The 33rd Annual Arthur J. Rooney Sr. Courage House Luncheon
Holy Family Institute and Pittsburgh Steelers to Honor Irene Pearson and Cole Holcomb at the Annual Courage House Luncheon
Annual luncheon on November 11 at Acrisure Stadium celebrates extraordinary courage and supports Holy Family Institute programs
Pittsburgh, PA [Tues., Oct. 28, 2025] Holy Family Institute and the Pittsburgh Steelers will celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Arthur J. Rooney Sr. Courage House and Ed Block Courage Awards at the annual luncheon, held Tuesday, November 11 at Acrisure Stadium. This year’s Courage House Award honors alumna Irene Pearson, whose remarkable life story reflects resilience, perseverance, and the power of hope. Linebacker Cole Holcomb, selected by teammates, will also be recognized with the Ed Block Courage Award for demonstrating courage on and off the field.
The Courage House Award is presented annually to a Holy Family Institute alumnus who has overcome significant obstacles and transformed their life. Pearson’s extraordinary journey began in Poland, where at just nine years old she and her family were deported by Russian troops to Siberia during World War II. She endured years in a harsh labor camp, eventually embarking on a four-year journey across Siberia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Mexico before arriving in the United States in 1946. At age 15, Irene and her younger brother Richard came to live with other orphaned children at Holy Family Institute in Pittsburgh, where they found stability, friendship, and opportunity.
At Holy Family, Pearson learned English, studied diligently, and made lifelong friends. After leaving the orphanage at 18, she built a life in Pittsburgh, marrying Don Pearson in 1953 and raising three sons. Now 94 years old, she remains an inspiration to all who know her, a living testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring support of Holy Family Institute.
“Each year, the Courage House Awards allow us to celebrate individuals whose courage has transformed their own lives and inspired others,” said Michael Sexauer, CEO of Holy Family Institute. “Irene’s story of survival, perseverance, and hope reminds us of why Holy Family’s mission matters. We are honored to recognize her this year.”
Pittsburgh was the first city outside of Baltimore to present the annual Ed Block Courage Award, named in honor of the former Baltimore Colts head trainer and champion for at-risk youth. Each NFL team now recognizes one player with the award. For more than 30 years, Holy Family Institute has served as the designated “Courage House” charity for the Steelers.
The Courage House and Ed Block Courage Awards Luncheon will include:
- Silent Auction featuring unique sports memorabilia and experiences beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- Invocation and Lunch with Presentation of Awards at noon, with awards presented by Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Steelers President Arthur J. Rooney II
Proceeds benefit athletic programming at Nazareth Prep, Holy Family’s independent Catholic high school for students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Members of the media interested in attending should contact Liz Fetchin at 724.612.9921 or liz@elmink.com. All other reservations can be made through Kris Arnoni at 412.239.9004 or arnoni.kristine@hfi-pgh.org.
