First Annual "We Love Moms" Night Hosted By the Pittsburgh Penguins

She wakes you up with a gentle shake of your arm. She has laid out and cleaned the gear you could hardly bear to touch. She is in the car, coffee mug in hand, patiently waiting for you as you rush out the door. She sits in the bleachers and watches while you practice, but on game day she’s on her feet the entire time. Win or lose, she’s still your biggest fan. Any cut, bump, or bruise stands no match against her. She’s carpooling, Band-Aid wielding, take no nonsense hockey mom.

At the March 31st game versus the Nashville Predators, The Pittsburgh Penguins dedicated a night to the women who dedicate their lives to their children and to the game of hockey. Prior to the game, hockey moms were nominated to have a chance to attend the March 31st game along with her little hockey player. The moms were given t-shirts and hats sporting the slogan, “I love being a hockey mom!”, and all sat together in pink to watch the game. Michele Riggio, a hockey mom from Bethel Park shared, "As someone who has battled with breast cancer, tonight is truly incredible."

Not only were hockey moms honored, but the Breast Cancer Research Foundation was honored throughout the night on the totes that were handed out to the first 3,200 ladies at the gate along with at the silent auction and on the board during the game. Inside the totes handed out was a special message from Michael Kors saying, “To my favorite hockey mom… you bring glamour to the game. MK.”

The silent auction also had a bit more sparkle than usual. Signed goalie pads were subbed out for silver and gold Michael Kors watches. Team and player photos had the night off while Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade took their power play, and of course every player needs their Coach. Emily Nicholson, coordinator of the 50/50 and silent auction explained, "We wanted the women to truly feel fabulous tonight. We got a ton of designers to join us in the celebration of hockey moms and the fight against cancer."

All proceeds directly benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which were then matched by the Citrone Foundation. On every Michael Kors canvas tote was a luggage tag with the number to text to donate to BCRF, but you did not have to be at the game to do your part. From the comfort of their own couches, fans could donate and bid on auction items on their phones. Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation President Dave Soltesz added, "This is an amazing cause we are benefiting tonight, and to make such a difference while honoring women who make a difference in their own ways to their children and their children's teams is incredible."

The Pittsburgh Penguins are the first team to dedicate an entire night to the women who play such an integral role in shaping the future players of the NHL. From pink shirts to designer purses, the women truly did “bring glamour to the game”. At the end of the night, the Pittsburgh Penguins were able to raise $150,000 for breast cancer research. It took one day, one game to raise $150,000 towards research, but it only takes one word to shake a woman and he famiy's worlds. This battle is still going on, but with nights like tonight, we are getting closer and closer to finding a cure.