Our
Story
Hello
everyone!
About six to seven weeks before my wife, Gloria, passed away, she
told me that she needed to have a serious talk with me. In a loving
way, she said: "Let me talk and you just listen."
You are here seven days a week, six to ten hours a day; I am so lucky!
There are residents here who have a visitor once a month or less.
When I die, what are you going to do with your time? I would like
you to visit some nursing homes and help out in any way that you can.
I said, "If that will make you happy and it's a wish of yours,
I promise that I will." We sealed the deal with a hug and a kiss.
She also said "You know I have some money stashed," and
then told me where she had hidden $1,000 in our home.
My
wife passed away on July 26, 2014, which was about six weeks after
our talk. In October, I was still grieving when a friend called to
see how I was doing. I told him about the promise I had made to my
wife. He politely suggested that I "get off my behind" and
start honoring my promise!
I went to two nursing homes and quickly realized that $1,000 would
not last long. Therefore, I decided to start a foundation so I could
accept donations, and soon met with both a CPA and attorney. Due to
IRS regulations, I was originally advised not to form a nonprofit,
because it was explained that I wouldn't be able to help anyone that
I know, personally, who was in need of assistance. Because I have
lived in this area for 40 years and also operated a business here,
it seemed extremely likely that at some point, I would know someone,
personally, who needed assistance. Therefore, I formed a foundation
instead of a nonprofit, so I could help anyone in need—regardless
of whether I knew them, personally, or not, and obtained a tax identification
(EIN) number from the IRS. Since I began the foundation, I have learned
that a nonprofit can be formed and operated, appropriately; therefore,
DGF is currently working toward obtaining nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3)
charitable organization.
My first donation was to Midtowne Market—a locally owned St. Charles,
Missouri grocery store that delivers to senior citizens who sometimes
get behind on their grocery bills. I gave Midtowne a check for $200
and ask that it be used to help any senior who was in need.
Since then, I've been helping nursing home residents,
senior citizens, and disabled persons in any way that I can, and am
extremely thankful that I've been able to bless
individuals with haircuts, gift certificates, Christmas and birthday
gifts, Easter packages, Mother's Day surprises, and more! Multiple
times a week, I deliver fresh fruit and baked goods to nursing home
residents and provide prizes for nursing home-sponsored board games.
In addition, I purchase items for residents from soft drink and snack
machines. When residents are short on funds in any given month and
need coffee, personal care items, or something else of importance,
I do my best to provide it. In addition, I run errands both for and
with residents (such as to grocery stores and banks), and take individuals
on outings to see friends.
Many
nursing home residents live on incredibly modest incomes and often
have very limited amounts of cash available each month for little
things that would bring them joy. It is my mission to bring
a little JOY and SUNSHINE to these individuals—each
and every day!
Please click
here to donate to the DGF
Foundation for our Senior Promise Outreach Drive! Thank you for your generous support!
Click
here for a downloadable flyer in pdf format.
Visit
us on GoFundMe: GoFundMe.com/DGFcares
Currently,
DGF is focused on helping people in the St. Charles
County, Missouri area.
We hope to expand our assistance throughout the St. Louis metro
area and to the Springfield, Missouri area (and beyond), as funds
and volunteer efforts permit.
In order to continue to help these individuals, I need your support.
Please consider donating
to the DGF
Foundation. Thank you very much; your donations are greatly
appreciated!
Warmly,
David D. (Dave) Fissell
President & Founder, David & Gloria Fissell Foundation
(previously the David & Gloria Fissell Memorial
Foundation and DGF Memorial Fund)
____________________________________
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