When a young Denis McCarthy was asked to meet with Hillman corporation representatives for an impromptu meeting at LaGuardia airport, he left his construction site still dressed in work books and corduroys.  Little did he and his wife Elizabeth know that 34 years later, he and his family would be ensconced in the philanthropic fiber of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

At the time, Denis had been growing his experience first in the accounting field, and then in the construction industry.  It was this unique blend of skills that was attractive to The Hillman Company.  Meanwhile, his wife Elizabeth was just as busy as a pediatric nurse and mom to their growing family.

Ten years after that meeting, The Hillman Company sold the import company Deni was president of, and he and Elizabeth had a decision to make: stay in New York and start over with a new company, move to sydney, Ohio and continue in his position there, or come to Pittsburgh to work at Hillman's headquarters.  There was no contest, they said.  "The opportunity to work with someone as ethical and 'right' as Henry Hillman is a luxury most people don't have," they said.  "Henry and Elsie are an incredible couple and role models for us and anyone who wants to live their lives in a meaninful way, and make a difference in the lives of others."  Mr. Hillman once told Denis, "I used to think making money was hard, but I have learned it's even harder to give it away." "He was absolutely right," said Denis.  "But we believe that our Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation will enable us to give in perpetuity."

Since their arrival in Pittsburgh, the McCarhtys have become pillars of the philanthropic community with an impressive and growing list of causes that they support.  "When we were in New York, making a difference was like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon," said Elizabeth.  "You can make such a difference in this community even with small efforts, and modest contributions, your efforts are appreciated.  We never feel like we are giving as much as we want to."

On august 30, 2008, Denis sold his final business for The Hillman Company, which put him out of a job one more time and allowed him to retire.  "When we knew that I was retiring, Elizabeth and I talked about philanthropy and how to ensure future giving.  We agreed on an endowment at The Pittsburgh Foundation."  This was also a birthday present to Elizabeth.  "This was a very personal vote of confidence from us to Pittsburgh.  It is an investment in the city we have come to love," she said.

The McCarthys will use their fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation to endow their gifts to various charities while also working with their children to give back as a family.  "Our family (now six children and seven grandchildren) were thrilled that we chose to do this."  The Pittsburgh Foundation is equally thrilled to have the McCarthys as part of our growing family.