Press Release
Destiny Through Character donates $20,000 to Aunt Martha’s Youth Services
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, announced it has donated nearly $20,000 to Aunt Martha’s Youth Services and its programs that assist foster children who age-out of the system, said Gloria Griseto, DTC founder. It is the largest, single donation the organization has ever received, according to Aunt Martha’s.
The $20,000 in total was donated over a 12-month period, included a $5,000 good-faith donation last July, as well as $2,000 in prize donation to for the annual DTC fundraiser and the $13,000 in proceeds from that fundraiser. The fundraiser was held at 7 p.m. on March 5 at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., where 200 guests 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. In addition, raffle baskets valued at $100 to $400 were raffled off and 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.
“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.
Future fundraisers are being planned to help Aunt Martha’s as well as other foster organizations. Visit destiny-character.org to learn more about future events.
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
Website: www.destiny-character.org
