Partnership Spotlight: Eat’n Park’s Relationship with UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation: “A Powerful Force for Positive Change”

Eat’n Park Hospitality Group gives back to the community in many ways, and one of its longest-running partnerships is with UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation.  

Since 1979, Eat’n Park’s Caring for Kids’ campaign has raised more than $12 million for area children’s hospitals and features a unique intersection of team members and guests working together to raise money during the holiday season. 

“Eat’n Park is incredibly thoughtful and compassionate in the way they not only engage the community, but also in the way their team members embrace giving back,” says Rachel A. Petrucelli, President, UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation. “Because Eat'n Park invests in and empowers their teams, their people take great ownership in the Caring for Kids campaign, which extends far beyond financial contributions. Eat’n Park’s commitment to both fundraising and community service creates a powerful force for positive change, touching lives in a multitude of ways.” 

The money Caring for Kids raises benefits patients and their families every day, channeling the funds into vital healthcare initiatives, including free and uncompensated care to families in need. But Petrucelli says it’s more than just raising money that makes Eat’n Park a special organization to work with.  

“Eat’n Park’s active involvement with guests and community members fosters a sense of togetherness. Through events, fundraisers, and volunteering efforts, they create a network of support that transcends monetary contributions. Families, loyal customers, and community members actively participate, feeling empowered to make a difference, together.” 

In 2009, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group took their relationship with UPMC Children’s Hospital to the next level with the construction of the Eat’n Park Atrium on the 6th floor of UPMC Children’s. 

“The Eat’n Park Atrium serves as host to everything from celebrity and athlete visits, to trick-or-treat activities, to blood drives and the annual KDKA Free Care Fund Telethon. Because of Eat’n Park and the Caring for Kids campaign, the Atrium provides space for kids to truly feel like kids, despite being inside a hospital.” 

Petrucelli says that UPMC Children’s has been a fortunate beneficiary of the exemplary culture of philanthropy created by Suzy and Jim Broadhurst, a legacy that is carried forward by their children, Chairman and CEO Jeff Broadhurst, Vice President of Food Systems Transportation Brooks Broadhurst, and President and COO of the Parkhurst Division Mark Broadhurst.  

“It is their leadership that has prioritized community partnerships like the one they hold with us, and the other charities they support. Their kindness has helped inspire others and provided life-saving care for our kids. We are honored to be a recipient of their unyielding compassion. The commitment to serving kids in our community runs deep for the Broadhurst family and the Foundation, and UPMC Children’s has certainly benefited.” 

There are many reasons why UPMC Children’s Hospital is a top healthcare facility, and Petrucelli believes one of them has to do with their partnership with Eat’n Park.  

“Because of committed friends like Eat’n Park, UPMC Children’s has been able to maintain its position as a top 10 children’s hospital, providing life-saving care to more than 1.5 million children from all over the nation and the world. What a gift to have such industry-leading care for our kids in our own backyard.”