4/2012

The Max Talbot Foundation has sought out and evaluated organizations whose initiatives not only support youth in need, but also utilize best practices in terms of fiscal responsibility, planning and vision.

~ In December 2010, the Max Talbot Foundation donated $90,000 – enough to complete construction of the IDADEE Orphanage in Haiti, which he had visited in August 2010. 

~ In late 2010, and 2011, Max partnered with the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation, selling Max Talbot Foundation logo t-shirts each of which Max autographed.  The proceeds, over $10,000, were used to feed children in Haiti through Hearts for the Hungry.

~ In December 2011, the Max Talbot Foundation donated $5,000 to the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation which will be used to provide basic needs for children in the IDADEE Orphanage.

~ On December 9, 2011 the Max Talbot Foundation donated $20,000 to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF), which will be used for After-School and Summer Educational Enrichment Programs for Disadvantaged and Homeless Children in Allegheny County.    

Max chose HCEF to help the children most in need – those who live well below the poverty line and have had their lives turned upside down by losing their homes.  This lack of stability has a huge impact on their education and outlook on their future.  Some children quit going to school, over a quarter of them attend three or four schools in a year, with every change in school resulting in a 4-6 month academic set back.   Funding a program like HCEF assists immediately while benefiting the future of these children.

Right now in Allegheny County, more than 2,200 children are experiencing homelessness.  Many more miss being counted for various reasons.  To aid in the latter, HCEF has created a model, which will help identify and aid this rapidly growing population. 

 The Max Talbot Foundation is pleased to be a part of what may soon become a national model.

In progress:

* Partnership with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund is on going with discussions to create a (national) PSA that will bring awareness to the growing population of homeless children, attempt to diminish the stigma of homelessness and address the additional educational challenges they face.   

* The Foundation may partner on some level with the People’s Emergency Center in Philadelphia.  This would be done in conjunction with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, who currently has a relationship with them.   

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4/2011

Driven by a strong desire to give back, the Max Talbot Foundation is devoted to lending a hand to kids in need.  

Although Max’s vision first took shape in and for the Pittsburgh area, his visit to Haiti late this summer hastened his desire to make an immediate impact there. When Max arrived in Haiti he was surprised at just how tough the living conditions were for the children. He witnessed many with no food, no home, and no parents. 

 “The best moment of my trip occurred when we pulled into the orphanage and got out of the truck,” Talbot said.

“Within seconds, 20-25 kids came running towards us wanting to give us big hugs, hold our hands and give affection.

They just wanted love. That’s one of the things that I thought was really special.”

Currently 90 children live at the orphanage and the number fed there regularly is expected to double. 

Unfortunately due to size of the building no more children can be given permanent shelter, leaving a large number who would benefit by living there to face a grim uncertainty. 

A second orphanage currently under construction is about 80% complete, but must be under roof quickly to house children living on the streets. The hope is that it will be ready by the end of December to give homes to approximately 50 children, with another 50 arriving when construction is complete next summer.

“I am starting my own foundation and the first event that I will hold is going to benefit Haiti because I really feel like I am a part of them now,” Talbot said. “I really want to be able to help them out more. Hopefully they can finish the second orphanage.”

When that second orphanage is complete, Max hopes to head back to Haiti to see the finished product and once again visit the children who left such an indelible impression because of their positive outlook and strong values.

“We did make an impact by going down there, but I want to do more.”… Max Talbot

Upon Max's return he started the ball rolling and his foundation was created in November 2010.

Please consider partnering with Max to do more… by improving the lives our greatest asset: Our youth.  

In Haiti… In Pittsburgh… Together we’ll do more.