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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE $1 Million Hearts of Steel Fund Established at The Pittsburgh FoundationPITTSBURGH, Pa., September 6, 2007 -- A $1 million fund has been established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to support the construction of a memorial commemorating the heroism of passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Somerset County, Pa., during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Individuals, families and organizations across Pennsylvania and throughout the United States contributed donations to the Hearts of Steel Fund after a campaign was launched by State Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) to keep alive the memory of those who gave their lives. The Fund was closed and placed in trust in 2003 after it grew to $1 million. Its transfer to The Pittsburgh Foundation will allow the Fund to reopen for further and continuing contributions up to its eventual disbursement to support the construction of the memorial in Shanksville, Pa. "Public response to the campaign was overwhelming and deeply touching," said Senator Orie at a news conference today. "By moving the Fund to The Pittsburgh Foundation, a great many other individuals who have expressed their desire to add their donations will now have the opportunity to do so." "The timing of this development is special and significant as we prepare to mark the sixth anniversary of the remarkable and selfless heroism of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, and as plans move forward for the construction of a permanent and lasting memorial in their honor." The Pittsburgh Foundation will undertake full back-office financial management, processing and administrative functions for the Hearts of Steel Fund. "The Foundation is proud, honored and delighted to play an important role in supporting this wonderful initiative," said George A. Davidson, Jr., Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors. "The organizers of the Hearts of Steel Fund, and all those who have contributed to its success, have helped to ensure that the memory of our courageous compatriots aboard Flight 93 will live on." After starting the Hearts of Steel campaign in December 2001, Senator Orie gathered together a consortium of organizations to support the initiative. Steel bracelets were produced celebrating the courage of passengers on Flight 93, bearing the inscription: "We remember 9-11-01, united we stand." The bracelets were sold at union offices, state lawmakers’ offices and through the campaign’s website. Sales of the bracelets, combined with other contributions, quickly grew the Fund to $1 million. In 2003, the Fund was closed and placed in a trust account at PNC to fulfill its requirements as a charitable trust and to ensure that it could be disbursed only for the building of the memorial. Senator Orie commended organizations that supported the campaign including Allegheny Ludlum, which donated steel for the bracelets; the University of Pittsburgh Manufacturing Center, which designed and produced the bracelets; and Citizens Bank, which provided funding and set up a special account for contributions. "Initially I had hoped that we might raise $10,000 through the Fund," said Senator Orie. "However, the resolve, determination and valor of passengers on Flight 93 touched so many people, not just here in Pennsylvania, but across our nation, who felt compelled to pay tribute to the sacrifices they made." To contribute to the Fund, checks should be made payable to The Pittsburgh Foundation Hearts of Steel Fund and sent to the Foundation at Five PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Credit card donations may be made via the Foundation's website at www.pittsburghfoundation.org. The Pittsburgh Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting philanthropy, and connecting donors to the critical needs of our communities. For further information, contact: Carol Maravic John Ellis
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