PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and ForgiveCo have partnered to erase $1 million in medical debt for military veterans living in Western Pennsylvania.
The initiative will deliver financial relief to approximately 400 local veterans, with funding supported by fan participation in a 50/50 raffle hosted at PPG Paints Arena.
The debt relief effort was highlighted on Thursday, Nov. 5, during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Military Appreciation Game against the Boston Bruins. By purchasing raffle tickets during the arena event, hockey fans turned a standard game day activity into direct assistance for former service members across the Pittsburgh area.
The initiative is designed to relieve financial burdens for veterans without requiring any action on their part. Yvonne J. Maher serves as executive director of The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. She noted that the organization and its fanbase intended the funding as a seasonal gesture of gratitude.
“This medical debt relief initiative is designed as a random act of kindness, with no application required and no action necessary from recipients,” Maher said. “We, along with our fans, are honored to support the sacrifice and service of local veterans and hope that this brings relief as we approach the holidays.”
Under the agreement, ForgiveCo will acquire the targeted medical debt directly and permanently eliminate it on behalf of the foundation. Veterans do not need to apply, request aid or submit paperwork to participate in the debt cancellation. Individuals selected for the debt forgiveness will receive notification through multiple channels once their accounts are cleared. Organizers will send messages by email, text message and regular mail to inform veterans that their balances have been wiped out.
Craig Antico is the CEO and co-founder of ForgiveCo, a public benefit corporation that specializes in acquiring and canceling consumer debt. He emphasized the spontaneous nature of the debt discharge for the recipients involved.
“Western Pennsylvania has an extraordinary tradition of service and we are proud to partner with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to give back to veterans throughout the region,” Antico said. “What makes this initiative so special is that these veterans aren’t asking for anything. There is no application and nothing they have to do. One day, they will simply learn that a financial burden they have been carrying is gone. It is a random act of kindness and a meaningful way for the Penguins Foundation and ForgiveCo to say thank you for their service.”
The program builds upon ForgiveCo’s work with professional sports leagues across the United States. In April 2026, the National Hockey League announced a separate effort through its Operation Line Shift military initiative, which erased $1.25 million in medical debt for 1,025 U.S. veterans and their families.
ForgiveCo provides advisory services for corporations, non-profits and brands focused on the acquisition, administration and cancellation of consumer debt. Beyond debt management, the firm assists organizations with branding and cause-driven programs designed to create community goodwill.
The project complements the Penguins Foundation’s ongoing outreach to military members and their families in Western Pennsylvania. The foundation partners with corporate sponsors, donors and community groups to support youth programs, education, physical wellness and regional community development.
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