ACRISURE AND UPMC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED IN MAY 2023 THE LARGEST CORPORATE GIFT IN FOUNDATION HISTORY. PICTURED: DR. VICTOR MORELL, RACHEL PETRUCELLI, GREG WILLIAMS, DIANE HUPP, DR. JACKIE KREUTZER, DR. BRYAN GOLDSTEIN

One busy day in January, a group from Acrisure took a tour of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Because of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, nearly every bed had a patient in it, but the hospital wasn’t chaotic and overwhelming. Instead, the leaders visiting the facility recognized the supportive healing environment.

“As soon as we were there, meeting with the staff and the physicians and seeing it firsthand, we could see the crosscurrents of all aspects of the community that are impacted by the quality of care,” says Greg Williams, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Acrisure. “They really make a conscientious effort about caring for the whole child.”

Earlier this year, the financial technology and insurance company solidified its relationship with the hospital when Acrisure donated $7.5 million — the largest corporate gift ever received by UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Rachel Petrucelli, president and chief development officer for the foundation, says during that first tour, officials from both organizations realized the common goals and attitudes they shared.

“There was clearly alignment around what it means to be a place that is focused on innovation, focused on acceleration, focused on having an impact and making a difference,” she says. “It naturally unfolded into embarking on a very significant investment in Children’s.”

ACRISURE EMPLOYEES HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER AT WALK FOR CHILDREN’S IN JUNE. AS PART OF THEIR PARTNERSHIP, THE PASSED OUT GIFTS TO WALKERS AND ENJOYED A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN SCHENLEY PARK.

The funds will support the top-ranked Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s, elevating clinical care, research and the patient experience.

“Our Heart Institute is a destination for patients from around the world to seek care because we’re able to treat some of the most complex congenital heart defects and some of the sickest children,” Petrucelli says. “Acrisure’s gift will allow us to support our team to have the tools and technology to stay ahead of the curve, and to continue to grow.”

Investing in pediatric heart research won’t just benefit the futures of children in Pittsburgh, but also those from across the country — and beyond.

“In the world of pediatric health care, there are linkages,” Petrucelli says. “The medicine and research that happens here at UPMC Children’s is amplified by the ways in which we share our knowledge and expertise: publishing research, presenting at conferences, mentoring and training the next generation of specialists. As a top 10 pediatric heart program nationally, it’s part of our responsibility to ensure innovations are broadly deployed.”

Additionally, Acrisure is investing in more ways than financially. The company is actively engaging in special events, volunteer opportunities and connections to the hospital’s mission.

The Pittsburgh Steelers partnership has also been a unifying factor.

“When we invested in naming rights for the stadium, we also recognized the opportunity to support a community asset that the Steelers align with and that supports our focus on children’s health and well-being. The common link through the Steelers has provided a number of opportunities,” says Elliott Bundy, chief communications and brand officer. “We’re continuing to explore as many opportunities as possible to work together.”

IN JULY, FOUR FAMILIES WHO PARTICIPATE IN UPMC CHILDREN’S FAMILY CARE CONNECTION CENTERS WERE INVITED TO EXPERIENCE STEELERS TRAINING CAMP. ACRISURE PROVIDED GIFT CARDS TO ENABLE EACH FAMILY TO CHOOSE THEIR FAVORITE STEELERS GEAR.

This summer, a group of patients and their families from UPMC Children’s Family Care Connection centers visited Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College.

“They had a really awesome day,” Petrucelli says. “Our partnership is about leveraging the assets each organization has access to for the benefit of patients and families.”

In September, Acrisure was also a top sponsor of 2023 DVE Rocks Children’s Radiothon benefiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In June, the company supported the Walk for Children’s event in Schenley Park. Acrisure employees have volunteered at each of those events.

“We’ve honed in on children’s health as something that is important,” Bundy says. “Because of our interest in being impactful, we want to know where we can make the most difference.”

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