Alex Katrishin Fund

In the final days of World War II, Alex Katrishin was injured by an explosion. Although his injuries were not life threatening, he was left suffering periodic seizures that were sufficient to seriously limit his job opportunities in the late 1940s. Unable to find more typical employment, Alex Katrishin became a street vendor and lived at the Hattiesburg YMCA for many years. His frugal lifestyle and personal discipline assured that he was able always to save and invest a few dollars every month.

After more than thirty years, he was reunited with and married his college sweetheart, Miriam. They enjoyed several years together in Hattiesburg before Miriam departed this life in 1997. All this time, Alex continued to exercise and receive physical therapy with his friends at the local Family Y.

Shortly before his death in June 2000, Alex made public his plan to leave the bulk of his estate -- well over $1,000,000.00 -- in an endowed fund with the Greater PineBelt Community Foundation. Each year, the community foundation will distribute the income from the Katrishin fund to support the programs and services offered by his favorite organization: the local PineBelt Family Y - the YMCA.