Charles F Mitchel was convicted for forgery in 1847 and  sent to Sing Sing for an undisclosed amount of years. He struggled in prison and his health was seriously impaired and nearly died in his prison cell. Because of this Governor Bouck pardoned him and with help from some of his friends he was able to recover from his  ailments he obtained from his time in prison and began doing business. After several years he became very successful in his business and came back to hopper to offer some donations. Hopper says

He has not forgotten his companions in suffering and seemed much felt that a refuge was provided for those who wish to reform so that they may not be driven by necessity to resort to measures that may again involve them increment and degradation” 

Mitchel began to give donations to the Prison association of New York and moved to Dresden in Ohio.

This is a clear example that the philosophy the committee holds when helping out these reformed inmates was instilled on the released prisoners. In the First Annual Report of the Prison association of New York the committee states their goals to install an organized reformist movement. These goals so clearly stated would have been an opportunity for the committee to receive donations from a variety of different people around the country. 

What makes Mitchel such a unique and special case is that he was one of the people helped by the committee and has gone through the process of being a reformed convict. Business men, social activist workers, everyday members of society would have been the typical people to donate to the association.  However Mitchel was a Prisoner who nearly died in his cell. He was able to realize that the work PANY was doing to help people like him was important and their philosophy was one of philanthropy. He adopts the philosophy so much that he donates money after he is able to get back on his feet.