For Immediate Release
Lisa Razza, Director of Communications
412-995-5000 x410
lrazza@achieva.info
PITTSBURGH, PA - ACHIEVA is hosting several events to remember Cecil and David Rosenthal, long-time recipients of ACHIEVA services and beloved members of the Pittsburgh community who lost their lives during the Tree of Life shooting nearly one year ago on October 27th.
WHAT: Online Day of Giving Supporting The Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund
WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 2019
WHERE: Online at impactachieva.org
During ACHIEVA’s second annual online Day of Giving, all gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $10,000. All donations raised on this one day will go to the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund, benefiting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to support community engagement activities. "It's comforting to know that the memory of my brothers will live on through the Memorial Fund, helping people with intellectual or developmental disabilities find and keep good jobs in their community and pursue meaningful activities that are important to them," said Michele Rosenthal, sister of Cecil and David Rosenthal. The Fund was created by ACHIEVA’s Board of Trustees after $170,000 in unsolicited donations were received in the aftermath of the Tree of Life shooting. While unexpected, ACHIEVA trustees were committed to protecting the funds, which were received from 700 donors from 13 states and at least three countries, and make certain they were used in a way that most aptly honored the lives of Cecil and David Rosenthal.
WHAT: Presentation of First Cecil and David Rosenthal Grant to Chris Brown, Former Roommate of Cecil and David
WHEN: Friday, October 25, 2019 at 11:30 AM
WHERE: ACHIEVA, 711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
The first grant directed from the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund will be awarded to Chris Brown, former roommate of Cecil and David, during a lunchtime gathering at ACHIEVA. Chris loves to travel, and he loves to communicate through writing. Learning these facts allowed ACHIEVA to plan to make two of his wishes come true. Steve Suroviec, President and CEO of ACHIEVA, stated, “We couldn't think of a better person for the inaugural grant than Chris Brown. Chris lives his life much like Cecil and David did... with a big heart and a passion for life. We are eager to award additional grants to other applicants before the year ends.”
Chris Brown, former roommate of Cecil and David Rosenthal to receive inaugural grant at ACHIEVA on Friday, October 25, 2019
WHAT: Assembling Gift Bags for Residents Supported by ACHIEVA
WHEN: Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 11 AM – 1 PM
WHERE: ACHIEVA, 711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Volunteers from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh will team with ACHIEVA to assemble gift bags for recipients of ACHIEVA’s Community Supported Living program (one of the services Cecil and David received from ACHIEVA). The bags will include a “Love Like The Boys” theme. Family and friends referred to Cecil and David as 'the boys' because of their innocent, kind-hearted nature. #LoveLikeTheBoys was created as a response to the tragedy and prompts people nationwide to share random acts of kindness in memory of Cecil and David.
Note to Media: Media interested in covering the above events should contact Lisa Razza at 412.995.5000 x410 or lrazza@achieva.info
Tree Planting Ceremony
In memory of Cecil and David Rosenthal, two ornamental weeping cherry trees and an etched memorial stone will be dedicated during a private ceremony at their former home, allowing family and friends to fondly remember them.
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ACHIEVA is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong supports to people with disabilities and their families. ACHIEVA envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. ACHIEVA advocates for, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.