Sarah Kristin Owen Fund
Helps Struggling Single Mothers

Ron and Judi Owen established a donor-advised fund in December of 2004 in memory of their daughter, Sarah Kristin, who passed away in late 2003.  Over the past two years, the Owens, with the support of friends, family and colleagues in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and many other states have raised over $200,000 to further the mission of the fund.  Recovery for Single Mother Education and Support (R.O.S.E.S.) from Sarah events are held twice a year. Ron and Judi, life-long Pittsburghers and current residents of O’Hara Township, recently spoke about their experience with The Pittsburgh Foundation.

How did you learn about The Pittsburgh Foundation?
During the months after Sarah’s passing, we were struggling through our grief, as well as our teenage daughter Lauren’s, and the day-to-day care of Sarah’s daughter Taylor.  Close family friends, one of whom happened to be an attorney in Pittsburgh and another from Cherry Hill, New Jersey approached us about setting something up in Sarah’s memory. We thought through all of the options: private foundation, a direct donation, etc.  David Rush from New Jersey and Arthur Smith from Pittsburgh were instrumental in planting the seed to establish a fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Why an endowment?
Lauren was 18 and Taylor was seven.  We wanted them, especially Taylor, who loved her mom, to see how people responded to the tribute we made to Sarah by creating something tangible and lasting.  We came from humble beginnings and have worked hard -life has been good - and we’ve always given back to our community. Our community has now helped us establish a legacy for Sarah. Twenty or 30 years down the road, these girls will be involved with making substantial grants that change lives.

What are your goals for the Sarah Kristin Owen Fund?
We initially had a goal of building a $1 million foundation over a period of twenty years. With the success of our recent events and the help of our supporters, we’ve changed our expectation – the Fund should reach that amount in five to seven years. 

Additionally, the Fund will impact the people that Sarah would have wanted to help – single mothers who are struggling with drug and alcohol issues. The stereotype is that people with these issues are on the lowest rungs of society.  Our daughter was a beautiful, smart young woman – this is a worldwide issue that crosses all socio-economic lines. 

What is the focus of the Fund’s grantmaking?
We plan to identify organizations helping people who are in a similar situation to ours. Parents with struggling children can get them the help they need. Young women can get help and live to enjoy their families. 

What are the R.O.S.E.S. from Sarah events?  When are they held?
R.O.S.E.S from Sarah events occur in the spring and in the fall. Our committee of volunteers holds a golf tournament with a dinner and auction.

We had no idea how well the events would do in the first year. LandAmerica Financial Group, Ron’s employer, proved essential to our success by offering a matching gift program. So many people were generous with their money and their time.

These events turn out to be fascinating testimonials to how these issues effect just about everyone in our society – the night is a terrific experience and the feeling of kinship is incredible.

What do you think the impact of the Sarah Kristin Owen Fund will be?
Our perspective is, if we save a single life, allow one child to grow up with a mother, ensure that a parent does not lose a child, all of our efforts will be worth it. It’s a great feeling to be able to do this.

If you would like to donate to the Sarah Kristin Owen Fund, please contact Kelly Uranker at urankerk@pghfdn.org.