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Wednesday, September 11, 2002

By Gary Rotstein, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Processing $884,309 in local contributions to Sept. 11 relief efforts taught Kristin Montanti not to despair for the nation or the world.

"I like to take a positive spin, instead of looking at the terrorists. I'd like to look at what positive things came from our country and how we came together," said Montanti, 30, assistant treasurer of the Pittsburgh Foundation.

The Pine resident, who has displayed a flag in front of her house every day for the past year, handled the checks coming into the foundation through February from about 7,000 local sources who wanted to assist relief efforts. The money was forwarded to the special September 11th Fund, established in New York to help victims.

"I was shocked at how much money came in," Montanti said. "I think it was people's desire just to do something. ... Sitting down and writing a check for $10 was just a way that people could say I did something to help."