Title
Proclamation recognizing and thanking Mr. Albert Lexie, a philanthropic leader, for his contributions to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Free Care Fund.
Body
WHEREAS, during the past two decades, Mr. Albert Lexie has earned more than $113,000 in tips while shining shoes at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and across the region, and he has selflessly given every cent to the Children's Free Care Fund; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lexie has been shining shoes at Children's since 1982, accepting tips from customers on behalf of “his kids” which receive medical care, regardless of a family's ability to pay; and
WHEREAS, at age 15, Albert built a shoeshine box in high school shop class and he uses that very same box to shine shoes at Children's two days a week, also traveling to business districts throughout Allegheny County to offer his services and raise money for the hospital; and
WHEREAS, this year, Mr. Lexie received a National Caring Award from the Caring Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, and in 2001, he was the recipient of an Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the organization's western Pennsylvania Chapter; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lexie's story has been featured in Reader's Digest, People, former Ohio Senator Kasich's book, Courage is Contagious: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the Face of America, the “Oprah Winfrey Show” and the “Jane Pauley Show,” just to name a few;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of Allegheny County does hereby recognize and commend Mr. Albert Lexie for his outstanding contributions to Children's Hospital, the community and society. This Council honors Mr. Lexie for his commitment and dedication to helping children and families in need, serving as an inspiration to the residents of Allegheny County and to all.