On Friday the 10th, RMU Club Hockey teamed up with the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) and Evgeni Malkin to put together an amazing and very important night.
The Ronald McDonald House is partnering again with Malkin this season with the “I’m Score for Kids” campaign, where every goal scored by Malkin this season results in a donation from him that amounts to about $710 dollars. Last season Malkin’s 83 points earned the foundation an outstanding $58,930 at the end of 2023.
This is the third season Malkin has partnered with Robert Morris for this match. The match is largely organized by not only the RMH Foundation and Malkin, but also by the players and coaches themselves.
Defensemen George Makricostas has taken the lead the last couple years with Head Coach Mike Joseph. Makricostas reiterated the importance of setting up this event every year,”It’s a good cause, it’s awesome to see everyone come out and support it. It’s a good game to be apart of, too. But at the end of the day, as long we’re making a difference in the community that’s all that matters.”
Malkin brought along a few of his teammates this year to help spread the awareness. Defensemen P.O. Joseph and Kris Letang joined Malkin on the ice this year for the ceremonial puck drop. A special moment considering the Penguins had just landed from their west coast road trip, and had a game the night prior that started at 10 P.M.
“It’s an honor, they’re really busy so they don’t have to come,” said Markicostas about getting the team involved. “They saw what we’re doing here, it’s a good cause, good night, they all know it’s a good time.”
For the Ronald McDonald House and their Pittsburgh & Morgantown CEO, Eleanor Riegel, it means the world to have them here. “It takes a village, truly, to support what we do, our mission, to provide a place for families to stay while they’re seeking medical care for their children,” Riegel said. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh opened in 1979, and since then have been providing much needed care for families and children in the Pittsburgh region. “Without the community, we’d really have a difficult time.
Like stated this is the second season RMU has partnered up with the Pens and foundation. “I have found in my tenure at working at the RMH, how giving the sports teams are in the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins are no exception to that. They have traditionally given back.” said Riegel on local efforts. “I think the players, themself, realize how important our mission is, and how fortunate they are in their lives.”
Malkin, Joseph, and Letang came straight from the airport to the game, which Riegel along with the fans appreciated greatly. “it’s significant.”
At the end of the day, the cause is most important, and all proceeds from Friday’s match against Kent State went straight to the Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh and Morgantown. “There’s so many different students, and departments, the school is tremendous with respect to the support,” Riegel said. “So I hope everyone realizes the impact that they’re making, it’s significant.”
You can learn more or donate to the Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh and Morgantown here.
