Paul Stanley is credited with saying, “When you’re in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back.” Many successful professionals agree, and find themselves adding “Philanthropist” to their resumes as they hone in on worthy causes they’d like to further with financial donations. Pittsburgh Financial Group’s CEO Andrew Pravlik, along with his COO Gina McCafferty, is a proud donor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Pravlik’s initial donation served to sponsor Channing Powell, an annual honoree of “Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest” young professionals. Powell works as a content creator and event organizer for Made in PGH, a platform highlighting the best of what Pittsburgh has to offer. She also owns ChanningLane Vintage, her curated vintage clothing business, and is the Lead Social Media Strategist at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Through her recognition as an outstanding young professional, Powell pledged to raise money to help the Foundation realize its mission of controlling and curing cystic fibrosis (CF). Setting her personal fundraising goal at $10,000, Powell is well on her way thanks to donations like Pravlik’s.

Powell and her fellow honorees will be celebrated at Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest Finale Celebration, on Friday, September 29, 2023. In the months leading up to the elegant evening of dinner, refreshments, and entertainment, every honoree is asked to raise awareness of CF through networking and socializing at events. Connecting with and raising money for the local CF Community is an honor and a privilege for those that are nominated and selected, which includes some of the most prominent, influential, and successful young professionals in Pittsburgh.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

CF is a genetic disease that impacts the lungs and digestive system, and there is no known cure. People with cystic fibrosis have a defective gene that affects the body’s cells, tissues, and glands that make mucus and sweat. CF causes these fluids to thicken, clogging up tubes and ducts inside the body, ultimately leading to an early death. Thanks to Foundation-funded research, the median survival age has increased from 6 to nearly 50 years old, but there is still so much work to be done. Lives are lost to CF every day, and more than 60% of CF patients report suffering from daily and chronic pain.

• Those that suffer from cystic fibrosis are plagued by persistent coughing, frequent lung infections, shortness of breath, and poor growth for the majority of their lives.

Current treatments for CF include medicines that clear up chest infections, medicines that make mucus thinner and airways wider, and techniques and devices that remove mucus from the lungs. Research being funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is not only searching for a cure, but also finding treatments to ease symptoms now.

Who is Andrew Pravlik?

A financial services professional with more than 30 years of experience, Andrew Pravlik was recently named CEO, President, and Managing Partner at Pittsburgh Financial Group. Also at the helm of their western subsidiary, Seattle Financial Group, Pravlik has guided Pittsburgh Financial Group to rapid client and asset growth.

Specializing in working with individuals on their retirement plans and 401k rollovers, Pravlik is proud to receive many referrals that allow him to work with several generations of the same families. He has received his Series 7, 63, and 66 securities licenses as well as the Securities Industry Essentials® (SIE®) Certification. Fully licensed in life, annuities, fixed index annuities, and long-term care insurance, Pravlik is well-equipped to help clients achieve their financial goals, whatsoever they may be.

But in addition to his many professional accolades and successes, Pravlik knows that health and happiness are the true wealth in this world. Securing retirement is important, but spending time with family and making time for what you love to do is even more pressing. For Pravlik, that includes fly fishing for trout in Montana, Idaho, and Washington, as well as visiting our national parks in an RV camper. He can also be found skiing, golfing, gardening, and tending to his orchards.

Through donations like his recent one to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Pravlik hopes to extend the lives of people who suffer from CF, while also improving their quality of life. Our time on this earth is limited enough; it should not be cut short by a painful disease that worsens with age. As someone who values his health and his ability to enjoy life so much, Andrew Pravlik is passionate about helping others to do the same.

Every donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a step towards bringing health and happiness to people who are suffering, and like Paul Stanley said – that is the real gift.