October 23, 2017
La Roche Student Named Co-Recipient of 2017 Volunteerism Award
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23, 2017 – State Representative Frank Burns recently presented La Roche junior and Founder of Cuddles for Kids Conner Hagins with the Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award.
Mr. Hagins established his charity, Cuddles for Kids, when he was 10 years old. Since its creation, the nonprofit has donated more than 107,000 items or roughly $500,000 worth of goods to children’s agencies around the world.
“From a young age my parents have taught me that the littlest things go the longest, and it feels better to give than receive. Once I started Cuddles for Kids and saw the difference we were making in the lives of others, and that people and agencies depended on us, it was something that I wanted to and needed to continue,” Mr. Hagins said.
The annual award, named after its first recipient Charlie Vizzini, is given to someone in the 72nd Legislative District who has volunteered to make the community a better place. Mr. Hagins was the co-recipient this year.
“This award is not only for me, but for my charity and all of the people that help Cuddles for Kids,” Mr. Hagins said. “I could not do any of this without the support of my hometown and my new hometown, Pittsburgh.”
Mr. Hagins brought his nonprofit to the La Roche community. This year alone Mr. Hagins teamed up with the University on initiatives benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Oncology Department.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,500 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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