Alice grew up in Lisbon, North Dakota, a county seat of about 2000 people. She was one of 15 children in the family although only 12 grew to maturity. It was a point of pride that all earned at least one college degree, recalled her brother Robert Risk.
Musical talent also ran in the family. Alice was one of the best young violinists in town and her talent was much in demand. After graduating from high school, she worked in The County Treasurer's office and, through savings from her job and help from other family members, she attended and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in home economics.
After graduation Alice moved to Cleveland where she began working for The Cleveland Electrical Illuminating Company as a teacher-demonstrator of "modern-cooking equipment." Several years later, she moved on to Pittsburgh where she married Hayden Wilson and was hired as a home economics teacher in the public schools.
She loved Pittsburgh and dabbled quite successfully in real estate, her brother recalled. The couple lived in Oakland on South Neville where she grew roses. The couple had no children.
Alice opened the fund with the money she generated from her real estate investments. It was actually Robert's suggestion and she agreed that it was not only a good investment, but The Pittsburgh Foundation would ensure that the money would be well spent in supporting charitable work in the region.
Type of Fund
- Unrestricted