This fund was created by Alison and Paul Oehler of Pittsburgh to honor Paul’s paternal grandmother, Clara Mae, who they described as a “fiercely loyal, whip-smart Southern lady.” Among the Oehlers’ philanthropic interests are anti-racism efforts, visual arts, financial literacy education and women’s rights.
The Oehlers strongly believe that “a just society will only result from our reckoning with the systematic racism that has plagued our country since its inception.”
The couple was inspired by Clara Mae’s work ethic and generosity. She was an entrepreneur and ran an auto parts store in a time when few women ran businesses. The Oehlers continue to be inspired by Clara Mae, who lived and worked during the 1950s and 60s in the Pittsburgh community. Paul and Alison want to extend her spirit of generosity to the Pittsburgh community.
Pittsburgh is also the place where Alison began working as an art dealer. She believes that powerful ideas can be conveyed through art that invites people to “slow down, look and think, which incites change.”
The Oehlers hope this fund will act as their legacy that will continue to have an impact on Pittsburgh.