Out & About: Pirates legend Steve Blass shares memories at Excela Health gala
Ladies and gentlemen, “Elvis” was in the building on Saturday evening at Greensburg Country Club.
The King — or a reasonable facsimile thereof — made a surprise return from the great beyond for the Las Vegas-style casino games that topped off Black Tie for Hearts, a benefit for the Excela Health Heart, Lung & Vascular Institute.
The evening kicked off with the appearance of another legend, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and color commentator Steve Blass.
Addressing VIP reception guests, Blass reminisced about his playing days and the lessons he learned — especially the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.
“It only takes a minute to make a moment,” he said.
One of those moments came for him when he was being interviewed on national television as the winning pitcher of Game 3 of the 1971 World Series. As he spoke with NBC broadcaster Tony Kubek, he spied someone jumping from the top of the Three Rivers Stadium dugout and making his way onto the field.
“It was my dad,” Blass said. “He was not gonna be denied seeing his kid after he won a World Series game.”
More than 50 years later, he said, it’s still one of his most cherished memories.
Black Tie events have made a big difference for Excela Health patients, said Al Novak, Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation chief philanthropy officer. They’ve raised more than a half-million dollars in the past five years.
The more than 200 guests learned that the foundation had pledged to match funds raised by Black Tie for Hearts, which stood at more than $100,000 as the evening began.
In addition to the casino games, guests tried their luck on silent auction prizes ranging from baskets and gift cards from local businesses to a stay in a Manhattan condo and tickets to a Broadway show. Blass contributed a collection of autographed items.
Event committee members included chairman Ron Eberhardt, Ann Albanesi, Patti Buhl, Maureen Crevak, Holly DiBiasi, Kathy Frazier, Phyllis Kluska, Scott Koscho, Al Novak, Sally Ann Novak and Joan Stairs.
Seen: John and Donna Sphon, Jeff and Noelle Tiesi, Tom Albanesi, Dr. Carol and Jim Fox, Ray and Kate Charley, Joann Eberhardt, Jess Stairs, Sally Loughran, Anita Owen, Mud Kluska, Father Paul Taylor, Dr. Michael and Megan Culig, Dr. Steve and Jan Mills, Barry and Jo Ellen Numerick, George Shaner and Michael Philopena, Pat Condo and Jan Taylor-Condo, Mark and Kaaren Tintori, Kevin Miscik, Bob Kocian, Lisa Frederick, Lindsay Fennell, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Teri Bowes, Debra Lanager, Doug and Cindy Chew, Dr. Michael and Stephanie Szwerc, Dr. Libby Detschelt, Dr. Hiro Tsukui, Dr. Vinod Kudagi and volunteers Kathy Kuchta, Joni Powell, Amanda Hagerman, Gayle Robison and Beth Kohler.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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