“I give to the Impact Fund because I want my dollars to go wherever they’re needed most in the community.”

During the many years that Dr. Daniel Edelstone led the Physicians Campaign at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, where he is Professor of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, he inspired many of his colleagues to join him in supporting United Way. It took time and effort. But he knew it was important to do it. During agency site visits as a volunteer program reviewer, he’d seen firsthand what a difference United Way was making in the community.

It was a matter of education—not everyone had such a clear understanding of United Way’s impact on people’s lives—so Dr. Edelstone showed his colleagues how United Way’s work aligned with theirs. He told them about funded programs that were measurably improving conditions that affect people’s health, like homelessness, poverty, and violence. He urged physicians who were already helping the needy, by providing free clinical care or giving to their churches, synagogues or favorite charities, to consider doing more. “I’d say flat out that most of our pets eat better than many of our neighbors,” he said. “We’ve had great opportunities and have worked hard. We have good lives, privileged lives. Helping others is an ethical imperative, and Tocqueville Society members can have an incredible and lasting effect.”

As a boy, Dr. Edelstone was taught to think of others and to do the right thing without seeking attention. He contributed anonymously to United Way until he realized that he could motivate others to give by his example. He always designates his annual gift to the Impact Fund. He trusts United Way to leverage his dollars to help those most in need. Unrestricted giving to United Way “is about more than just supporting a cause you believe in. As a doctor I’ve take an oath to put others first when they need me. It’s the same when it comes to giving, helping to raise funds, and sharing how important it is to be philanthropic. The community needs us.”

“United Way is looking out for the vulnerable, the forgotten, those in need and those at risk. It’s a key component and partner in a philanthropic ecosystem in Western Pennsylvania that makes most other communities green with envy.”
As U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania, Fred Thieman’s commitment to improving the lives of at risk youth led him to explore the worlds of education, human services, and foundations. Now President of The Buhl Foundation, Fred is in the business of finding smart investment opportunities that make the community better for everyone.
That’s why Fred and his wife, Christine, make United Way an important part of their community giving. United Way’s community impact model is unique in the funding world: United Way raises and quickly reinvests the community’s dollars in well-run programs that have true impact on some of the most serious problems facing our community. It’s a responsive, innovative model that’s critical to the region’s well being.
Fred says that United Way is much more than a good stand alone opportunity for charitable giving. United Way donors can participate in hands-on experiences of the work they make possible; Fred fondly remembers wielding a chainsaw to build a bridge with a Day of Caring team in Riverview Park. “United Way is not only a good vehicle for your dollars, it’s a good vehicle to introduce you to opportunities to give back to the community,” he says. “It’s not just about money. It’s also about service, time and impact.”