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Theodora & Troy Polamalu Raising Awareness About Childhood Hunger

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Steelers are the hottest team in the AFC, and a big reason why is Troy Polamalu. He was as good as ever in Sunday's win at Cleveland.

Troy and his wife are also doing a lot of good away from the football field.

Theodora Polamalu is a dedicated wife and mother of two sons. She is also passionate about making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

"The gifts that God has given us, we need to share those with everyone around us," says Theodora.

Theodora does that through a foundation bearing the power couple's name, which supports a number of local organizations like Focus Pittsburgh. It's a Hill District-based program addressing the needs of hunger in children.

It's not enough for her to rest on her husband's football success.

"If for some reason parents aren't working or working poor families aren't able to feed their children, we should come together and help with that - because their future is our future," Theodora says.

"When Theodora comes in, she brings more than just the support, more than money, the awareness of the great city. She brings a great presence that inspires [others] to do better, to be more," said Paul Abernathy, of Focus Pittsburgh.

The Polamalus will host celebrity chef Todd English at a benefit fundraiser next Tuesday with some of the proceeds going to the Focus Pittsburgh's backpack feeding program and to raise awareness on the issue of childhood hunger.

It's something Theodora says Troy experienced as a child, which is in part why the foundation is committed to the effort, which for them is a ministry, and a labor of love.

"There are severe issues with poverty in this city, and we have a duty to address them," Theodora says. "When you see a child hungry in your own backyard, it's hard to turn your back on that."

And Troy and Theodora Polamalu clearly aren't.

RELATED LINKS:
More Troy Polamalu News
More Steelers News
More Reports by Lynne Hayes-Freeland

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