Marcus Ruscitto was a rare talent and visionary entrepreneur who loved Pittsburgh. He also had a huge passion for giving. With his younger brother Michael, Marc founded Stargate, an Internet service and e-marketing provider in 1994, before the days when high-speed Internet was a household word. The firm quickly grew into one of the largest Internet companies in the region, earning the brothers many accolades including an Inc. Magazine Inner City 100 award.
Marc's untimely death at the age of 33 inspired his family and friends to establish a fund in his memory. He was passionate about helping fellow entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. An active volunteer, he had served on many boards, including the Entrepreneurs Network, WQED, United Way and Three Rivers Connect. He also gravitated toward efforts that brightened the lives of local children as well as animal charities.
The fund has previously supported organizations such as the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, which provided two scholarship's in Marc's memory. The Fund also launched an anti-bullying campaign initiative in 2011 at youcanstopbullying.org.
Type of Fund
- Advised