In a heartfelt blend of art and advocacy, local artists and students in Western Pennsylvania are transforming old window sashes into painted masterpieces, all to support research into Type 1 diabetes. This creative initiative, called “Creating Breakthroughs One Window at a Time,” is the latest effort by Energy Swing Windows to raise funds for Breakthrough T1D, a leading organization in the fight against the autoimmune disease. The project brings together community members of all ages, using art as a vehicle for awareness and action.

Energy Swing Windows, based in Monroeville, has long been committed to supporting Type 1 diabetes research. Over the past 12 years, the company has donated more than $140,000 to Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This year’s window art auction adds a new layer of creativity and community engagement to that mission, while continuing the company’s legacy of philanthropy.

For company founder Steve Rennekamp, the cause is deeply personal. He lost his first wife, Susan, at the age of 33, and later his son, Stephen, at 41, both to complications from Type 1 diabetes. Stephen endured two kidney transplants during his life, a testament to the difficult path many with the disease must navigate. “It’s a struggle when you’re young,” Rennekamp shared, reflecting on his son’s experience. “Kids are very erratic in terms of activity.”

Rennekamp’s personal connection fuels his dedication. As this year’s corporate chair for the Breakthrough T1D Walk, scheduled for October 19 at Acrisure Stadium, he was inspired by a similar artistic fundraiser created by his friend and fellow business owner Brian Gottlieb in Wisconsin. Gottlieb’s version of the project has raised $180,000 for various charities over the past seven years. Taking that idea to heart, Rennekamp launched the window sash project in Western Pennsylvania, donating the windows and inviting local artists to contribute their talents.

Energy Swing reached out to several art organizations, including the East Suburban Artist League in Murrysville, Greensburg Art Center, Latrobe Art Center, and Uncle Dave’s Art Studio in Lower Burrell. While participation was slow at first, momentum grew quickly. The company has now collected 50 painted sashes, with more still coming in. Each one will be auctioned off at the upcoming walk, with all proceeds benefiting the Western PA Chapter of Breakthrough T1D.

“It’s amazing, the talent some people have,” Rennekamp said. “One thing artists all tend to have in common is they are fun people to be with. And they are all empathetic.”

That empathy is reflected in the involvement of local schools. Gateway High School art teacher Greta Severson responded immediately to the invitation, motivated by her own family’s experience with Type 1 diabetes. “I have two close relatives who manage Type 1 diabetes, so I knew immediately when I read the invitation that I would like to contribute a window,” Severson said. “I think it’s a beautiful way to bring people together and raise money for a very worthy cause.”

Severson and five of her students—sophomore Miranda Humphries, juniors Katherine Jordan and Abigail Whisner, senior Kati Hutchinson, and 2025 graduate Madison Lu—each created artwork for the auction. Some worked during the spring semester, while others completed their pieces over the summer. “Each of these students readily chose to volunteer their time, talents, and creativity to support the fundraiser,” Severson explained. “(They) felt driven to participate and felt pride in their experience knowing that their work would be used to help others.”

At Penn-Trafford High School, art teacher Jen Haberberger brought the entire class into the project. Students painted individually or in small groups, using the opportunity to explore how their skills could serve a greater purpose. “Giving of yourself with no immediate reward is so important to teach our students,” Haberberger said. “This assignment is a great opportunity for the students to see how their talents can impact the community outside of our classroom by providing incredible art and helping fund research for a disease that has impacted so many of our families.”

The window painting initiative is just one of many ways Energy Swing has supported Type 1 diabetes awareness and research. Another notable effort is their “Signs of Satisfaction” campaign, where the company places a sign in a customer’s yard for a month. For each sign, Energy Swing donates $25 to Breakthrough T1D and gives the customer a $25 gift card. Many customers choose to donate their portion as well. This campaign alone has raised more than $5,000.

Rennekamp brings a strong background in engineering and business to his philanthropic work. A graduate of NYU, where he also played Division I basketball, and holder of an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, he previously served as chairman of the Westmoreland County Walk for Diabetes for three years. His leadership continues to inspire others to get involved and make a difference.

As the October walk approaches, the community effort behind the window art auction stands as a vivid example of how creativity and compassion can intersect. “The knowledge that Mr. Rennekamp lives in the community only added further meaning and depth to the process,” Severson noted. “We hope that their contributions will help to make the event a wonderful success.”

To learn more about Breakthrough T1D, visit breakthrought1d.org.

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