Steelers' President Art Rooney II (pictured below with event chair Audrey Hillman Fisher) and cornerback William Gay (pictured above with President/CEO Shirl Regan and Board member Rachel Lorey Allen) both attended the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh's 40th Anniversary Celebration on Friday night, lending their support to a worthwhile cause. The event honored those who have survived domestic violence with the Ted Craig Humanitarian Award.
Gay understands the battle facing those at the shelter, which serves women and children affected by the horror that is domestic violence. Gay experienced the pain domestic violence brings when he was just eight years old and his mother, Carolyn Hall, tried to escape an abusive relationship she was in with his stepfather. When she tried to leave the relationship, his stepfather shot and killed her and then shot himself.
Gay has been a long time supporter of the shelter, attending events and hosting dinners for the residents there.
"I am proud of William and what he has done for this cause in general," said Rooney. "It's important to be there and support the Women's Shelter and Tim and Audrey Fisher who are chairing the event.
"Unfortunately people like William have had experiences in their life and learned from them and understand there are many out there that need support. It's important that the women's shelter is there for those that find themselves in unfortunate circumstances."
