Out & About: Black Tie event benefits Excela Health heart, lung institute

Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll wasn’t above invoking scripture to teach a lesson.

So said four-time Steelers Super Bowl champion Jon Kolb to VIP party attendees at Black Tie for Hearts, hosted by Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation on March 25 at Greensburg Country Club.

The event raised funds for the Excela Health Heart, Lung & Vascular Institute.

In reviewing game film, Kolb said, Noll often didn’t say a word, instead running a clip back and forth, back and forth, until the lesson became obvious.

On one occasion, though, when a rookie lay motionless on the field after a play, Noll intoned, “The meek shall inherit the earth.”

The former offensive lineman and center took questions from the crowd, with KDKA News sports anchor Bob Pompeani moderating the session.

Kolb had nothing but praise for his former teammates and the lasting friendships he formed, although he did make one gentle gibe: “My roommate the last three years was Terry Bradshaw, and they didn’t even pay me extra for this.”

Following the VIP party, the main event kicked off with dinner and remarks by cardiology specialist Dr. James E. Adisey. Afterward, guests tried their luck at casino-style table games and bidding on a tantalizing array of silent auction items.

Big-ticket prizes included a New York City theater experience, with restaurant and ride service included, and an authentic Japanese dinner for six. Kolb contributed an autographed football.

Also up for grabs were private tours of Fort Ligonier, Polymath Park and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art; Saint Vincent Summer Theatre and Westmoreland Symphony tickets; local restaurant and shop gift cards; artwork, and even a ride on a fire truck, courtesy of Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Event chair Ron Eberhardt was assisted by committee members Ann Albanesi, Patti Buhl, Holly DiBiasi, Kathy Frazier, Phyllis Kluska, Scott Koscho, Sally Anne Novak, Cindy Scarpo, Keri Sciullo and Joan Stairs.

Seen: John and Donna Sphon, Joann Eberhardt, Tom Albanesi, Jess Stairs, Jan Taylor-Condo and Pat Condo, Al Novak, Mud Kluska, David and Barbara Lynn, Greg and Sierra Collins, Joe and Lisa Frederick, Ashley Frederick and Michael Arabia, Phyllis Bertok and Richard Lopretto and Mark and Kaaren Tintori.