WHO ARE WE?
In 1989, Paul Helsel was made redundant after 16 years trading on behalf of Phibro-Salomon Bros. He was 48, and decided to found Phoenixx International .
He was taught by his father at a young age to never forget those in need. Now he was in need, but as the new company grew, he wanted to begin meaningful help to others consisting of:
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Busing 150 handicapped adults and children from Hancock County Workshop (Weirton WVa) for 10 years to pirate baseball games.
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Funding $50,000 to the workshop to be spread over 5 years for educational needs.
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Established $125,000 scholarship fund for teammate & classmate Pete Duranko, who dies of ALS.
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Established an athletic scholarship to the annual Johnstown Point Stadium award winner since 1995.
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Funded annually to the Pitt athletic dept. Paul is also one of nine, named letterman of distinction for 2023 @ the University of Pittsburgh.
Brian Helsel was the next generation of givers to be born. He had grown up in a culture of his father giving back in many ways. Of course, just like other sons, Brian wasn’t focused on what his parents' plan was. That was until that same purchasing manager dropped off a package to his father at the office. He began to tell the story of his fathers good deeds. This caused Brian to see his father through the eyes of another and made him realize his hero was a hero to others as well. They worked on several projects such as Auberle Orphanage in McKeesport, working with their Olympics, taking kids to games and several other activities.
The giving gene was in full effect! Then in 2009, Brian’s son Austin had to have an emergency life saving surgery at Children’s Hospital. He was so grateful and impressed by the support they received he donated a piece of much needed equipment. This began the connection of the family giving structure and Children’s Hospital. To date the giving to this organization alone reaches well over $400,000.
In March of 2017, Brian met Hank Commodore while in line ordering a Broccoli omelet. He served as a guidance counselor and dean of students for Valley High School. He was also drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1971 NBA Draft. He and his brothers were known to go to amusement parks and win an abundance of stuffed animals. They would then have huge events for the community in which they would give them all away to the youth. A tragedy that caused the death of his brother 1994 was a catalyst for Hank to spread the message of “Love and Kindness for all”. He quickly formed Help the Needy, not the Greedy. Brian was inspired through his new friendship with Hank to get more involved in helping uplift people in need of help in the Pittsburgh community.
All of these acts of kindness lead to the formation of The Phoenixx Helsel Family Foundation. They truly believe in God, Family and Giving. They have given back to events at Lemington Park to support the youth by giving bikes, giving away laptops at events at Valley High School, The Red Door homeless service in Pittsburgh, packed boxes and supported several community based giving across the Pittsburgh. The foundation is committed to serving more families in a philanthropic way.