In our city, you do not need to ask who Art Rooney is.  He is Pittsburgh.  He spent time in the steel mills and grew up on the North Side. He was religious but also a gambler.  In fact, at one point he won $380,000 at the horse track, and this may have saved our beloved Steelers during some tough seasons.  Rooney was a founding owner of the Steelers in the NFL from 1933 until his death in 1988.  He was “The Chief”. 

The movie “The Chief” is based off of the life of Rooney. It stars a Pittsburgh based cast and crew including:

• Director Stevo Parys
• Actor Tom Atkins
• Writer Gene Collier
• Writer Rob Zellers

While originally starting out as a play, it had become one of the most popular performances at Pittsburgh Public Theater.  It had seven sold out seasons before it finished in 2010. 

So, you missed the play, but you still want to see the life of Rooney? You can purchase a DVD or download off of the official website here. However, the deal gets much sweeter than that. “The Chief” is entering anyone that makes a purchase before February 28th into a drawing for a trip for 2 on the Steelers Cruise.  

Cruise details:

• The ship leaves from Tampa on March 10th at 4 pm and returns on the 15th 
• You will be vacationing with current players and Steeler alumni, including Hines Ward
• For your enjoyment there will be live music, a Steelers talent show, movie screenings, three pools, three whirlpools, half Basketball Court, rock-climbing Wall, a spa, nine-hole miniature golf course, and more.

The Drawing

• The Chief will be announcing the winners on Monday March 3rd at 7 pm at an awards-drawing at Hollywood Theater in Dormont. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
• The awards party will also include a special screening the movie “The Chief” for our attendees
• Exclusive invites are offered to anyone who entered the drawing, and each guest can bring a friend or family member, too.
  
  

Charity

The Chief wanted to give something to our fellow Steelers’ fans, but they also wanted to give back to our community.  This is why they selected three local charities to donate 20% of all proceeds to. 

Charities and missions

• American Diabetes Association:  To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.  Enter the code ADACRUISE to donate to this charity
• Tickets for Kids: Dedicated to enriching the lives of low-income and at-risk children and their families through different activities and events in Pittsburgh.   Enter the code TFKCRUISE to donate to this charity
• Children's Charity: Variety provides children with disabilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania with unique programs, experiences, and equipment so they may live life to the fullest.  Enter the code VARIETYCRUISE to donate to this charity.
  
  

Get on Board:  So, you can donate to charity, see a great film about a local legend, and potentially win a cruise with Steelers’ players and alumni.  It would be crazy not to give this a shot.  Yinz can purchase a DVD or download for only $10 here, or in the meantime, check out “The Chief” trailer here.   For more information on how to enter and what to expect, click here. 

Applications are available for the City’s Spring 2014 Love Your Block grant award program. The block revitalization program gives organizations $2,000 to purchase supplies and equipment necessary for a neighborhood block improvement project that mobilizes community volunteers. Applications will be available until Friday, Feb. 28 and project implementation will begin April 15.