Dominican Joe Foundation's 12th Annual 'Getaway and Give' Backed by TheHomeMag

For over a decade, TheHomeMag has been more than a leader in home improvement media; it has been a partner in fostering education for underprivileged youth in the Dominican Republic. Its enduring support of the Dominican Joe Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy and education—has helped transform a vision into a thriving reality. This March, that partnership takes center stage at the foundation’s 12th Annual “Getaway and Give” weekend, an event that merges celebration with purpose and underscores the life-changing power of education.The event, held from March 13 to March 15, 2025, in Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas, is more than a philanthropic retreat. It is an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of efforts to create educational opportunities where there were none before. Attendees, including longtime supporters like TheHomeMag’s founders, Sean and Debbie Campbell, will celebrate the foundation’s successes while laying the groundwork for its future.

The Dominican Joe Foundation began with a single observation that changed everything. In 2006, Salvatore Joseph Rizzo, an American visitor to Las Terrenas, noticed children playing in the streets during school hours. When he asked why, the answer revealed a grim reality: the local school was too full to accommodate them. Rizzo decided to act, starting a small school with just five students. Today, that school serves 265 children from kindergarten through high school, with 16 college scholars pursuing degrees both in the Dominican Republic and abroad.

TheHomeMag became involved early in the foundation’s journey, providing critical support that enabled the school to grow. Its contributions ranged from securing property for classrooms to sponsoring a full slate of students. With TheHomeMag’s help, the school expanded from its original seven students to its current capacity, ensuring that hundreds of children now have access to a high-quality education.

The “Getaway and Give” weekend is the foundation’s flagship fundraising event, designed to blend cultural immersion with charitable giving. The weekend kicks off on Thursday, March 13, with a vibrant welcome party in Santo Domingo, featuring Dominican-style food, music, and cocktails. On Friday, attendees will tour the school in Las Terrenas, meeting students and teachers while seeing firsthand how their support has made a difference. Later that evening, a beachside celebration at Mosquito Beach Bar will include dinner, drinks, and live entertainment, setting the stage for the main event.

Saturday’s gala, held in Las Terrenas, is the highlight of the weekend. Guests will enjoy traditional merengue and salsa performances, a seated dinner with an open bar, and live auctions featuring unique experiences and local treasures. All proceeds directly support the foundation’s literacy and education programs, ensuring that the school continues to grow and thrive.For Campbell’s, the event is more than a fundraiser; it is a reflection of their values. Founded in 2002, the company has long been committed to supporting communities, both at home and abroad. While its primary focus remains on connecting homeowners with trusted home improvement professionals, its work with the Dominican Joe Foundation underscores its belief in building more than just homes—it’s about building futures.The impact of the Dominican Joe Foundation’s work is profound. Beyond the numbers—265 students in kindergarten through grade 12 and 16 college scholars—are countless stories of lives transformed. Students who once had no access to education are now pursuing degrees and careers, breaking cycles of poverty that had persisted for generations.

The foundation’s success is rooted in its commitment to excellence. By hiring highly qualified teachers and adhering to a rigorous curriculum, it provides an education that rivals private schools, giving its students a competitive edge. For many families, the school is a beacon of hope, offering not just education but the possibility of a brighter future.As the “Getaway and Give” weekend approaches, TheHomeMag is calling on others to join in the effort. Tickets for the event, which go on sale soon, promise a weekend of connection, celebration, and giving back. For those unable to attend, donations and sponsorships are welcome, ensuring that the foundation can continue its vital work. It is a reminder that even the smallest acts of generosity can ripple outward, touching lives in ways that are immeasurable.
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For more information about the Dominican Joe Foundation and to learn how you can support its mission, visit www.dominicanjoekids.com