United Way of Allegheny County to Receive $6.9 Million

from The Dietrich Foundation

William S. Dietrich’s generous gift to be used to support efforts to

motivate kids to succeed in school

(PITTSBURGH) – The United Way of Allegheny County announced today that it will receive a gift from The Dietrich Foundation of a fund with an estimated value of $6.9 million dollars. The foundation was formed upon the passing of steel industry executive William S. Dietrich II on Oct. 6. Mr. Dietrich was a longtime annual significant leadership donor to the United Way during his lifetime, and this gift marks the largest donation ever from an individual donor to the United Way of Allegheny County.

Mr. Dietrich always looked to make wise investments, and he took the same care when selecting the recipients of his charitable donations. “Bill’s generous bequest truly highlights the value of the United Way to the people of Allegheny County,” said Art Rooney II, United Way of Allegheny County 2011 Campaign Co-chair and Pittsburgh Steelers President. Rooney continued, “In the next six weeks over 100,000 Pittsburghers will have the opportunity to donate to United Way through a workplace campaign. I hope that they will follow Bill’s great example. Whatever the size, every donation to the United Way is needed now more than ever and will make a difference right here in our community.”

United Way will establish a special fund in honor of Mr. Dietrich. One of the aims of the William S. Dietrich fund will be education of our youth, particularly those from disadvantaged neighborhoods. During his life and in his planned charitable commitments, Mr. Dietrich was very dedicated to supporting educational organizations and programs as a means for citizens to support their families and contribute to our local economy.

Bob Nelkin, United Way of Allegheny County President and Chief Professional Officer, explained that funds from The Dietrich Foundation will be used to support United Way’s program to motivate kids to succeed in school, a key focus area of the United Way’s Impact Fund. These programs include the activities outside of schools that have been proven to help students succeed: mentoring, tutoring, early grade reading, early childhood education, quality after-school programs and career development. In each of these areas, the United Way funds the top programs that meet standards of excellence and can show measurable results including staying in school, improving attendance, achieving school success, and graduating with proficiency.

Edward Grefenstette, CIO of the Dietrich Charitable Trusts, “There is perfect alignment of Bill’s lifelong devotion to making our community a better place by 'giving back' and United Way’s work. The United Way is committed to mobilizing the business community, its leaders and employees to make Allegheny County a better place to live by addressing critical issues in a united and efficient way. Bill would be very pleased by United Way’s plan to use his gift to advance educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.”

Art Rooney commented, “Bill Dietrich’s philanthropic legacy is a phenomenal story of how one person dedicated a significant period of his life to growing his assets with the singular intent of wise distribution for the benefit of a whole community. We are very grateful for Bill’s gift to United Way and his many gifts to our community.”

The source of the $6.9 million fund is the Dietrich Charitable Trusts, which are charitable remainder trusts created by Mr. Dietrich that own assets principally generated by the 1996 sale of Dietrich Industries. The assets of these trusts will fund a new charitable organization, The Dietrich Foundation that will administer the fund benefiting United Way.

For more information about this year’s United Way of Allegheny County campaign and a full list of programs and services supported, visit www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org.

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 provides county-wide access to information and referral sources meeting basic needs. www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org.