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.