The Polamalus Welcome All to “Party with a Purpose,” Benefitting US Veterans and Positive Change in American Samoa
On November 14, 2014, Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu and his wife Theodora will host their second luau and are inviting the entire Pittsburgh community to join them at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The Polamalu Polynesian Luau aims to raise funds for the Troy & Theodora Polamalu Foundation Fund, which supports the Fa’a Samoa Initiative, Polamalu’s academic, athletic and medical mission in American Samoa; as well as The Harry Panos Fund for Veterans, benefitting Operation Once in a Lifetime, an organization providing assistance for US Veterans as well as granting them once in a lifetime wishes.
“Theodora and I have been fortunate to be able to raise our charitable efforts to the next level with our series of luaus as well as other fundraising events so we can continue to support causes that are dear to our hearts,” says Steelers safety Polamalu. “Not only will this event benefit both my land of heritage, as well as US veterans, but it gives me the opportunity to share that heritage with the Pittsburgh community. Theodora and I want to say talofa (welcome) to all our fans and supporters and invite everyone to join us and my fellow Steelers for an evening of great food, music and entertainment.”
Guests to the luau can expect a spectacular Polynesian fire dance show, a spread of Polynesian-inspired food including a traditional pig roast, tropical cocktails from the Remy Martin sponsored open bar, and many wonderful auction items. Not only will Troy and his fellow teammates be joining their guests on the dance floor, but one lucky guest will take home a special door prize: two tickets to a Steelers home game with an exclusive, personal meet & greet with Troy Polamalu after the game.
Tickets for the November 14th luau are currently for sale through the Troy and Theodora Foundation Fund’s website at www.polamalufoundation.org and are $250 for general admission and $500 for a VIP ticket. In addition to the luau, VIP guests will attend a one-hour private cocktail party with the Polamalus and Troy’s teammates before the event officially begins, and one lucky VIP guest will find two golden tickets in their door prize: two seats in the Polamalus’ suite during a home game.
Event Start Time: 7pm
VIP Cocktail Reception: 6-7pm
About The Troy and Theodora Polamalu Foundation Fund:
Founded in 2007 as a charitable donor fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Troy and Theodora Foundation Fund is the primary philanthropic initiative of the Polamalu family. The fund exists to make lasting changes in the lives of children, families or individuals by responding to their immediate financial, healthcare, educational or spiritual needs, without discrimination and with Christian love and acceptance.
About the Fa’a Samoa Initiative:
The Fa’a Samoa Initiative was developed by Troy Polamalu to implement positive change in American Samoa, the land of Troy’s heritage. What originally began as a football camp in 2011 has now grown to encompass a three-tiered program offering an academic division, athletic camp, and medical mission. The initiative promotes healthy living, safe sportsmanship, and the importance of education in the island’s youth population, as well as addressing the current medical issues facing all of the American Samoan people.
About the Harry Panos Fund for Veterans:
Named after Theodora Polamalu’s maternal grandfather who fought in WWII, The Harry Panos Fund for Veterans, a Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation, is dedicated to helping those who bravely served our country in foreign wars. During WWII, Harry Panos served as an artilleryman in the battles of Okinawa and Saipan. The stories of what he endured during those times were an inspiration to both Troy and
Theodora. Troy became interested in helping veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006, after he had visited wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. He was inspired by the resiliency of a young woman, of about 18 or 19 years old, who had lost her limbs in combat in Iraq. The fund will focus on assisting US veterans of foreign wars, who are currently dealing with health issues and/or financial problems.
About Operation Once in a Lifetime:
Operation Once in a Lifetime is a military non-profit that endeavors to make the dreams of our US military and their families come true by providing free financial and morale support to US service members, their families and veterans regardless of rank, deployment, physical condition, branch or service. Created by soldiers to help soldiers, Operation Once In A Lifetime understands the complexities and sacrifices facing those in service and strives to fulfill their needs and wishes with compassion towards their condition.