In Memoriam: Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board Spotlight: Robert Allen
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with Robert's family as he recently passed away. We share this story in memory of Robert and all that he did to make our community better by doing the most good.
Robert Allen’s experience during shopping trips with The Salvation Army and WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up have been some of the most rewarding times of his life.
“I was blessed to participate in the shopping experience with a group of children on multiple occasions,” Robert said. “The joy that the children experienced from shopping in a department store and choosing their winter outerwear with Project Bundle-Up was simply heartwarming. The stories of these children were gut-wrenching, but the Army was there to make a difference in their lives. At that time, I knew I wanted to become involved. Thank God for the Army.”
Robert first became involved with The Salvation Army Western PA Division in the late 90’s when he worked with Thrift Drug and Eckerd. The company sponsored the Celebration of Lights, which supported The Salvation Army and WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up.
He later became a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board in the mid-2000’s and served on the board until he moved to New York. He returned to Pittsburgh in 2019 and the first thing he did upon his return was contact The Salvation Army to rejoin the board.
Robert is passionate about the mission of The Salvation Army and proud of how its officers and staff live it out through daily actions.
“I believe people need to know that the Army lives its mission statement,” Robert said. “They are laser-focused on ‘Doing the Most Good for the Most People’ - this is not a tagline but the truth. The Salvation Army is more than a charitable organization: it is a lifeline for individuals in need, regardless of the need.”
Robert is continually inspired by his experiences with the organization, particularly during The Salvation Army’s annual iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which funds emergency feeding programs, utility and rental assistance, youth and senior programming, and more.
“It is amazing to witness how many people have been blessed by The Salvation Army and donate to return the gift they received,” he said. “My wife and I were ringing the bell in Market Square in December of 2019 and when we arrived and set up, our first donation came from a young homeless man who had been panhandling. At lunchtime, my wife and I bought him several cheeseburgers and a bottle of water. We witnessed this young man giving a cheeseburger to a fellow homeless person. Before our day ended, the young man returned for a second time, took a dollar out of his cup, placed it in the kettle, and said when he was a child the Army gave him Christmas presents and he wanted to return the gift for someone else.”
As a board member, he is most proud of the Red Kettle Campaign, and of the officers and staff who dedicate their lives to doing the most good.
“The team of individuals at The Salvation Army never give up,” he said. “The obstacle is irrelevant, their determination and belief in their cause drives them to success.”
Robert, President and CEO of Great American Hemp Inc., formed the new company about 9 months ago. Previously, he served as the President of U.S. Operations for Celtic Wind Crops. CWC is an Irish company that was dramatically impacted by COVID-19, and as a result, he decided to take a chance on a new industry and started Great American Hemp Inc. Robert lives in the North Hills with his wife. They have three children; their youngest is a sophomore at Geneva College.