By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
FERNDALE – Michael Mirto has left Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center to go to Wayne State University.
Mirto, fresh from his successful experience with Affirmations' Capitol Campaign, will be raising funds for WSU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as working on the school's Capitol Campaign. Mirto began his new position on Sept. 18.
With Mirto's help, Affirmations met and surpassed their $5.3 million fundraising goal to build a new community center in downtown Ferndale.
"He was instrumental in helping us lay new groundwork for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Michigan and in the Midwest," said Executive Director Leslie Ann Thompson. "I am certain that we could not have accomplished this immense feat without the perseverance, dedication and commitment he provided."
For his part Mirto, who worked in development for five years before joining Affirmations, expressed gratitutude to the larger community for the organization's success.
"I just have to say 'thank you' to the folks reading this article for all the amazing support," he said. "Hundreds and hundreds of people came on board to make the capital campaign a success – thank you to all those who made it possible. It was a real honor to be a part of it."
While at Affirmations, Mirto was not responsible for raising money for Affirmations' first ever capital and endowment campaign, but also for grant writing and increasing donor contributions. Affirmations nearly doubled its annual operating budget during the three years that Mirto served, allowing programs and staff to expand tremendously, according to the organization.
"With Michael on board, we were able to add programs like Community Outreach, Older Adult Services, Social & Recreation Programs," said Deanna Tocco, program director at Affirmations. "He has been a tremendous asset to Affirmations and will be missed. We wish him the best with his new endeavors."
Mirto said that he would continue serving Affirmations as a volunteer.
Affirmations has scheduled a farewell party for Sept. 27. Details are available by calling the center at (248) 398-7105.Ê
