A man who started shining shoes at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1982 set a goal of donating $100,000 in tips to a hospital fund for poor children.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Dr. Jonathan Finder, left, puts on his shoes after getting a shine from Albert Lexie, 63, at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Mr. Lexie was honored today for his work in raising more than $100,000 for the hospital's Free Care Fund by collecting donations and giving his tips from shining shoes twice a week. Click photo for larger image.

Albert Lexie today was honored by the hospital's administration, staff and other friends for reaching that milestone. Lexie, 63, of Monessen, received a commemorative plaque; a second plaque will be placed at the hospital.

"It is inspiring to see what Albert has achieved through his hard work, generosity and dedication to the patients and families of Children's," said Roger A. Oxendale, the hospital's president and CEO. "Even after nearly a quarter of a century, Albert remains motivated by one thing: to help families in a time of need."

Lexie charges $3 for a shoeshine, which he does at the hospital using a box he built at age 15 in his high school shop class. He takes a bus to the hospital twice a week and donates tips from his business to the Free Care Fund, which allows children to receive medical care regardless of their family's ability to pay.

He also collects donations. In January, Lexie appeared on a television talk show and an anonymous donor pledged the money that put him over the $100,000 mark.

In 2001, Lexie received an Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the organization's Western Pennsylvania Chapter. In 1997, he received a Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Citizen.