 Giving
is a mandate for foundation founder La'Mont Graves. Graves’ mission
grew out of a promise he made while surviving tough times
in his South Philadelphia neighborhood. He
spent part of his early youth dodging bullying classmates
and occasionally sleeping in the park with his mother to
avoid some domestic violence situations. It was during
one of those overnight stays that he promised he would
give to others if he was ever able to become successful.
A middle school advisory teacher provided
the first step in his path toward success. She saw his
potential and told him about a new performing arts school.
It just happened that her husband would be the principal.
Although he had no real discernable arts talent, he was
accepted to the school. Even though he was never destined
to be the next great performing artist, the experience
permanently changed his perspective on life. It gave him
the confidence to move forward.
His next big break came
after being laid off from a job as a mental health therapist
for The Developmental Center for Autistic Children. Despite
having no experience, he was able to convince McGettigan
Corporate Planning Services to give him a job. Working
in their planning department for five years gave him an
in-depth understanding of the meeting planning business.
After leaving McGettigan he moved to South Florida where
he launched OnSite Meeting Management. He’s owned
the meeting and event planning business for over 12 years.
After
achieving a level of monetary success, Graves fulfilled
his promise. About eight years ago he began giving to underprivileged
families in the South Florida community through his church.
He and his wife, Gladys, began to do a Christmas event
every year, feeding families and providing gifts for children.
In 2003, he added his native Philadelphia as another place
to do Christmas giving. Since that time he has gone national,
providing for children and families in Atlanta, Los Angeles,
Houston, Miami and Philadelphia.
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