Group receives special treatment from Steelers
CONNELLSVILLE – A volunteer group that delivered more than $10,000 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the American Red Cross hurricane victim fund drive Tuesday netted the members a personal visit with several notable football players and spots on upcoming sports shows. On Saturday, Andy’s Army will be featured on the Steelers TV program at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2 and the KDKA Steelers’ pregame show on Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rolled out the red carpet for the youngsters and their chaperones as their bus rolled in to the Coca Cola Great Hall at Heinz Field, where several football team members along with the University of Pittsburgh and KDKA were receiving the contributions, according to Linda Sparks, organization founder and coordinator of the local fund drive.
Upon their arrival, instead of standing in line to deliver their sizeable check, the “army” was escorted to another location where they were greeted by team quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, top receiver Hines Ward and team owners Art Rooney II and Dan Rooney.
“The kids were so excited,” said Sparks.
“They were able to shake hands with the players and talk to them. (The four) signed their shirts and footballs. It was so great.”
Ward was so moved by the generous donation, that he agreed to match the sum, added Sparks.
“He said that it was amazing what the kids had done,” said Sparks.
“He wanted to do something to show that he appreciated what they had done.”
The “army,” named in honor of Sparks’ father, Andrew Peperak, spent much of the Labor Day weekend collecting donations along 8th and 9th streets, where the family patriarch spent much of his time as a youngster.
During the visit to Heinz Field, photographers and cameramen documented the time spent with the Steelers and club owners, which a portion will be televised on the various sports shows.
A small part of the visit was also broadcast Tuesday on KDKA’s 11 p.m. newscast and again Wednesday morning, said Sparks.
According to Tony Quatrini, Steelers marketing director, the “army” will also be featured on the Sept. 15 broadcast of the Bill Cowher Show that airs on Fox Sport Net Pittsburgh at 6 p.m.
“They are a very special group of individuals,” said Quatrini of Andy’s Army.