When asked what inspired his philanthropic giving, Greg DiNarda responds, “I don’t know if I consider myself a philanthropist. I just share the things that I am fortunate to have in a way to give back.”
Greg has been involved in the Greater Stark County community for many years. Serving as President of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Canton Museum of Art, on the board of the Louisville YMCA, Louisville Community Foundation, St. Louis Church finance committee and parish council among many others. He is a graduate of Leadership Stark County. This involvement has allowed him to see many aspects and places in the community. He was inspired by the generosity of those who sponsored efforts throughout the county. It also gave him the perspective that little things can make a difference. “Making a donation is about making a difference,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how big or how small.”
He and his partners of RCD Wealth Management follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities they serve. “We recognize we must illustrate our commitment to the local community, both physically and charitably. Which is why our practice helped sponsor United Way of Greater Stark County.” Greg began giving to United Way of Greater Stark County through payroll deductions at Merrill Lynch in the early 2000’s. He has increased his giving and is now a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Greater Stark County. “United Way has a broad brush that paints this community. As donors, we are giving help to a lot of different places. We are helping people in poverty. Through United Way, the dollars are spread out to reach diverse populations,” he says.
As Greg describes it, the pandemic created unprecedented needs around the world, turning people upside down. In our own community, we saw long lines of people waiting for food – many of whom had never sought help before. “Life is dynamic, not static. You never know where there will be a need and an opportunity to respond to that need.”