Rooney family, Steelers ownership make donations to United Way, Salvation Army

Members of the Rooney family and others involved in ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers made donations to the Salvation Army and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the team announced Wednesday.

Led by team president Art Rooney II and his wife, Greta, the Rooneys contributed $250,000 to the large charitable organizations. Paul Evanson, Scott and Russ Swank, the Paul family and the Varischetti family were among the minority partners who also made donations, according to a team release.

The donations are part of the NFL’s “Draft-A-Thon” endeavor that encourages fans and others watching this week’s draft to donate to a fund set up by the NFL Foundation. The fund benefits relief efforts related to the coronavirus pandemic via the Salvation Army, United Way, American Red Cross, Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, and the CDC Foundation.

Announcing Draft-A-Thon Live, a three-day livestream featuring @richeisen, @deionsanders and special guest @KevinHart4real! #DraftAThon pic.twitter.com/cqLwH8ITnk

— NFL (@NFL) April 17, 2020

“We are grateful for the continued efforts of the Salvation Army and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, especially during these difficult times,” Rooney II in a statement released by the team. “We wanted to rally as an organization and provide support to the local community. We have so many heroes that are on the front lines during the crisis, and we are very appreciative of the opportunity to give back to those in need. I am thankful for everyone who has been able to provide the financial support to assist these and other organizations with their efforts.”

Fans can make donations at NFL.com/relief, where there will be a live donation tracker.

Covid-19 concerns have made the draft a “virtual” event. It runs Thursday through Saturday.

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