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.
His wife, Mary, said she could “talk forever” about Dan’s benevolence. He always put 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 who loved Dan decided to carry on his legacy as a non-profit organization. Dan Green’s Touch a Life, Heal a Heart, Inc. benefits the people of Walworth County.
Many people in our community need medical treatment, food, shelter, and more. Our mission is to help them through some of their difficult times. Our goal is to help monetarily and volunteer our manpower.
The Foundation has taken over planning and managing the annual Pig in the Park event we hold or participate in in the Fontana area. Dan and the Fontana Parks Commission’s original goal with Pig in the Park was to help pay for the Little Foot Playground renovation in 2008.
We are happy to say that since that time, through our efforts and the efforts of many community members and organizations, we have 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. One Step Camp, Open Arms, Veterans, families coping with ALS, local food pantries, Christmas toy/gift drive, Fontana Parks, and those faced with hardships.
Dan Green’s Touch a Life, Heal a Heart, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization | Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
West Lake Chamber of Commerce Director Cherie Setteducate presenting the Citizen of the Year award to Mary. (l-r)
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.