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Albert's Web site began back in the summer of 1998 and has been going strong ever since. One day Albert walked into my office at the Mon Valley Community Health Center to shine my shoes. At the time, I was an employee for the Southwestern Pa Area Agency on Aging and was beginning my own Web Design business. Albert's achievements and popularity were just beginning to surface and I asked him if he had his own Web site. He said that Jonathan Finder, a doctor at Children's Hospital, had created a Web page for him. I asked him if he wanted me to create a Web site for him that would include his own email address. Albert seemed very excited about the idea, so I began designing it. Since then Albert has been very active in the design and content of his site. I have desperately tried to keep up with his appearances, honors, and achievements.
During our first few years I relied solely on Albert to relay information to me for content. I tried to include as much information about him as I could, but sometimes missed an appearance or two. I only see Albert twice a month when he stops by to shine shoes and I rely on that time for the latest news. Recently, Melanie Finnigan, Media Relations Manager from Children's Hospital, has been instrumental in providing information to me. I also keep her informed when the media contacts me for appearance requests. Last year, the Jane Pauley Show wrote to me requesting information, so I immediately forwarded the email to Melanie. The end result was a memorable appearance on the Jane Pauley Show where Albert was presented with the check that put him over the $100,000 mark.
When Albert was featured on CNN (and our Web site was listed there), we received over 350 emails from viewers. Some of the most remarkable emails were from people touched by Albert's generosity. It is amazing how he impacts so many people all over the world.
The best part is when Albert walks in my office and asks for his emails. He looks forward to messages from his "buddies" and is always happy to receive them. I remember the day when he used to just shine shoes, now he impacts lives.
- Kevin Coccari
Say hello to Albert at
albert@kevweb.com
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