Dan Green
and the Foundation’s Story
As one of the founding fathers of the popular Pig in the Park event, Dan Green made serving pulled-pork sandwiches on the lakefront a Fontana tradition. Mary, his wife, said she can “talk forever” about Dan’s benevolence. He was always putting other people ahead of himself. When Dan died in September 2011, he left behind a legacy.
“There are so many wonderful things to say about him and his life,” Mary said.
Many of those who loved Dan, have decided to carry on his legacy in the form of a non-profit organization. Dan Green’s Touch a Life, Heal a Heart, Inc. benefits the people of Walworth County. There are so many people in our community who are in need of medical treatment, food, shelter and more. Our mission is to help them through some of their difficult times. Our goal is not to only help monetarily, but also by volunteering our manpower.
The Foundation has taken over planning and managing the annual Pig in the Park event, which is one of the 3 annual fundraisers we hold or take part in, in the Fontana area. The original goals Dan and the Fontana Parks Commission had with Pig in the Park, was to help pay for the Little Foot Playground renovation that took place in 2008. We are happy to say, since that time, through our efforts and the efforts of many community members and organizations, we raised the $115,000 needed for the project. In 2015, we were able to start spreading our giving in some new directions.
Dan Green’s Touch a Life, Heal a Heart, Inc. currently benefits the people of Walworth County via the Food Pantry, Walworth Co. Human Services, Open Arms Free Clinic, Fontana Parks and Camp One Step.
About Mary Kriete-Green
Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award recipient
West Lake Chamber of Commerce Director Cherie Setteducate remarks every time she goes to a charitable event in the Fontana area, Green was there either helping or running the event.
“It does not take long to see what Mary does and her impact on people,” she said.
In 2011, after the tragic and untimely death of her husband, Mary Green founded Dan Green’s Touch a Life, Heal a Heart Foundation.
Setteducate said the group had honored Dan and continued to raise money for Reid Park with a fundraiser that Dan was passionate about: Pig in the Park.
She said the organization has gone on to support other causes, including One Step, an oncology services Camp, Open Arms Free Clinic, Homeless and Hospitalized Military Heroes, and Uncle D’s Christmas, which benefits Toys for Tots.
United Relief Foundation Standing Tall for Veterans award recipient
Frank Salato, president of the United Relief Foundation, presented Mary Kriete-Green, president of Dan Green’s Touch a Life Heal a Heart, a Standing Tall for Veterans award for her and her Foundation’s outstanding service commitment to helping veterans in need.