PITTSBURGH – The Fisher family of Pittsburgh has presented a $1 million gift to Pressley Ridge, an internationally recognized leader in the care of troubled and troubling children.

The timing of the gift, which is to be used for future capital needs, coincides with this year’s celebration of North Side-based Pressley Ridge’s175th anniversary.

The $1 million gift was made in memory of Benjamin R. Fisher, Jr., who died suddenly in September 2002 at age 50, by Benjamin Fisher’s mother Lilian, his two sisters and his widow, Linda Fisher. Benjamin Fisher served on the Pressley Ridge Board of Directors for more than 20 years and was a founding member of the Pressley Ridge Foundation in 1991. He also held several senior positions at Heinz North America and PPG Industries.

“The Fisher family has been involved with Pressley Ridge for more than 100 years, and we’ve seen firsthand the wonderful work it does with children,” said Lilian Fisher. “Although many of the children cared for by Pressley Ridge are among those most in need, the organization continues to have great success in improving their lives.

“After careful consideration, we decided that the best way to support Pressley Ridge’s needs and those of the children for whom it provides care, would be a designated gift for future capital needs,” Lilian Fisher added.

“Just as they have for decades, the Fisher family is providing us tremendous leadership and support in achieving our mission and serving children and their families through innovative programs and services,” said Scott Finnell, president and CEO of Pressley Ridge.

“We are honored that the Fisher family has such faith in us and our work that they are giving us the opportunity to define how best to use this gift to meet our capital needs in alignment with our strategic plan.”

Pressley Ridge has remained committed to the principles on which it was founded in 1832. The Fisher family – the same family that founded Fisher Scientific – has remained committed to Pressley Ridge for nearly as long.

The Fisher family’s long history with Pressley Ridge includes five generations and dates back to 1885, when Margaret Smith Aiken joined the board of directors. Lilian Fisher was one of the first board members to suggest adapting the Pressley Ridge mission of custodial care of orphans to serve children who are socially and emotionally disturbed. She also helped Pressley Ridge raise a half million dollars for a new treatment center in the 1960s.