Matching Gift Campaign Launches for Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company in Richland

A small group of “champions” made up of residents and businesses supporting the acquisition of the former Pittsburgh Cut Flower property in Richland Township have launched a matching gift campaign with the intent to raise another $90,000 locally. 

The campaign, called the “PCF Champions Matching Fund,” already has received $10,500 from a local environmental group and three small businesses.

The North Area Environmental Council has offered a $4,000 matching grant that will be paid to the Allegheny Land Trust if residents and others will help raise another $4,000. 

Individuals will double their contribution by participating in the PCF Champions Matching Fund.

“The Pittsburgh region has risen from the ashes of economic decline to a position as one of the 14 best examples of economic recovery in the US,” said Bill Moul, President of the NAEC. “But fundamentally important to life in the region is the environmental recovery that we have seen. This campaign is an opportunity for all of us to help ALT make the Pittsburgh Cut Flower property become a shining example of that environmental recovery.”

Mid-Atlantic Environmental Consultants, a Gibsonia-based company, Hough’s Tavern and Brew Pub and the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center also contributed to the campaign with $2,500, $2,000 and $2,000 contributions respectively. 

Mid-Atlantic is also overseeing the environmental clean-up taking place at the former Pittsburgh Cut Flower property. 

“We would like to thank the North Area Environmental Council, Mid-Atlantic Environmental Consultants, Hough’s Tavern and the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center for their matching gift contributions,” said Chris Beichner, Executive Director of ALT. “We look forward to a successful campaign with other corporations and individuals following their lead to contribute towards this campaign.”

The campaign hopes to raise $45,000 in 45 days through direct solicitation to area businesses and organizations. Local champions already have raised the initial $10,500 in 10 days.

Interested businesses willing to contribute to the matching funds may contact ALT at 412-741-2750 x203.

All About the Pittsburgh Cut Flower Property

For 90 years, the Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company operated at the Richland Township location, producing millions of roses distributed throughout the east coast.

For the past 20 years, the property, which is no longer owned by the Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company, has sat vacant with dozens of blighted buildings due to years of neglect.

ALT plans to purchase the property within the next several months and permanently protect more than 80 percent of the property, which is made up of ponds, streams, meadows and woodlands. 

The remaining 30 acres will be recycled back into the economy through a variety of economic development projects. 

The nonprofit has a $1.4 million contract to buy the property.  It has already raised more than $1 million towards its goal.

To learn more, or to contribute towards the acquisition of the property, call ALT at 412-741-2750 or visit www.alleghenylandtrust.org. 

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