WPA Salvation Army Announces Annual Dinner Awardees; Former Steelers Great Jerome Bettis to Speak

CARNEGIE, Pa., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Majors Robert and Lynette Reel, Western Pennsylvania Divisional Leaders of The Salvation Army, are pleased to announce that Jerome Bettis, former Pittsburgh Steeler, renowned sports commentator, and motivational speaker will be the featured guest at the organization's 2010 Allegheny County Doing the Most Good Dinner.  Sponsored by FedEx Ground and slated for Thursday, November 11th at the Sheraton Station Square, the event will also honor Dr. Stephen Fisher, Marilyn DeHuff, John Newman and the Razzak Memon Family.

Jerome "The Bus" Bettis is considered one of the best running backs in NFL history. His NFL career started in 1993 when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round, tenth player picked overall in the draft.  He finished second in the league in rushing yards, was named The National Football League's "Rookie of the Year" and earned the Rams M.V.P. Award. In 1996 in what has been called the "Trade of the Decade" Bettis was traded on a draft day trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers for two second round draft picks. Mr. Bettis was named Steelers MVP in 1996 and 1997. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2005.  

In 1997, Jerome Bettis Enterprises (J.B.E) was established, a full-service sports marketing firm, which Jerome used to introduce his own line of apparel, manage his endorsements and produced his website, www.thebus36.com.  Jerome also founded The "Bus Stops Here" Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.  He has established a scholarship program for seniors graduating from his former high school, McKenzie High, and he hosts the legendary Reggie McKenzie Football camp every summer, where he was formally a camper.  While a Pittsburgh Steeler, Bettis regularly sponsored toy drives to support The Salvation Army's Treasures for Children toy program.

"Doing the Most Good Dinner" awards to be presented include: The Project Bundle-Up Award to the Razzak Memon Family for their exemplary service and efforts in providing needy children and seniors with new winter outerwear; the William Booth Award, named for the founder of The Salvation Army to Dr. Stephen Fisher for his voluntary medical service to the victims of the Haiti earthquake; the Catherine Booth Award, named after the co-founder of The Salvation Army, to be given to Marilyn DeHuff for her long-term and dedicated service to The Salvation Army's Greater Pittsburgh Women's Auxiliary; and the Others Award to John Newman for his generous philanthropic efforts.

Darieth Chisolm, co-anchor for Channel 11 News will serve as the evening's master of ceremonies. A VIP photo reception with Jerome Bettis will be held immediately prior to the dinner. Tickets are available at a variety of price points. For reservations contact The Salvation Army's Divisional Director of Development, Fran Brace at 412-446-1646 or [email protected].

Both a church and a social service organization, provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide.  Headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, the 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of diverse support programs. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army, doing the most good, for the most people, in the most need.  

SOURCE Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division