Park West Foundation Goes Global with HRH Prince Charles and the Prince’s Trust International

Park West Gallery and its non-profit arm, the Park West Foundation, has received the royal treatment after committing resources to helping disadvantaged young adults around the world.

The Park West Foundation has become a founding patron of Prince’s Trust International, an international organization formed in 2014 by His Royal Highness Prince Charles to address youth unemployment throughout the world.

Prince’s Trust International is an extension of The Prince’s Trust organization. Since its founding in 1976, The Prince’s Trust has given more than 825,000 young people in the United Kingdom practical and financial support to lead stable lives while developing self-esteem and skills for work.

Prince’s Trust International is a global version of The Prince’s Trust. The initial focus of Prince’s Trust International will be 53 countries in the Commonwealth and those in the Middle East. Among its board members is international artist Romero Britto.

“It is wonderful that HRH Prince Charles dedicates his precious time to work with the Prince’s Trust International to raise the quality of lives and communities of others,” Britto says. “It is a huge honor to be on the board of the Prince’s Trust International.”

The organization sought out a small group of philanthropists to join His Royal Highness by becoming founding patrons of the international program. When Britto learned that it was seeking patrons, he knew just who to ask.

“Knowing how caring and supportive Mr. Scaglione is of charities, and the fact of his global business, I thought it was a perfect match between Park West and the Prince’s Trust International,” Britto said. “I am very grateful of his big support of the Prince’s Trust International and being a founding member.”

The Park West Foundation answered that call, becoming the sixth founding patron of Prince’s Trust International and the only one from the United States. Founding patrons pledge to make financial contributions for at least three years to fund vital pilot projects.

“We are extremely proud to expand the work of the Park West Foundation as the first founding sponsor from the U.S.,” Albert said. “It is gratifying to join Prince Charles as he brings 40 years of his acclaimed work from the U.K. to the international stage in support of helping disadvantaged youth around the world improve their lives.”

Park West Gallery Founder and CEO Albert Scaglione and his wife, Mitsie, were invited to the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Prince’s Trust, held at Buckingham Palace on May 17. They met with Prince Charles to discuss the new organization and tour The Prince’s Trust Morgan Stanley Centre in East London, where youth were engaged in the Trust’s enterprise programs.

Prince’s Trust International was a natural choice for the Park West Foundation to support. The foundation has worked to enhance the lives of young adults aging out of Michigan’s foster care system since 2006, so aiding disadvantaged youth around the world extends that mission.

Along with assisting young adults, the Park West Foundation also promotes arts education and awareness, contributes to environmental conservation and supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Programs the international organization will roll out include a personal development program aimed at young people at risk of underachievement or exclusion from school, working with employers from sectors where skill shortages and opportunities are present and a 12-week program that increases confidence, motivation and skills.

Other funding patrons to the Prince’s Trust International include the Dorfman Foundation and the Amersi Foundation.