Dollar Bank Supports Vendors for August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party
Initiative Aims to Expand Opportunities for Minority-Owned Small Businesses
In recognition of Small Business Month and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party, Dollar Bank and August Wilson House today announced a vendor support initiative designed to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs—especially minority-owned small businesses—to participate in one of Pittsburgh’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
Under the initiative, vendors will continue to submit applications and pay the standard participation fee at the time of application. All approved vendors will then receive a full refund of their vendor fees*—funded by Dollar Bank—through the event team. The program is expected to support 150 small businesses, helping ensure that small, local and emerging businesses can show up, sell and grow.
“Small Business Month is the perfect time to invest directly in the entrepreneurs who keep our neighborhoods vibrant,” said Morton Stanfield, SVP of Retail Banking and Community Development at Dollar Bank. “By covering vendor participation fees for the August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party, we’re helping remove an upfront hurdle for small businesses—especially minority-owned businesses—so more makers, merchants and food vendors can take part, connect with customers and build momentum.”
“This Block Party has always been about celebrating August Wilson’s legacy by uplifting community, culture and creativity,” said Denise Turner, Executive Director of August Wilson House. “Partnering with Dollar Bank to reimburse vendor fees helps ensure that more local, minority-owned small businesses can join the celebration and benefit from the visibility, sales and community connections this event creates.”
The announcement will be coordinated with a week-of media and community outreach effort leading into the Block Party, including a surprise message to vendors and a shared campaign celebrating “10 Years of Showing Up: Dollar Bank Pays It Forward.”
About the August Wilson House/Birthday Celebration Block Party
The August Wilson House preserves and celebrates the life and legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson through arts programming, education and community events—including the annual August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Learn more at https://www.augustwilsonbirthdaycelebration.com.
Event details: Join August Wilson House and Dollar Bank for the 10th Annual August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party! This free, family-friendly event takes place on May 9, 2026, from 11 AM to 6 PM in Pittsburgh's historic Hill District at 1727 Bedford Avenue.
*Refunds are expected to be paid by August Wilson House within 21 days.
About Dollar Bank
As the nation's largest independent mutual bank, Dollar Bank has been empowering the communities and customers we serve for 170 years. Our more than 90 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia provide a comprehensive range of personal, small business and corporate banking solutions. We continue to invest in our customers and strengthen our communities through financial education programs and partnerships with organizations who share our dedication to building opportunities for all. As of January 2026, Dollar Bank reported total assets of $12.5 billion, total loans of $9.6 billion, and total deposits of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit Dollar.Bank.
Media Contacts
Dollar Bank: Maria Amoruso, SVP of Public Affairs | 412-261-8105 | amorusomw@dollarbank.com
August Wilson House: Orlana Darkins | 412-608-9643 | orlana@theshynenetwork.com