Whew! We made it!
The past couple years have been a real doozy! GROWTH Foundation's after school program was under siege and we had to vacate our lovely home at the Woman's Club of Hollywood.
As Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Woman's Club, I exercised my fiduciary responsibility and reported financial discrepancies and rampant mismanagement. Several investigations ensued since 2008. The Club continues to undergo restructuring.
As a result of "blowing the whistle," GROWTH lost its meeting space for our award winning after school program for at risk youth.
Like many 501 (c) (3) organizations, GROWTH Foundation suffered service cuts and we downsized. I like to think of it as time well spent in a cocoon. After several months of reenergizing and rebuilding, GROWTH reemerges as a vibrant butterfly, actually more like a fairy.
Corporate headquarters is bustling with fundraising activities so the Foundation can continue helping youth. We established the Mike Rodriguez Scholarship Fund to kick off the new year! The sale of Mike's book Children of War will provide funding to help GROWTH Foundation continue fulfilling its charitable mission.
Thank you GROWTH Board of Directors - Mr.
Accountant - Ms. Vivienne Ruggieri, The Leo Buscaglia Foundation,
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, and Gold Star Donors Mr. Donald Smith & Ms. Natalyia Shur, and Miss Angela O'Valle, for keeping GROWTH afloat during a challenging time. Thanks for being GROWTH superstars!
Stay tuned for more on GROWTH Foundation activities.
With Love & Gratitude,
Deana Ruggieri, Founder and Executive Director
GROWTH Foundation
Friday, February 4, 2011
GROWTH Foundation Update
