The Charitable Foundation Has Raised More than $7 Million Since Its Inception
VISTA, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2018)—DEI’s Forte for Children Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children, raised and distributed $448,600 in immediate grants to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista; The Moonlight Cultural Foundation; Sound Start; and Casa de Amparo. The Ninth-Annual “Wake Me Up” Charity Gala was held on September 8, 2018 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego with special guest Aloe Blacc. Funds distributed will be used to support a variety of programs within each organization, focusing a portion of the grants on music education and therapy.
Since its inception in 2001, Forte for Children has raised over $7 million in support of local youth. “Thanks to global partners and local supporters, we’re exiting our ninth annual gala with a new influx of funds that we’re certain are going to positively impact the lives of so many children here in North County San Diego,” said Jim Minarik, chairman and founder of Forte for Children and president of DEI’s board of directors. “I’m so incredibly grateful for the compassion and support from our generous donors. Music has proven to be an invaluable tool to positively influence our youth, and we’re honored to help ensure it continues to play that role.”
With music as its core component, The Forte for Children “Wake Me Up” Charity Gala featured performances by famed fusion artist, Aloe Blacc and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside and Vista. Distinguished guests among the more than 350 who attended include Congressman Darrell Issa and his wife, Kathy.
This year’s Gala was made possible through the support of the generous 2018 sponsors, including: Co-Sponsor: The Issa Family Foundation; Diamond Plus Sponsor: Tonly; Diamond Sponsors: Charlesbank, Nutek and Meiloon ; Platinum Sponsors: NAE and Anam; Gold Sponsors: Datron Holdings, Inc., Zylux America; Silver Sponsors: Hornsonic, Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency, Wells Fargo, The Minarik Family , PNC Business Credit, Octo Telematics and Omnie Solutions; Bronze Sponsors: XPERI, Tymphany, Sedona Staffing, Goodwin Proctor, BDO and Evercore.
About DEI’s Forte for Children:
Forte for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as the charitable foundation for DEI Holdings Inc., allowing the company the opportunity to give back to the local community. Forte for Children is run by Executive Director Elizabeth Fox, who insures the mission, improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children in the communities in which they do business is accomplished. Forte for Children was founded in 2001 by Jim Minarik, who at the time was the CEO of DEI Holdings, Inc. DEI Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Sound United and Directed. The Sound United Division designs and markets premier audio brands sold under Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, BOOM, Denon, HEOS by Denon, Marantz, Classé and Boston Acoustics brand names. The Directed Division is the largest North American maker of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, sold under Viper, Clifford, Python, and AutoStart brand names.
Proceeds raised at this year’s fundraising events were allocated to the local beneficiaries and invested into the foundation to ensure Forte for Children’s support of local programs for years to come. To learn more about DEI’s Forte for Children, to participate in next year’s events or help support Forte’s mission, contact Elizabeth Fox, Executive Director of Forte for Children.
Press Contacts:
Paul Wilkie
(916) 847-7512
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Elizabeth Fox
Elizabeth.fox@forteforchildren.org
(951) 970-2300
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