Former MSU captain continues fundraising efforts
DEWITT -- In 1973, John Shinsky returned to Parmadale Orphanage in Parma, Ohio, a place where he had spent much of his childhood.
A senior football captain for the Michigan State Spartans at the time, Shinsky decided that he would dedicate his life to giving back to his community.
Twenty seven years later, Shinsky got the chance to give back more than he ever thought possible.
"I happened to be flying on a plane to Brownsville, Texas to do some consulting work and asked him (passenger on plane) what he was doing. He said he was going on spring break and was working at an orphanage that was in very, very bad condition," said Shinsky.
It was then, that the idea for a new orphanage came about.
Shinsky assembled a team and went to work on a 20,000 square foot project that will come to be known as "Ciudad de los Ninos", translated from Spanish as "City of the Children".
"Language is a barrier, its a hurdle. Distance is a hurdle. Danger is a hurdle but none of those hurdles are going to stop us from what we need to accomplish. We have one thing in line. Our goal line is helping these young people to get an education, and get support they need to be able to become productive," said Shinsky, who was able to officially open the orphanage in 2009.
The complex housed eight children during its first year of operation. That number has now risen to 39.
The growth of the orphanage has brought with it a rise in operating costs.
To make a donation or find out how to sponsor a child, click on the link below.
