Eleven companies to be honored for commitment to volunteerism
United Way of Allegheny County, in partnership with the Fred Rogers Company, is celebrating the legacy of Fred Rogers on his birthday, March 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the East End Cooperative Ministry. The event will recognize the work of 11 local organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace volunteerism, along with the impactful work of volunteers throughout the community.
“Fred Rogers inspired a generation through his kind, generous example,” said Bill Isler, president and CEO, the Fred Rogers Company. “Honoring the people and organizations who continue to promote his message through their good work is a fitting tribute to his timeless legacy.”
Corporate honorees include: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC; Chatham University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program; Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Inc.; First Niagara Financial Group; Highmark; Lunova Group; Pittsburgh Steelers Sports, Inc.; Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.; UPMC; The Williams Companies, Inc.; and Port Authority of Allegheny County/A.T.U. Local 85.
United Way of Allegheny County relies on the work of over 3,000 volunteers who dedicate approximately 36,000 hours each year to helping people across the region via four key initiatives – Be A Middle School Mentor, Open Your Heart to a Senior, Free Tax Preparation Campaign, and Days of Caring.
“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our work, giving so much of themselves to help the community,” said Christy Stuber, volunteer initiatives director, United Way of Allegheny County. “We are so grateful for each act of kindness, each commitment they make to infuse so much goodness to neighbors of all ages.”
This is the fourth year for the event. The tradition of celebrating Mister Rogers’ birthday began in 2008 as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day” which was part of “Pittsburgh 250.”
About United Way of Allegheny County
United Way of Allegheny County is a change agent and efficient community fundraiser that improves lives by addressing critical community needs. By convening diverse partners and investing in programs and people to advance solutions, United Way creates long-lasting change and helps children and youth succeed, strengthens and supports families by promoting financial stability, ensures the safety and well-being of vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities, and provides county-wide access to information and referral sources meeting basic needs.
About The Fred Rogers Company
Fred Rogers founded our non-profit company in 1971. Today, The Fred Rogers Company continues advancing Fred Rogers’ philosophy and values in many ways. Since the premiere of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” one year ago, our latest offering on PBS has proven that popular and meaningful children’s media can still go hand in hand. “Daniel” promotes social and emotional learning, imparts Fred Rogers’ values to a new generation of children and families, and ranks among the top children’s broadcast programs. Viewers stream more than 47 million “Daniel” videos every month. This past October, we launched a second series on PBS, “Peg + Cat,” which helps children develop math and problem-solving skills. It also imparts as a curious, persistent, and playful orientation toward learning, in math or anywhere else. The Fred Rogers Company also continues helping adults strengthen their relationships with young children and interact with them in nurturing and stimulating ways through several professional development and parenting programs.