Pitt-Greensburg charity basketball game benefits the Welcome Home Shelter

Pitt-Greensburg students may have won the competition against faculty and staff on the gym floor, but a local homeless shelter was the ultimate victor when it received a donation of $1,250 from the school’s annual Charity Basketball Game.

The event, now in its 18th year, was organized by the Student Government Association of the Hempfield school. Westmoreland County’s Welcome Home Shelter in Greensburg was selected to receive the proceeds.

“Each year the Student Government Association chooses a local nonprofit to highlight during the charity game. This year there were several suggestions, but the Welcome Home Shelter was selected by the students because of the critical work they do in the Greensburg community,” said Al Thiel, director of the Student Center and Student Involvement.

Driving the fundraising effort each year is a basket raffle held on the day of the event. Prizes included tickets to the PPG Zoo & Aquarium, a signed and framed photo of Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Cam Heyward, gift card trees and more. A grand prize of tickets to the upcoming Post Malone and Jelly Roll concert at PNC Park highlighted the drawings. Nineteen organizations helped sponsor the event and donated products or gift cards for raffles and prizes.

The Welcome Home Shelter is a temporary emergency shelter that offers a place for families and single women experiencing homelessness. Annually, an average of 250 women, children and men are assisted by Welcome Home.

Representing the faculty and staff were Matt Blair, Dan O’Connor, Todd Brown, Tim Holler, Laura Giovannelli, Adam Craig, Will Weller and Nick Blair. Representing the students were Andrew Ross, Liam Ivory, Andres Lemus, Jacob Tysarczyk, Josiah Whipkey, Miguel Perez, Gustavo Arias-Gonzalez, Lando Cowen, Danial Cipcic, Clifton Reid Jr., Jack Schiffhauer and Laura Vittone. Alex Scarlett coached the student team and the game officiating was handled by Conor Tatano and Kevin Hrobak.