Joe Lagana, HCEF founder, has said of Ralph and Ruth Anne, "The Papas are very committed to improving the quality of life for all Pittsburghers, particularly citizens who are under served and under represented. They have personally contributed volunteer time, resources, and leadership to help raise awareness of social inequalities in our region. They are passionate about the work that HCEF does in educating homeless children."

In 2005 and with the full support of Ralph Papa, the Citizens Bank's well-established annual "Tools for School" backpack and school supplies drive and HCEF's own long-time "Pack-to-School" drive first began a cooperative relationship intended to enhance the effectiveness of both drives and to more efficiently ensure that all children in the region started school with the required backpacks and tools for learning. 2009 saw a full partnering of Citizens Bank and HCEF in a program now called "Gear for Grades."

Ruth Anne and Ralph have served for several years as gracious Hosts of the annual Champions for Children Benefit. Ralph is a director of the St. Barnabas Health System, which provides care to all those in need regardless of their ability to pay, and Ruth Anne is Vice President of KidsVoice and a member of the cabinet for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Capital Campaign.

Ruth Anne and Ralph, it is our honor and our privilege to celebrate you as the Homeless Children's Education Fund 2010 Champions for Children!

(3/16/10)

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