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Hospital honors Monessen's shoe shine man
Jeff Pikulsky/The Valley Independent
Jeff Pikulsky can be reached via e-mail or at 724-684-2635.
Since 1982, Albert Lexie has shined shoes to raise money for the hospital's Free Care Fund, which benefits families that cannot afford care for their children.
The 64-year-old has routinely toted his shoe shine cart into Mid-Mon Valley businesses year round, charging $3 per shine.
The tips he receives, he donates to Children's Hospital.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Lexie wakes up at about 6 a.m. and takes two bus rides to the Oakland Hospital, where he makes his rounds helping anyone who needs a new shine in their step.
Lexie hit the $100,000 mark in donations in January 2005.
He took the day off at the hospital Tuesday, as the customers he calls friends recognized his dedication.
Roger A. Oxendale, Children's Hospital president and chief executive officer, said Lexie has become one of the family at the hospital.
"This happens to me whenever I think about Albert," Oxendale said, fighting back tears. "He's truly an inspiration for me personally and I think for many of the people that are at Children's Hospital."
Oxendale said things have changed since Lexie has visited the hospital.
"There are many meetings that take place in stocking feet around this place because of Albert and the great work he does for the kids," he said.
One of Lexie's long-time customers, Children's Hospital Urologist Dr. Steven G. Docimo, said he admires Lexie's selfless nature.
He put Lexie's contributions into perspective.
"It is a lot of money," he said. "I've been fortunate enough to be involved in the staff development campaign, where we try to get doctors like myself to donate money to the hospital. And we are very happy when a physician gives a generous donation of $1,000 to the hospital."
Docimo said the relationships Lexie has formed in his travels are priceless.
"I would argue that Albert is a wealthy man today," Docimo said. "They say that you can't take wealth with you, but I think the wealth that Albert has accumulated he can take with him forever."
The doctor apologized for showing up in scrubs because of an unexpected medical procedure.
"I feel a little self-conscious about my appearance but I do feel confident about one thing, and that is my shoes are looking good," Docimo said, smiling at Lexie.
The timid Lexie took the podium and thanked his friends.
"I appreciate all you good doctors' work ... and all of my good customers," he said. "I appreciate all of you and I love you all."
Lexie explained that it was the late KDKA anchorwoman Patty Burns who inspired him to give to the hospital.
He said he has most enjoyed visiting the patients he affectionately calls "my kids."
"I figure it this way; Jerry has his kids. Why can't I have my kids?" he said.
Oxendale presented Lexie with a plaque from the hospital.
After a standing ovation, Lexie was mobbed with hugs, kisses and handshakes from hospital staff and some Mon Valley residents who made the trip in his honor.
"He's a personal friend of my family for a long time. He's quite a story," Ringgold School District Superintendent Ed Repka said.
Monessen Chamber of Commerce President Chuck Assenat said Lexie is one of a kind.
"You don't see this kind of stuff happening at all," he said.
Joe Kirk, executive director of the Mon Valley Progress Council, put it simply.
"He's my hero, absolutely," Kirk said. "He's done something that is remarkable for anyone."
Lexie has gained celebrity status locally for his generosity.
The awards committee of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Executives presented him with its 2001 Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
His story aired on the Oprah Winfrey Show and an article about his story appeared in the National Enquirer.
Tuesday wasn't the first time Children's Hospital gave back to Lexie.
For his birthday in August, 2003, the hospital gave him a metal cart designed to help him carry the 30-pound shoe shine box he made as a teenager in shop class at Monessen High School.
Looking back on his shoe-shining career, Lexie said he does not plan to slow down.
"I feel pretty good. I want to keep on going," he said.
