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21 Years…and Counting: Doubling up to Serve Peoria

DVI Charitable Foundation’s 6th Annual Corporate Challenge

Reverend Craig Williams, the Executive Director of Peoria’s South Side Mission, welcomed pickleball teams from 23 local businesses to the DVI Charitable Foundation’s 6th Annual Corporate Challenge on Saturday, September 14. In his opening remarks, Rev. Williams shared that “DVI has been a true partner in ministry for 21 years and counting. Over these decades, DVI has financially supported the Mission’s services, and Associates have dedicated their time and service from our annual Holiday Meal Ministry to our Board of Directors.” Public contributions and charitable donations support the Mission’s comprehensive programming that includes meal ministries, home repairs and renovations, and comprehensive youth services like summer camps, after school tutoring, and mentorship programs. 

DVI Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Brian Christensen, remembers the inception of the firm’s relationship with the South Side Mission. “The DVI Hike for Hunger was born in response to Associates wanting to support the Mission’s soup kitchen and holiday meals programs over twenty years ago,” he says. “Our twenty-year partnership continues because we believe in serving our neighbors who live in the 61605 zip code, especially the youth.”

Net proceeds from the 2024 Corporate Challenge will support the next phrase of South Side Mission’s Youth Ministry expansion. Specifically, SSM’s Development Manager Rich Draeger shared the funds will be directed to the new Youth Culinary Demonstration Kitchen at the main campus, and the Dining Hall remodel at Camp Kearney near Canton. “Youth enrolled in our Kitchen-Connected life skills class learn all the fundamentals of kitchen set-up and healthy meal preparation,” Draeger explained. Having this foundation in essential culinary skills may also be the start of a career path for those enrolled in the program. Draeger also shared that the Camp Kearney Dining Hall “is close to 60-years-old and in need of some TLC and renovations!” Once completed, the renovations will create more communal space and better seating for the youth attending the residential camp.

“We feel honored and blessed by our shared commitment to the youth in our community,” said Rev. Williams. “And thanks to the hard work from our friends at DVI, this year’s pickleball tournament was a rousing success for everyone involved—great competition and delicious food!”

61605 Zip Code by the Numbers¹

• 14,049 residents
• 5,836 households
• 5.9 median age
• 37% live below the poverty level, including 46% of children under 18 years.
• $23,155 median household income
• 6% speak a language other than English at home.
• 7% are Veterans.
• 23% are people with disabilities.
• 10% have no healthcare coverage.

1. Data from United States Census Bureau.

DVI Welcomes Shane Higgins and Devin Shaffer to Winter Park

DVI is excited to announce the latest additions to our team as we continue to grow and enhance the level of service we provide to our valued clients. 

A seasoned veteran in the wealth management profession, Relationship Manager Shane Higgins (CFP^®) joined the firm in July and has committed himself to building new relationships with clients and colleagues. Prior to DVI, Shane spent more than a decade in financial planning and client services at large firms including Merrill Lynch, TD Ameritrade, and most recently, Charles Schwab. He credits his smooth transition to DVI to the collaborative spirit and care among all Associates. “I’ve noticed how closely-knit Associates are in working to do what’s best for DVI clients,” Shane said, noting the alignment between DVI’s Quiet Quality ethos and his personal values of honesty and integrity. “Shane fits well with our ‘Client First’ culture and has developed strong financial planning skills that will be an asset to our growing client base in Central Florida,” says Patrick Smarjesse, Senior Vice President and Partner.

In August, DVI also welcomed Devin Shaffer to the firm as an Advisory Analyst. A Stetson University graduate (magna cum laude), Devin brings a sharp focus on financial strategy to the Investment Management team. Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, and Partner Brian Christensen commends Devin’s enthusiasm for quantitative analysis and says, “Devin’s analytical skills are already valuable to the Investment Committee’s work to advance DVI’s investment strategies.” He also notes that Devin completed his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I designation before he graduated, “which demonstrates his focus and commitment to growth in the industry.” Devin says he has felt settled in from day one, noting that “everyone has made an effort to welcome me and to introduce me to internal systems and processes.” Having already taken on meaningful responsibilities, Devin is “excited to dedicate my skills to DVI’s mission of client success.”

Please join all of us in welcoming our newest Associates, Shane and Devin, who are both wonderful additions to the DVI team. You can learn more about Shane and Devin by visiting their Bio pages at www.dviinc.com/team/winter-park.