Cultural Trust Legal Society to raise $1.2 Million

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has announced the commencement of the "Cultural Trust Legal Society," a group of the Pittsburgh region's most prominent law firms that has collaborated on a visionary program to support the mission of the Cultural Trust. The Legal Society consists of 18 of Pittsburgh's leading law firms that have pledged $240,000 in annual support to the Cultural Trust through 2015.

Spearheaded by volunteer board members Chester R. Babst and Thomas L. VanKirk, the Cultural Trust Legal Society was created in response to the shifting landscape of the economic environment and financial support for the arts. The Legal Society is one initiative among many that the Cultural Trust has instituted to balance its $51-million operating budget.

"The Legal Society members recognize the tremendous contribution the Cultural Trust has made to the quality of life in our region-for residents, visitors and members of the business community," said Mr. Babst, a founding shareholder of Babst Calland. "The member firms of the newly-formed Legal Society recognize the significant benefits created by the Trust and have joined together to pledge their financial support so that this wonderful organization can continue to provide the region with world-class performing and visual arts events, as well as redevelop major sections of downtown Pittsburgh."

"We're extremely grateful for the generosity of the Legal Society Members," noted J. Kevin McMahon, President and CEO, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "Having such a significant and meaningful financial commitment come from a collective group made up of competing businesses is truly unique and clearly shows the commitment of the members of the Legal Society to this region and its residents. It is an extraordinary example of the Pittsburgh legal community taking the initiative to help support the important mission of the Cultural Trust."

Members of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Legal Society include:

Babst Calland
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney P.C.
Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
Flaherty & O'Hara, P.C.
Goehring Rutter & Boehm
K & L Gates LLP
Littler Mendelson P.C.
Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP
ReEd Smith LLP
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP
Sherrard, German & Kelly, P.C.
The Webb Law Firm, P.C.
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
(As of July 5, 2011)

Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust offers a wide range of performing and visual arts, has restored the Cultural District in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh through the acquisition and development of real estate and serves as a steward of the investments and collaborations that continue to enhance the Cultural District neighborhood.

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