Larry's Hometown Heroes

This year Larry Honors our Hometown Heroes on October 15, 2025 at the Event Center at Rivers Casino. He will be honoring individuals making a positive impact on our local communities.

We're excited to share that Larry will honor Lifetime Achievement Awards to:
Jerome Bettis - Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy
Lucas Piatt - Lifetime Achievement Visonary Award.

We're also thrilled to share this year's five local Hometown Heroes:

Honoree: Jon Kolb
Former Pittsburgh Steeler and Army National Guardsman Jon Kolb is being honored for his unwavering dedication to veterans and first responders through his nonprofit Adventures in Training with a Purpose. By providing free physical and mental health programs, he empowers those who have sacrificed for our country to regain strength, resilience, and quality of life.

Honoree: Vernard Alexander
Known as the “Connecting King,” Vernard Alexander has built a legacy of bridging aspiring entrepreneurs—often from disadvantaged communities—with the networks and resources they need to thrive. His lifelong commitment to community empowerment has transformed countless small business dreams into realities.

Honoree: Melinda Colaizzi
Through Women Who Rock, Melinda Colaizzi has created a powerful movement that merges music and medicine to advance women’s health research. Her leadership has fueled critical funding for Magee-Womens Research Institute, directly impacting studies in cancers, maternal health, fertility, and more—saving and improving women’s lives.

Honoree: Lynn Banaszak
After the tragic loss of her niece, Lynn Banaszak founded the Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation, turning grief into a mission of kindness, equity, and opportunity. Beyond her personal philanthropy, her decades of leadership in healthcare and technology have helped raise millions, supported startups, expanded women’s health advocacy, and inspired civic engagement across the Pittsburgh region.

Honoree: Dwayne Brown
Through his 2 Tenths Foundation, Dwayne Brown works tirelessly to uplift underserved youth and communities with educational, athletic, and leadership opportunities. His dedication ensures that the next generation has access to resources and support systems that build confidence, resilience, and pathways to success.

Purchase your tickets HERE

Sponsored By:
Debi Hampson
McGuire Memorial
Mike's Beer Bar
Levin Furniture
Mascaro Construction
Dollar Bank
AE7
Alzheimer's Association
Aquaguard Systems
AV Powell & Associations
CNX
Julian Gray Associates
LaFace & McGovern Associates
Memorial Highway Chevrolet
Lebanon Church Road Pittsburgh
Phase 4 Learning Center
PNC Bank
Pittsburgh Scholar House
Pittsburgh Steelers
St, Clair Health
The Coury Firm
Tri State Office Furniture
Triple AAA Travel