|
 October
24, 2007 (Boca Raton, Fla.) - GFA International, a Delray Beach-based
engineering firm, has announced primary charitable support of The Haven, an
alternative home in Boca Raton for young men ages 9 up to 18.
"GFA is very proud of our involvement with The Haven for a variety of reasons,"
said Frank Frione, CEO of GFA. "For us, it goes far beyond a financial donation
to a local charity organization. We enjoy experiencing personal results on a
daily basis. With our active participation, we know that we are making a real
impact on the lives of these boys. When you can see the positive results with an
individual's attitude, grades and domestic stability, it really makes it our
involvement with The Haven even more meaningful."
GFA is proud to announce its continued support of The Haven this upcoming
holiday season. As a member of "Spirit of Giving," a local collaborative effort
of children-serving charities, The Haven participates in the annual ornament
program, which helps provide gifts for children who otherwise might not have
them. This year, GFA will take the ornaments for all of The Haven's young men
and help fulfill each one of their Holiday wishes.
In addition, GFA will cover the costs of the annual holiday trip to Orlando's
Islands of Adventures in January.
Frione so deeply believes in the mission of The Haven that within the last
month, he has succeeded in bringing more than $14,000 worth of donations through
The Haven's annual corporate donation program, "Corporate Heroes."
"I think that its part of all business owners' duties to give back to the
community," Frione said. "We have a responsibility to help change the lives of
those less fortunate, and I am going to do everything that I can to help ensure
that it happens."
GFA's involvement with The Haven began last year, when the employees purchased
$100 Wal-Mart gift cards as holiday presents for each of our boys. The company
also donated $5,000 for the boys' holiday trip, and several employees
accompanied The Haven group on the day-long trip.
"The support of Team GFA has been phenomenal," said Don Stewart, executive
director at The Haven. "Their generosity to our boys is touching. They really
stepped up to the plate and set an example of a local business being
community-minded. I know our boys appreciate their dedication."
GFA's involvement with The Haven extends beyond monetary donations. Frione and
President Fred Kaub are two of several GFA mentors to our boys. The Haven's
mentoring program pairs young men with compatible adults who serve as role
models, advisers and most importantly, friends. Frione has also volunteered to
serve on the Facilities and Campus Expansion Committee, and staffers are
assisting with the acquisition of a generator, funded by a Community Development
Block Grant.
The Haven is an alternative home for young men, ages 9 up to 18, who have been
placed in protective care by the State of Florida. Our program is designed to
foster the development of each young man's self-esteem and independence in a
safe, loving and stable alternative home while teaching the skills necessary for
them to become self-sufficient and proud adults. The Haven is an accredited
organization through COA, the Council on Accreditation and has an "exceptional"
4-Star Charity rating from Charity Navigator. For more information on how you
can help the young men at The Haven call (561) 483-0962 or visit
www.haven4kids.org. |
