Founder

---

In January 1996, Richard P. Marotto adopted a dog from a local animal rescue organization. 

The volunteers had named the dog Russell, but he changed the dog’s name to Gretzky, after the NHL’s all-time leading scorer.

Shortly after that adoption, Richard began to volunteer with a local animal rescue group. That experience led to efforts that included personal donations, fund raising events, and fostering dogs in his home.

In December 2007, Richard created the Richard P. Marotto Foundation, a donor advised fund, for the purpose of making grants to animal rescue groups and organizations that use animals to improve the quality of life for individuals.

In October 2016, Richard created the Four Paws Rescue Foundation, a donor advised fund, through a grant made by the Robert & Ardis James Foundation, a private foundation. The purpose of this fund was to replicate the purpose of the Richard P. Marotto Foundation. 

In June 2021, the Four Paws Rescue Foundation was merged into the Richard P. Marotto Foundation.

In 2025, a portion of the Richard P. Marotto Foundation was split into the Gretzky Foundation.  

The long-term plan is to set up a private foundation and continue with the current Mission and Vision.