Press Release
DTC fundraiser supports Aunt Martha’s scholarships, foster kids
Media Contact
Mary Rose Roberts
269-231-5225
press@destiny-character.org
Downers Grove, Ill.: Destiny Through Character (DTC), a fundraising organization that helps foster children, welcomed 200 guests to its 3rd annual fundraiser last week. The fundraiser celebrated DTC’s new partnership with Aunt Martha’s Youth Services and its programs that assist foster children who age-out of the system, said Gloria Griseto, DTC founder. The program also helps those foster children who have lived without mentors and have little hope of attending trade, technical or four-year universities—often leaving the kids vulnerable to street-living, prostitution or drugs.
“This population touched my heart because this could have been my husband and I if we didn’t have strong family support,” Griseto said. “These kids have nobody to mentor them, so they have not gained life skills like looking for a job. If these kids don’t get the mentoring they need, they are going to go out on the streets and become part of the problem and not become solid citizens.”
The fundraiser was held at 7 p.m. on March 5 at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., and included dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction. All proceeds were donated to Aunt Martha’s Youth Services, a nonprofit that assists Illinois’ foster children. Nina Albercht, Aunt Martha’s project manager, said the partnership between the two organizations made sense as their mission was the same. Each had the goal to champion those youths aging out of the foster care system and help them realize their full potential.
“It’s got to be overwhelming to think that at the age of 18 or 19 you can make it on your own, so Aunt Martha’s and Destiny Through Character want to do everything they can to provide help and support to these foster youths,” Albercht said. “It’s a wonderful partnership, and I feel like working together we can accomplish even more. There are a lot of young people counting on us.”
Attendees enjoyed a four-course meal, an open wine-and-beer bar and several opportunities to donate. During dinner, a live auction was held for 15 items, including a couple’s retreat donated by Doubletree, Downers Grove; golf for four at Marriott Oak Brook Hills; a finger-tip-length fox coat; a meal cooked by Chef Neal Charles; a private plane ride for four to Lake Lawn Lodge in Lake Delavan, Wis.; a 37” flat screen hi-def TV; an Easy RiderT-shirt signed by Peter Fonda (donated by Toys for Tots); a signed and framed poster of “The Rat Pack”; and more.
Also during the live auction, hundreds of dollars were raised to support Aunt Martha’s scholarship fund. In addition, raffle baskets valued at $100 to $400 were won by attendees (including four Chicago Cubs tickets and gear; a family Brookfield Zoo membership; and a pampered weekend at Sybaris), as well as prize winnings of $200, $400 and $600. Finally, a bidding frenzy offered attendees a chance to win gift certificates from Starbuck’s, Omaha Steaks, Buona Beef, Marconi’s Ristorante (LaGrange), Uncle Bubs (Westmont), Bob Chinn’s (Naperville), Panera, the Chicago Wolves; and Deborah Davis Spa (Elmhurst).
Celebrity Dance Studio, located in Downers Grove, Ill., also donated lessons and dancing gear for the live auction. In addition, the studio shut down for the night to support the cause, said Ann Garvey, the owner. In fact, studio instructors Mateo Catalan and Dana Zielinski showcased dance performances at the fundraiser, alongside Celebrity students Sarah Hamilton, Phillip Jass and Franca Laberdi. In addition, Catalan and Griseto performed a Bollero. The dancing was part of the evening’s entertainment and it’s also healthful, Garvey said.
“Gloria is one of our students and we are happy to support her cause,” Garvey said. “And everybody likes to dance—even though they don’t admit it—they’d rather be up their dancing then sitting. And dancing is great exercise. It’s good for your whole body.”
Griseto turned to the dance studio after the death of her husband. It was an opportunity to heal her wombs and make a fresh start.
“Being at the studio was the key factor to lifting my depression. It is more like a community than just going to a dance studio,” Griseto said. “It’s good emotionally for your spirit.”
About Destiny Through Character
Destiny Through Character was founded to honor Griseto’s late husband Frank, who died in a Toys for Tots motorcycle accident. Frank spent his life in service, first for 21 years as a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. Afterwards, he volunteered for fundraisers at a local Italian retirement home and at the YMCA. Next, he signed up with DuPage County as a deputy, serving only one year before his death. After his death, Gloria realized it was up to her to fulfill his dreams to help those kids discarded by the foster system. She met in April 2009 with Aunt Martha’s Youth Services, whose mission is to be a resource for children, youth and families. DTC now raises money through fundraisers, and then donates the funds to Aunt Martha’s. To learn more or donate, visit www.destiny-character.org/.
Reporter’s notes:
Additional Sources:
Destiny Through Character: Gloria Griseto, 630 207 3648
Celebrity Dance Studio: Ann Garvey, 630 969 2800
Aunt Martha’s Youth Services: Nina Albercht, 630 675 8346
Full list of donators available on request.
Photos and captions
1 Gloria Griseto (DTC founder); Michele Champaign (Aunt Martha’s Director); Raul Garza (CEO)
2 Sarah Hamilton (Aunt Martha’s); Gloria Griseto (DTC founder); and Nina Albercht (Program Director, Aunt Martha’s)
3 Sarah Hamilton (Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center); Joe Scroggins; Angela David; Jamie Barbeau
4 An attendee checks out the finger-tip fox coat before the auction.
5 Phillip Jass and Dana Zielinski
6. Pete Schleich (investigator, Paranormal Cops on A&E); Gloria Griseto (DTC founder); Ron Fabiani (investigator, Paranormal Cops on A&E)
To download all 6 images, click here
Website: www.destiny-character.org
