Pittsburgh Penguins Skates and Plates - 3/30/09

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded in their power plays for serving skills at the Skates & Plates fundraiser at The Pennsylvanian. Beginning with a VIP reception for sponsors in the “first period,” the evening then progressed into a cocktail hour that included a sporty silent auction with more than 30 items from professional North American hockey teams, among other prizes, in the “second period.” Master of Ceremonies, KDKA’s Larry Richert, welcomed more than 200 guests to dinner in the “third period,” as the players served the meal. Guests also tipped their “waiters,” making it a competition for the players. “Marc-Andre Fleury and Max Talbot actually tied for the highest tip,” says Cindy Himes, Pittsburgh Penguins director of community relations. “They were having a blast with their guests.” A live auction took the evening into “overtime." The event raised more than $200,000 to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis and Mario Lemieux Foundations. Photography by Megan Wylie