In memory of their close friend David Rostetter, Mike Norman and Patti Bourexis have created the Dr. David Rostetter Memorial Fund for Self-Advocacy and Inclusion with the Outer Banks Community Foundation. This fund, established in December 2023, aims to provide grants to organizations supporting families of children with disabilities and promoting self-advocacy among young adults with disabilities.
Dr. Rostetter, known for his fierce advocacy for individuals with disabilities, dedicated his life to supporting families, schools, and public interest organizations. Inspired by his unwavering spirit, Mike and Patti hope to continue his legacy through this fund.
With extensive experience in education, Mike and Patti are Principal Researchers for The Study Group Inc., focusing on programs for children with disabilities. They aim to empower parents and children by providing support from a young age through adulthood.
“David, in my opinion, was the fiercest advocate for individuals with disabilities and their parents, of anybody that I’ve ever known,” Mike said. “He was literally fearless in his approach.”
David’s impact extended beyond his career, as he was devoted to his family and had a passion for music. The fund will contribute to the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s grants pool for the first time in 2024, furthering its mission of community enrichment.
“If there’s a community-wide tragedy of any kind or a community need, the Community Foundation just moves instantly and looks at how they best can help,” Patti said. “In some ways, it’s like they’re holding the entire community in their hands.”
The full Outer Banks Community Foundation story about the Dr. David Rostetter Memorial Fund for Self-Advocacy and Inclusion can be found at https://obcf.org/david-rostetter/.
To learn more about creating a charitable fund, visit https://obcf.org/giving/create-a-fund/ or call 252-423-3003. Anyone can donate to existing funds at www.obcf.org/donate.