Christina Alvino, marketing manager for Guardian Storage, a self-storage operator with properties in Colorado and Pennsylvania, has been named as one of Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest for 2014, a group that will raise money to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). The nonprofit organization funds research to support children and adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The 50 Finest are nominated individuals who are recognized for their professional and philanthropic endeavors in the Pittsburgh area.
“Although I don’t have a direct family connection to CF, I’ve met some wonderful people over the years who fight every day for themselves and their children. When a former honoree and close friend asked if I would accept a nomination, I was honored and humbled,” Alvino said. “From hundreds of nominations, the board and selection committee choose the top 25 men and 25 women. This year I was lucky enough to make the cut.”
CF is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Ten million people in the United States, or one in 30, carry the defective gene. About 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year, with more than 70 percent of patients diagnosed by age two. It is considered an orphan disease, meaning there are not enough cases for pharmaceutical companies to fund research for a cure, Alvino said.
Alvino’s individual goal is to raise $5,000, while her group’s goal is $355,000. Over the past few months, Alvino has hosted a variety of fundraisers. Her campaign page can be found at https://finest.cff.org/christina-alvinos-finest. “Every dollar for research is donated through families and programs like this one. It’s an amazing feeling and I couldn’t be more thrilled knowing that I am truly making a difference in the lives of so many individuals,” she said.
This year, Pittsburgh is celebrating the 19th anniversary of its 50 Finest list. It is the highest grossing CFF chapter in the country, Alvino said.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Guardian Storage operates three facilities in Colorado and 12 in Pennsylvania.
Sources:
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Website
