseys from the 1970s.
Two guests won a trip to Las Vegas and New York City.
Trib Total Media’s TribLIVE.com sponsored an earlier VIP reception.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, with wife Kate, said the foundation does such a great job putting the event together.
“It is one of the best events we do, and it’s a unique event,” Sullivan said. “Being here we get to see how passionate our fan base is. And the players enjoy it.”
They do, said Jake Guentzel.
“It is so cool to meet our fans,” he said. “I loved the music and the dress code. I just might wear this sparkly shirt again.”
Being able to interact with the fans is fun, said Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, who attended with wife, Leslie. She was dressed in a sparkly dress.
“I have clothes from the ‘70s, but they only fit halfway around me,” Rutherford said. “I am enjoying listening to all the old songs. They bring back memories from the past. The players like it, too.
“This is important for us to do because we should support our fans and help raise money for the Penguins Foundation which helps so many. It’s our responsibility.”
Dave Soltesz, president of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, sported a wig he bought on Amazon, wide sunglasses, a fake mustache and white suit — complete with matching shoes.
“This is an amazing night, probably one of the most unique events of all the fundraisers,” he said. “It is about celebrating with the Penguins do in the community. It’s a commitment with our partners and our fans, which is really, really exciting.”
In the crowd, we spotted Penguins CEO David Morehouse, emcee Dan Potash of AT&T Sportsnet, Bob and Lisa Pompeani, Alby Oxenreiter, Trib Total Media president and CEO Jennifer Bertetto with husband Keith, Jeff Buss and Anthony Braun.
Live painter Kait Schoeb, formerly of Baldwin, who lives in Seattle, Wash., auctioned off four pieces, including one of Sidney Crosby hoisting the Stanley Cup.
There was even a real penguin from the National Aviary on the North Side named, you guessed it, Disco.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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