Archive for the ‘News’ Category

And The Winner Is…

Friday, March 12th, 2010

The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the first DVF Awards “People’s Voice” vote.  Katherine Chon, the President and Co-founder of the Washington, D.C.-based Polaris Project, inspired thousands of voters through her work in the organization, which provides emergency shelter and comprehensive case management to victims of human trafficking.

Chon will be honored at the inaugural DVF Awards ceremony on March 13th alongside three international winners—Sadiqa Basiri Saleem of Afghanistan, Danielle Saint-Lot of Haiti, and Ingrid Betancourt of Columbia.  Each woman’s organization will receive $50,000 from The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation to encourage their work.

For a look into the evening’s event, please click on the links below: 

http://inside.dvf.com/dvf_magazine/2010/04/29/awards-video/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/14/AR2010031401301.html

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Announcing: The DVF Awards

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

The DVF Awards “People’s Voice” Award has been created to recognize and support women who are using their vision, resources and commitment to transform lives. These are women who have had the courage to fight, the power to survive and the leadership to inspire.

The DVF Awards Board of Advisors has selected five women from the United States whose passion and courage have inspired them and who are working to make changes in their communities and beyond.

The winner of the “People’s Voice” Award will receive $50,000 in support of their associated organization (U.S. 501c3) from The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation.  Voting begins at 12:00 am EST on February 10, 2010 and ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 28, 2010.  The Award will be presented on March 13th, 2010.

To view DVF’s appearance on Good Morning America, please click on the link below:  http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/designer-diane-von-furstenberg-creates-dvf-awards-women/story?id=9791919

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Alex von Furstenberg Underwrites Equipment Purchase for Use in Local Rescue Missions

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

MSAR PhotoThe Malibu Search & Rescue (MSAR) Team has announced a personal gift from Alexander von Furstenberg which has financed the purchase of rescue equipment critical to their efforts.  

MSAR is a non-profit, all volunteer organization comprised of Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and civilian volunteers who participate in the search and rescue of lost or injured persons within a 187 square mile section of the Santa Monica Mountains.  The Team is affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and is a member of the Mountain Rescue Association.

Kevin Ryan, a 30-year member of the Team expanded upon MSAR’s volunteer efforts.  “The Team responds to all types of rescues: Lost or missing persons, stranded hikers, downed aircraft and hang gliders, vehicles over the side, brush fires, natural disasters and river rescues.  The Team also goes to schools in the area and gives search and rescue tips to the kids.”

Alexander von Furstenberg’s $38,500 gift has enabled a complete outfitting of MSAR’s lead search vehicle.  Said Ryan, “This contribution will allow our team to fully equip a new rescue truck with all of the tools needed for a search and rescue operation.”

Of his contribution, Alex von Furstenberg said, “I am pleased to help strengthen the efforts of these volunteers who selflessly donate their time in order to assist people in imminent danger.  It is my hope that this equipment will help the Team ensure the safe rescue of all those who find themselves in unfortunate and urgent situations while exploring our community.”  

Alex, an avid kite-surfer and active outdoorsman, resides in Malibu with his family.  In addition to his support of MSAR, Alex recently demonstrated his passion and concern for the well-being of his Southern-California community and its environment by pledging $150,000 over 3 years to sponsor Malibu’s comprehensive beach water quality program, the Beach Report Card.  Backed by Alex’s family’s foundation, The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, and Co-sponsored by the non-profit organization Heal The Bay, the Beach Report Card is California’s only program dedicated to the extensive analysis of water quality along its coastline.

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Alex von Furstenberg Pledges Support to Boys & Girls Club

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Pledge from the Alexander von Furstenberg and The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation brings music programming to the Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club

Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club (WWBGC) is pleased to announce a special gift from The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation that will help sustain Club facilities and provide support towards the organization’s newly created Symphony Orchestra program.

Alexander von Furstenberg, Director and Secretary of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, met with WWBGC’s Executive Director Les Jones in September to learn more about the organization and the youth that it serves.  He made a $50,000 commitment to improving the Los Angeles Club before he left the grounds.

“I am a big admirer of what this organization is achieving and I truly enjoyed visiting the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club” said Alex von Furstenberg.  “I feel strongly that during these difficult times we should be generous with our time and resources, particularly in areas like this that tend to be ignored for what seems like more urgent issues. Inspiring and enabling young people can’t wait for better times and is a key objective of our Foundation.”

Responded Les Jones, “This investment by The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation adds value to our community because it provides hope and opportunity to disadvantaged, underserved youth.  We address the emotional, intellectual, social and physical needs of each of our members so they grow beyond high school to become productive and responsible citizens.  As important as it is to help them graduate from high school and go on to college, it is also important to provide them with access to cultural programs to which they have no access at all.”

This $50,000 grant will enable Watts/Willowbrook to jumpstart their Symphony Orchestra music program which will include instruction, appreciation, and access to a diverse array of music.  Children will learn to play violins, viola, cellos and bass instruments by teachers trained in “El Sistema,” the world-renowned music outreach and education program in Venezuela.

The WWBGC Symphony Orchestra held its first orientation with youth and their parents on December 9, 2009.

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