The Steel City Team’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the Art of Wine and Food extravaganza, which benefits HEARTH. The event encourages participants to enjoy samplings of fine wine and gourmet food while bidding on silent auction items. In 2007, the team was the event's presenting sponsor and helped raise approximately $43,100 for the charity. As in years prior, Parkvale President Robert J. McCarthy, Jr. and his wife, Jean, were Honorary Co-Chairs and presenting sponsors of the fundraiser on September 25, 2008 at Pittsburgh’s National Aviary.

Each year Steel City Team members volunteer their time and put baskets together for HEARTH families for the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2007, HEARTH moms received baskets that included the makings of a pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing mix and a $10 gift certificate to a local supermarket. During the holiday season, each Steel City Team branch adopts a HEARTH family to which they provide holiday decorations and gifts from their family’s wish list. They also shop, wrap and deliver the packages.

Thanks to April 16th's Martinis and More benefit (held at the LeMont restaurant), the Steel City Team helped HEARTH raise $15,725.

Steel City's Oakland branch initiated a new tradition this spring. Inspired by an organization called Becca’s Closet, and in conjunction with Community Banking Month, Parkvale Bank’s Oakland office collected gently used prom dresses to give to area high school girls who may not have had the extra cash for that special dress. Fifty-five gowns were collected in all, making the event an overall success.

Steel City Team Branch Managers helped assemble gift baskets for "HEARTH moms Pampered by Parkvale."

Exceeding expectations, the Steel City Team’s charity drive known as “HEARTH Moms Pampered by Parkvale,” was a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of Parkvale customers and employees, 15 HEARTH moms received two gift baskets each that were loaded with much-needed items. Many HEARTH moms spend every available dollar taking care of their children and they appreciate personal luxuries that they may not be able to purchase for themselves. Steel City Team branches hold a donation drive each year to collect items to put into these Mother’s Day baskets. The donated articles included toiletry items, diapers, soap, lotion, makeup, candles and books.

In ongoing efforts to raise money for HEARTH, Steel City Team offices sell chocolate from Yetters Candy Store in Millvale and Make-a-Wish Pearl Necklaces. Each necklace gives the buyer a chance to discover a real pearl that bestows various good tidings to its wearer.

For details on how to contribute or participate, contact Steel City Team Leader, Millvale Branch Manager & Sr. AVP Lin Mikelas at 412-821-4900. Thank you for helping Parkvale Bank support HEARTH.