Like many great ideas, the Old Joe Club started with a simple conversation. In 1992, Ernie Vallozzi and Rob Unkovic sat down to discuss how they could support the YMCA’s annual Greensburg Croquet Tournament, a major fundraiser and nationally sanctioned event. Their goal was straightforward: help offset the costs and ensure its continued success.
Their solution? Men’s Night Out
Men’s Night Out—a gathering of like-minded men for an evening of camaraderie, good food, and fundraising. It was a way to give back to the community while enjoying time together in the dead of winter at Pike Run.
By February of 1993, the first Men’s Night Out was held. Just 35 men came together that night, sharing drinks, dinner, and a small auction. A few warmed up with a round of skeet shooting before settling in for the main event. By the end of the night, they had raised $2,000—not a fortune, but proof that the idea worked. They had found the perfect formula: good men, a great cause, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Year after year, the event grew—both in attendance and impact. What started as a small group of friends quickly became a highly anticipated tradition, attracting more men who wanted to make a difference while enjoying an evening of camaraderie.
While the YMCA remained a beneficiary, the mission of the Old Joe Club expanded to their own 501(c) 3 Old Joe Club Charities, Inc.. The club began supporting a wider range of charitable causes, including:
Today, Men’s Night Out has become one of the most sought-after invitations of the year. With 100 attendees annually and a waiting list of eager participants, the event has reached new heights—raising over a quarter of a million dollars in a single year.
The success of Old Joe Club Charities, Inc. isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the people who show up, year after year, to make a difference. The generosity of our attendees and the dedication of our committee members have turned a simple gathering into a force for good in Western Pennsylvania.
What started as a few men getting together to support a single event has evolved into a legacy of giving that continues to strengthen the community. And we’re just getting started.
The Old Joe Club is more than a club, it’s a passion. It’s a purpose-fueled passion for encouraging philanthropy in the local community. Our Mission is simple – Provide support and resources to causes that will enhance the lives of the citizens in and around Western Pennsylvania.
At Old Joe Club Charities, Inc., we believe that giving back builds stronger communities. What started as a small gathering of men looking to support a local fundraiser has grown into a philanthropic force.
