Joe Manganiello, actor/producer and Pittsburgh native, has been named to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation board of trustees.
Manganiello, who grew up in Mt. Lebanon, has been supportive to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC throughout the years.
In addition to numerous patient visits to the hospital, his relationship started in 2011 when he hosted an event in Pittsburgh for a season finale of the HBO series “True Blood.” He donated 100 percent of the proceeds from that event to Children’s. In 2015, he served as the honorary chair at the Foundation’s 125th Anniversary Gala. The gala was a celebration of the community’s philanthropic support that has helped Children’s become one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the nation.
“I am proud to be from Pittsburgh and from a community that cares about its kids,” said Manganiello. “It has always been my plan that if my career got to a certain level, I would use that platform to help the children’s hospital of my hometown. This world-class institution is a place for hope and healing, and a place that makes things fun for kids who are dealing with so much. One day, you can see Batman washing the windows and the next day attend an art therapy session. I want to spread the word so everyone will know what an amazing place this is. That is why I became involved in the first place and why I’m honored to have been asked to increase my role as a board member.”
Currently, Joe is the honorary chair for the new Masterpiece of Hope Campaign that will raise funds to support the Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy program at the hospital. The program offers therapeutic activities tailored to meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of patients and their families. The Masterpiece of Hope Campaign will seek resources to expand the program’s physical space, support the people who inspire, and provide additional tools for expression.
“I know how passionate people in Pittsburgh are about the arts,” added Manganiello. “We want these people to become heroes for young patients and for the arts by supporting this campaign.”
“It’s unbelievable to see how much Joe has become invested in our charity and brought his talent and passion to help spread our philanthropic message to a national audience,” said Greg Barrett, president, Children’s Foundation. “The impact and creativity he will bring overall will be instrumental in enhancing our mission and we look forward to working on many programs and campaigns with him in the future.”
For more information on Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, please visit www.givetochildrens.org.
