Who We Are

We are ordinary people dedicated to the betterment
of other people’s lives in our own neighborhoods.

Giants of Generosity, founded by D. Jane Albanese, is based on the Pay-It-Forward model of recognizing and encouraging altruism in our local communities as portrayed in Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novel of the same name.

Inspired by the rising tide of celebrity philanthropy, and by her friends’ acts of kindness and generosity in her own time of dire need, Ms. Albanese created Giants of Generosity, a non-profit organization. Understanding that life sometimes has a way of bringing you to your knees, and after many years of struggling to survive, Jane realized that in order to heal she must do something worthwhile to help others right here at home.

D. Jane Chagaris Albanese    Founder - Executive Director

Life’s twists and turns have taken me from great privilege to a place
I hope never to visit again. I’ve been secure, I've been hungry and at times I've been terribly frightened. These experiences have taught me how fragile we are and why we must help one another in order to sustain life. Through my association with my dad’s hotel, the Clinton Inn, I got to know wonderful people and experience an extraordinary life of abundance in my younger years. I studied business administration, owned a successful travel agency and had the opportunity to travel the world. Eventually, after moving to Florida, I purchased a gourmet food mail order business. Shortly thereafter, my lifelong friend Dominick and I were married. Finding myself at a crossroads after his death, I returned to college to become a graphic designer. One afternoon while watching Oprah Winfrey’s Holiday giveaway program dedicated to the joy of giving, I was reminded of a man I once helped to find his son after a 25 year estrangement. Giants of Generosity was born that day from the raw emotion of wanting to recapture that joyful experience . . . Jane

A group of like-minded people and I are now helping others in crisis, return to the fullness of life. As we embark on the most rewarding and exhilarating journey of our lives, we are experiencing the joy of giving on a very personal level and hope you will join us.

	Thomas J. Volpe, mentor, wonderful friend and supporter of GOG
Standing from the left Robin, Muriel, Terri, Sandi, Susie, Mariann, Nancy, Jane in front Sarah, Jenna and Karen	Bill Gant, (with Jane) General Manager of The Clinton Inn Bill has been a great friend and supporter of GOG

Meet some of our Advisors

Thomas J. Volpe, mentor, wonderful friend and supporter of GOG is the former Senior Vice President of Financial Operations for The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. Currently he is Senior Advisor at Babcock & Brown, a global financial services firm. Tom serves as Chairman Emeritus of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees and also serves as a board member for two other nonprofit organizations. He is former president of the New York Chapter of Financial Executives International . . . Tom

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Growing up in Cresskill, NJ, I’m very thankful for a safe and healthy upbringing. I studied art at Maryland Institute, College of Art and at Syracuse University, which prepared me for a career as a graphic artist. I have been blessed with having two beautiful daughters, and started my own design studio from home, allowing me to be there for my children as they grow. My professional skills coupled with my love of people, continually elevates my life to new levels. Jane Albanese and I met on a graphics job, and her passion, insight and guidance are in tune with the desires for my own life, which I have dedicated to love, learning and helping others. It is a great privilege to be part of GOG
. . . Valerie

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Growing up in a small midwest town, I was raised by a loving family who shared good moral values. I’m a lifelong active member of my church, and I was a member of the Rainbow Girls, where I hel d many offices including Worthy Advisor, member of the advisory board, and Mother Advisor for two terms. I attended Oakland University, majoring in music, with minors in English and Greek literature. I also ran my family retail business in Michigan, and worked as a bridal coordinator. After moving to Florida with my family. My position as administrative assistant at Maple Ridge Gourmet Foods mail-order business is where I met D. Jane Albanese. Most recently I have been in law enforcement communications. It is my belief is that the better you make other people’s lives, the better your own will be, and I always strive to see both sides of every situations . . . Susan

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I have always believed that the quality of life in every community depends on the integrity, intelligence, and generosity of spirit we show each other. And as life is very much about sharing with each other the precious little joys we experience, so then, does it become necessary, at times, to help shoulder the burdens that life imposes. Put simply, I want to help. I want to make a difference in the lives of others, and for me, one way to do that is through the Giants of Generosity.We remind people when they need it the most, that they are part of a community that cares. They are not alone . . . Mariann

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I’m a second grade teacher. I’m so glad that I’m in a profession I still find rewarding. I have had a passion for dancing since I was a teenager, and for the first time in my life I’m taking standard ballroom and latin dancing lessons and am having the time of my life! I’ve had my share of ups and downs in life, but feel I’ve been blessed to lead a good life, and I’d like to be a part of something that brings hope and light into someone else’s life. I attended a fund-raiser for Giants of Generosity last June and knew that this was a perfect fit for me. What a wonderful group of people who all want to help others . . . Sandi

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I treasure the lessons learned early on this journey called life!
My parents were the ones who shared the greatest gifts by their example.
Giving is the greatest joy.
The loss of self-respect creates nothing but emptiness.
Helping others is ones’ most satisfying work.
Peace of mind is the most effective sleeping pill.
Hope is the worst thing to be without.
Faith is our greatest asset.
Integrity is our most prized possession.
These values are exactly what I hope to impart through my involvement
with the giving community of Giants of Generosity . . . Muriel

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During the passing years of my life I have been blessed, however there have been times of despair when I didn't believe in happy tomorrows. Things were glum, I was alone and afraid with no means to pull through. It was at that time that angels entered my life and gave me a chance to begin again. Times and people I will never forget. I believe we all have our stories of when the kindness of humanity has made the difference in the outcome of our lives. So in keeping with paying it forward, I am honored to have the chance to give it back and am grateful to have found Giants of Generosity where I can personally make a difference in someone else’s life . . . Nancy