Franco Harris Revives His Army to Fight Poverty

In the early 1970’s as Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris began steamrolling through NFL defensive lines en route to perennial thousand yard rushing seasons, he became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, so popular with the large Italian-American local population, that these fans called themselves "Franco's Italian Army" and wore army helmets with his number 32 on them.

Now, 40 years after being selected as the first round pick of the Steelers in the 1972 NFL Draft and beginning a 13-year Hall of Fame career, helping lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories, “Franco’s Army” is being called back to duty, only this time it’s not just local to Pittsburgh but national in nature, and for an important cause.

“Franco’s Army to End Poverty” is being launched by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation to help the organization in its global effort to eradicate poverty.The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation will pay tribute to Harris, their long-time board member at their third annual fundraising event to strike out poverty, A Celebration of Shining Moments in Yankee History on Thursday, June 13, 2012 from 6-10 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.

Individuals that want to join “Franco’s Army to End Poverty” can participate by a  donation to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation

Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation

708 Third Avenue, Ste. 1858

New York NY 10017

212-818-1987

www.franciscanfoundation.org.