Over the past year, DiSanto, Priest & Co.’s charitable arm, the DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation, completed a variety of notable initiatives, supporting over 14 charities and organizations through a combination of external fundraising efforts and internal programs and events.
“Throughout 2020 and the pandemic that took hold, the DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation was proud to continue taking action in our community to provide help when people needed it most,” said Gina DeVecchis, president of the DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation. “I would like to give a special thanks to the DiSanto, Priest & Co. team for their continued support and enthusiasm throughout this difficult year; it’s their mission-driven attitude that keeps us all motivated to make a difference.”
Some highlights for the year include:
Meeting Street Telethon
The Foundation honored the late Nick Cardi, a dear friend of both DiSanto, Priest & Co. and Meeting Street, by sponsoring the annual Meeting Street Telethon. Disanto, Priest & Co. team members manned the phones, and the Foundation contributed a $10,000 donation to the organization, which is committed to child development and education in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Mastroianni Family Fund
The DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation’s donation to the Mastroianni Family Fund helped to support its efforts to reach out to the people of the Bahamas after they were hit by Hurricane Dorian. The storm left at least 70,000 people homeless and damaged an additional 13,000 homes.
Vested Interest in K-9’s, Inc.
The Foundation supported the Warwick Police Department through a donation to Vested Interest in K-9’s, Inc. that provided a protective vest for WPD K-9, Haki. Vested Interest provides bullet and stab protective vests, and other assistance, to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
Meals on Wheels
Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of R.I., Meghan Grady sent a message of gratitude saying, “Thank you so much for your generous support. Your donation will provide 135 meals to homebound seniors and for that we thank you!”, in appreciation of the Foundations donation to the organization.
Nourish Our Neighbors
The Foundation contributed to Hope & Main’s Nourish Our Neighbors program, which was created specifically to help feed local families and seniors in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
St. Peters Community Market
Susan Dvorak expressed appreciation for a donation from the Foundation, saying, “Thank you so much for the many boxes of Girl Scout cookies you donated to St. Peters Community Market in Narragansett. Our clients have been able to enjoy them for weeks… A real treat during these tough times. Your kindness and generosity are so appreciated.”
Book Are Wings
The book drive for Book Are Wings brought in over 1,000 books to help provide every child in Rhode Island with regular access to books.
This is just a selection of the amazing work the DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation has done this year, and none of this would be possible without the generosity of the DiSanto, Priest & Co. team. The majority of employees donate a portion of their paychecks to the Foundation, and the Firm matches every contribution dollar for dollar.
Since 2006, the Foundation has been supporting the Rhode Island community, and beyond, through various fundraising and volunteer opportunities. In 2021, the DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation looks forward to continued growth as they celebrate their upcoming 15th Anniversary.
Full List of 2020 Supported Organizations & Charities:
- Book Are Wings
- Cranston East Little League
- Hasbro Children’s Hospital
- Hope & Main
- Junior Achievement of R.I.
- Mastroianni Family Fund
- Meal on Wheels of R.I.
- Meeting Street
- Moms of Marieville
- San Miguel School
- Special Olympics of R.I.
- Peters Community Market
- The Tomorrow Fund
- Vested Interest in K-9’s, Inc.