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WHEREAS, Austin Martinelli became one of the youngest monthly donors to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital when, at the age of 9, he was inspired by a patient’s story he heard on the radio; and,
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WHEREAS, in December 2016, Austin pledged to his parents, Michelle and Steve Martinelli, that he would raise the funds for his monthly commitment he made to St. Jude. The first fundraiser he held was at his school, Whittier Elementary. He set a goal of $100 and collected $598; and,
WHEREAS, his next fundraiser, “Austin’s Wagon Walk”, was inspired by the red wagons used by St. Jude patients to help them travel comfortably around the hospital campus. In April 2017, he more than quadrupled his first collection, raising $2,500; and,
WHEREAS, after raising more than $5,000, he wanted to take the check to St. Jude, but was told you have to be at least 16 years of age, and he pledged to continue fundraising until he was permitted to present the check; and,
WHEREAS, at 16 years old, Austin finished his fifth and final walk Sunday, June 4, 2023. While Sunday marked Martinelli’s last wagon walk, he plans to continue to raise money for St. Jude and participate in the hospital’s walk and run in September; and,
WHEREAS, Martinelli has raised over $35,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since he first started his journey. Those funds support the lifesaving research and treatment at St. Jude, and help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Austin Martinelli for his selfless commitment to raise funds for St. Jude Hospital to help children with cancer; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 to be “Austin Martinelli Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.