Jean Allegrini Donates $135,756 to UPMC Pinnacle Foundation to Raise Awareness, Support Children Impacted by Abuse

April 15, 2026

HARRISBURG, Pa. – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation recognized a $135,756 gift presented by Jean Allegrini to strengthen the Joe Allegrini Children’s Hero Endowment Fund held within the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, ensuring lasting impact for years to come.

The check presentation honored the legacy of the late Joe Allegrini and his commitment to raising awareness and supporting children who have experienced abuse. Those in attendance included Jessica Ritchie, president and chief development officer, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation; Jean Allegrini, Joe Allergini's wife and former president of the Joe Allegrini Children's Hero Fund; and Shannon Cossaboom, director of operations, UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa.

“The impact of the Joe Allegrini Children’s Hero Foundation has been felt by countless children and families across our community,” said Ritchie. “This gift ensures that legacy continues in a lasting way, providing ongoing support for some of our most vulnerable patients.”

The Joe Allegrini Children’s Hero Endowment Fund provides permanent support for the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa., funding critical needs such as clinical programs, patient support services, staff education, and facility and equipment enhancements.

For years, the Joe Allegrini Children’s Hero Fund has played an important role in advocating children and raising awareness of child abuse. With this gift, that mission will continue through sustained, long-term support of the Child Advocacy Center.

“With the closing of the Joe Allegrini Children's Hero Fund and the transfer of those funds to the newly created Joe Allegrini Children's Hero Endowment Fund, we will ensure Joe's legacy continues in perpetuity," said Jean Allegrini. "This is an important milestone in our family's journey to remember Joe and recognize the hard work and generosity of so many people who have helped us achieve this goal. But most importantly, we will continue to support those children who have survived the horrors of child abuse.”

The UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa. provides a safe, child-focused environment where children and families receive coordinated care, including forensic interviews, specialized medical care, and mental health services for those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or witnessed a violent crime.

To support the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa., visit https://www.upmcpinnaclefoundation.org/.