Mon Valley YMCA Hosts 5th Annual John Barbero Memorial Scholarship Auction

Last Updated on Monday, 27 October 2014 14:39

A Pittsburgh Penguins Olli Maata signed game jersey, four Lexus Club Pirates Club tickets, four Captain Morgan Club tickets, a 60" big screen TV, a Campy's Pig Pie every month for a year, and a Nemacolin two-night package are live auction items coming up for bid at the 5th Annual John Barbero Memorial Scholarship Auction on Sunday, November 2 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Mon Valley YMCA.

The event sponsors are the Pittsburgh Penguins, Highway Appliance & Television and Lee Supply.

John Barbero was the Pens' public address announcer for games at the Civic Arena. In his professional career, he mentored many students throughout the area in his years of teaching and administration. Mr. Barbero touched the lives of many students and encouraged them to challenge themselves with higher education and benefit from the rewards it can bring.

To honor Barbero's legacy of supporting higher education, a college scholarship is awarded each year in his name to a high school senior who is majoring in education or communications. The 2014 scholarship was awarded to Micala Mary Arlette Ellison. She is attending California University of Pennsylvania.

Special guests available at the autograph session this year from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. are former Steeler Louie Lipps, 1984 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and AFC Pro Bowl teammate, along with Slap Shot and Slap Shot 2 "Breaking the Ice" star Dave "Jack" Hanson. Hanson played with Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota North Stars.

This family-oriented event has face painting and balloon art for the children, and the Penguins' Iceburgh and Steelers' Steely McBeam will interact with them for pictures.

Pizza will be on hand, compliments of Salatino's River House, and will be served by the Mon Valley YMCA Teen Leaders with cookies provided by Keystone Bakery.

In addition, there will be over 100 silent drawings and another 100+ "Just for You" drawings. Steel City Auctions has certified autographed sports and celebrity items and photographs for the avid collectors. These items will be featured in a separate silent auction with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the scholarship fund. All ticket holders are entered into a drawing on the half hour for cash prizes or a YMCA Family membership.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Mon Valley YMCA or at the door that day.

Applications for the 2015 scholarship will be available in the spring and must be turned in by May 30, 2015. For more information contact the Mon Valley YMCA at 734-483-8077.