As Kids for Kids has grown over the years, many are quick to give accolades to the many large fundraisers in our Event Calendar, but for Gregory Fortino, it was the Kids for Kids Junior Committee where he saw his ability to make a real impact.
Teaching young children the importance of giving back during the early stages of their lives is one of our core values. This is what inspired the formation of the Kids for Kids Junior Committee back in 2012. This group of children ranges in age from 5 to 18 years old and all year round they dedicate themselves to organizing creative fundraising events to help other children. They are the true representation of what Kids for Kids stands for and are the future of our organization. The opportunity to work with and develop the legacy of Kids for Kids immediately attracted Greg to furthering his involvement through our MyMentor Sub-Committee. This group of our adult members was formed to help encourage our Junior Committee to reach their fundraising goals throughout the year and inspire them to continue their philanthropic efforts as they continue in their own respective careers.
Throughout his time on our Committee and taking a leadership role in the formation of the MyMentor Sub-Committee, Greg has been a fundamental part of growing awareness for all that our Junior Committee does. Greg is constantly promoting their initiatives, sharing them with his own networks, and contributing to them directly! Most recently, Greg was close to buying out Junior Committee Member Lia Correra’s jewelry store by purchasing her hand-made bracelets for his friends and family.
When asked about the importance of Kids for Kids Junior, Greg highlights the characteristics that Junior Members will develop through the program.
Not only does Greg contribute to our Junior Program, but he and his family’s company Metropolis Group, have been long-time supporters and participants in many of our Kids for Kids events. Greg has experienced just about all of our fundraising events, even helping run our 2020 Cornhole Tournament as a Head Referee. But Greg’s favorite event of all is our Sporting Clays Fundraiser at the Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds.
One memory that Greg holds very dear in his time as a Kids for Kids Committee Member took place during the very challenging year of 2020. Greg volunteered his time during our Feeding First Responders initiative where he handed out burgers and fries, among other supplies, to the healthcare heroes at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This experience and being part of Kids for Kids has impacted how Greg lives his own life. When looking back on his time on the Committee Greg writes:
Our Kids for Kids Family is excited to see Greg’s involvement in the Committee and Junior Committee continue to grow and bring many new opportunities, and supporters of all ages, into our community!
Learn more about Greg and connect with him on LinkedIn.
