The following timeline commemorates the Foundation's contributions to cancer, neonatal and other important medical research projects since its inception in 1993:

1993 Mario Lemieux Foundation created
1995 First golf tournament - one-day event at Southpointe, held in conjunction with Tom Barrasso, benefiting both the Mario Lemieux Foundation and the Ashley Barrasso Cancer Research Fund (net proceeds: $75,000)
1997 Mario retires from hockey

Mario inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
1998 1998 Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational - inaugural four-day celebrity golf event at The Club at Nevillewood (net proceeds: $500,000)
1999 Mario Lemieux Centers for Patient Care and ResearchMario Lemieux Centers for Patient Care and Research established with a $5M gift to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Recipients:
  • University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)
  • Magee-Womens Hospital
  • The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
    Permanent display at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital
2000 Mario returns to the ice

Established Austin's Playroom Project initiative

Inaugural Ladies Luncheon to benefit Austin's Playroom Project (net proceeds: $25K)
2002 Endowed Chair in Pediatric Oncology Research established at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with a $1M gift

Fifth Anniversary - 2002 Mellon Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational (net proceeds: $1.2M)

Foundation's Charity Auction Party - It's a World of Opportunity

2003 Mario Lemieux Foundation 10th Anniversary

Foundation's Gala Celebration - supports the Foundation's pediatric projects in Leukemia Research
2004 Jordan, Maddox, Lemieux2004 Mellon Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational
(net proceeds: 5th consecutive year to net $1M+)
2005 2005 Mellon Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational (final public event)

Established the Lemieux Family Center with a $2M gift to the Children's Home of Pittsburgh - groundbreaking in October, 2005
2006 2006 Mellon Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational - Laurel Valley Golf Club (first private golf event - not open to the public)

Mario retires for the second and final time
2007 Chicks with SticksOpening of The Children's Home and Lemieux Family Center

Inaugural Chicks with Sticks women's golf outing - presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and hosted by Nathalie Lemieux - proceeds benefitted Austin's Playroom Project
2008 2008 Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield - Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Established the Mario Lemieux Foundation Endowment for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Research at The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with a $1.6 million gift
2009 Ladies LuncheonLadies Luncheon - 10th Anniversary Celebration Featuring Ace of Cakes star Chef Duff Goldman (net proceeds: $90K)

Opening of Austin's Playroom and the Lemieux Sibling Center at the new Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Chicks with Sticks presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
2010 2010 Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational
Presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
June 23-24, 2010
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
(private - not open to the public)