DEI Holdings' Forte for Children Foundation Grants Exceed $2.5 Million

VISTA, Calif., Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Forte for Children, a charitable foundation established by DEI Holdings, Inc.—parent company to some of the most famous brands in consumer electronics, including Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Viper, Clifford, Python and more—announced it has awarded in excess of $2.5 million in grants to its key beneficiaries since its founding. The announcement was made at Forte's fifth annual Charitable Foundation Gala, during which $483,000 in immediate grants were made.  

Forte for Children strives to expose more children to the creative arts. It is the foundation's mission to ensure children have regular access to and involvement in music education and music therapy programs.

Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the Government Oversight Committee, and legendary Pittsburgh Steeler and NFL Hall of Fame member Franco Harris participated in Forte's gala, held on Saturday, August 23, at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, California. The event featured live music, dancing by members of the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside, silent and live auctions, and a special video message from musician John Legend. DEI's 12^th annual charity golf tournament, held at Aviara's world-renowned Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, followed the gala on Monday, August 25. Andre Reed, Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame member and well-known advocate for Boys and Girls Clubs, also played in the tournament.

Jim Minarik, chairman and founder of Forte for Children, and DEI's CEO commented, "All of us at DEI recognize we are extremely fortunate to be in a position to help disadvantaged kids, especially as it pertains to giving them exposure to and involvement in the arts and music. I am incredibly proud of all that our volunteers and beneficiaries are accomplishing together."

Congressman Issa remarked, "With many public schools experiencing the loss of music programs, Forte for Children has really found their niche by providing significant funding to their beneficiaries to support programs and activities that expose and involve young people in the creative arts. Recognizing the ties between music and academic achievement, Forte sees music as a key to the success of future generations, and that is why my wife Kathy and I believe in and support Forte year in and year out."

To learn more about DEI's Forte for Children, to participate in next year's events or help support Forte's mission, contact Elizabeth Fox, interim director of Forte for Children, at [email protected], or visit www.forteforchildren.org. 

About Forte for Children
Forte for Children is a 501©3 nonprofit organization based in Vista, California, with a mission to support disadvantaged children with a special emphasis on music education and therapy. The foundation supports numerous beneficiaries, including, The Boys and & Girls Club of Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista, The Moonlight Cultural Foundation, Casa de Amparo, and Solutions for Change. It also supports The Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore, Md., and Operation Enfant Soleil in Quebec, Canada.

About DEI Holdings, Inc.
DEI Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the consumer electronics industry. Its Sound United Division is the largest designer and marketer in North America of premium audio solutions (sold under the Polk Audio® and Definitive Technology® brand names), and its  Directed Division is the largest North American maker of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, AutoStart® and other brand names).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140829/141646
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140829/141647
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140829/141656

SOURCE DEI Holdings, Inc.