The History of TORCH

Created in September 1999, TORCH was the vision of Peter Drakoulias, an advertising and marketing executive. Peter's experiences as a mentor to several underprivileged youngsters are the inspiration behind TORCH. Particularly one named Mike L. Over ten years ago Peter recognized that 15-year-old Mike L. had an extraordinary artistic ability and wanted to nurture his talents and help him explore possible career paths. Utilizing his connections, Peter arranged summer internship positions for Mike in the art studios of such prominent advertising agencies as Chiat Day, Saatchi & Saatchi and BBDO each summer throughout high school.

Mike is now a full-time digital designer in an interactive company. Recently, Mike commented, "When I was younger I would always look up at the tall buildings, never thinking that one day I would actually be on the inside of one those buildings looking out." Peter recognized through his experiences as a youth mentor that he could utilize his connections in communications and the arts to serve as a vehicle for youth development. He epitomizes how one person can make a difference in a student's life.

TORCH was created to mobilize numerous professionals on a broad scale in an effort to reach scores of youngsters; ergo TOGETHER OUR RESOURCES CAN HELP.