"The Chief," the late Arthur J. Rooney, Jr., was the partriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a larger than life figure beloved for his kindness and generosity. While he supported many causes during his life, his favorite charity was the Catholic Youth Association.
To stabilize the Catholic Youth Association's fragile finances, Mr. Rooney began a tradition in 1974: The Art Rooney Award Dinner. The dinner, which has since been continued by son, Dan Rooney, and grandson Art Rooney II, is now a prestigious Pittsburgh event attended by people from all walks of life. It annually honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Pittsburgh area in business, sports, politics, philanthropy, education, science, and other fields.
The list of Rooney Award Winners is impressive. It includes legendary sports figures like Arnold Palmer (1977), Chuck Noll (1979), and Joe Paterno (1983), as well as captains of industry like U.S. Steel CEO, Edgar Speer, Heinz'sTony O'Reilly, and PPG's Vince Sarni. Recent recipients include Jim Broadhurst, Chariman of Eat'n Park Hospitality Group and his wife Suzy, 2009; former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Terry Bradshaw, 2008; Allegheny County Chief Executive, Dan Onorato, 2007; Steelers running back, Jerome Bettis, 2006 ; Steelers Head Coach, Bill Cowher, 2005; and, PNC Chairman and CEO, Jim Rohr, 2004
The Prince award is named for the late Bob Prince who was affectionally known as "The Gunner." Prince broadcasted Pirates Baseball from 1948 to 1975, and coined many great lines over the years. "Kiss it good-by" was his well known home run call. And who can forget: "There's chicken on the hill." That was reserved for blasts by Pirate slugger Willie Stargell. Stargell owned a chicken restaurant in Pittsburgh's Hill District and his restaurant gave away chicken dinners when he hit one out of the park--at least that's what happened after the colorful Prince declared it on radio! Yet another famous Prince invention was the "Green Weenie"--a jinx on opposing teams and hitters.
The Bob Prince Award is given by the Catholic Youth Association to the Pittsburgh sports person who best exemplifies perserverance, accomplishment, and love of sport.
Those were the words that the late Bill Burns used to close every newscast. They are also words that most Pittsburghers over the age of 50 still remember. That's because Bill Burns was the face of local news in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
CYA's Bill Burns Award annually honors a Pittsburgh media professional for journalistic excellence and community service. Recent award winners include KDKA's Stacy Smith; WPXI's Peggy Finnegan; KDKA's Patrice King Brown; WTAE's Mike Clark, and WQED's Michael Bartley. For a complete list of winners, click here.
Want to know more? Check our website. CYA offers a wide range of programs and activies.
Visit Adult Day Care at CYA
Aging parents? Need help?
If your mother or father needs, or is starting to need, greater care and support, take a look at CYA's adult day care program. CYA's attentive staff provides a wide range of stimulating activities that benefit older people physically and mentally.
Visit Camp R
CYA has a great summer camp.
Camp R located in Mountain Laurel State Park is an old-fashioned summer camp.
Visit Steelers.com
Join Us at the Art Rooney Award Dinner!
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rooney Family are proud to support the Art Rooney Award Dinner and the Catholic Youth Association of Pittsburgh
In Tribute to "The Chief"
In tribute to "The Gunner," Bob Prince
The Rooney Award Dinner and Auction always features great auction items. Attend this year's dinner and get in on the bidding!
