about us - The peter w. doerken foundation

Peter W. Doerken is the visionary founder and CEO of DPI Retail, LLC, with a profound commitment to philanthropy that spans decades. His journey in giving back began in 1989 when he initiated the establishment of a school in Bangalore, India, recognizing the dire circumstances where children were being forced into labor or even sold into slavery to sustain their families. To combat this, he spearheaded a feeding program, now managed by the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which initially provided one hot meal daily to 1000 children in exchange for their attendance at school for five hours each day.

Today, the Akshaya Patra program nourishes over 2.3 million children daily, breaking the cycle of generational poverty and empowering them to pursue education, ultimately propelling many into leadership roles within the tech industry, notably in Silicon Valley and Bangalore, India's own tech hub, thereby reshaping the nation's financial landscape.

Mr. Doerken's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond education. He established a surgical eye clinic in Davangere, India, where over 8,000 cataract surgeries were performed between 2002 and 2006, restoring sight to thousands. Subsequently, eye examination clinics were launched, annually serving over 10,000 children and providing corrective lenses to more than 2000.

Partnering with the Acumen Fund, Mr. Doerken facilitated the acquisition of irrigation equipment for farmers in Central India, enabling them to increase crop yield and profitability significantly. He also responded to the Dalai Lama's call by funding the construction of a 52-bed hospital in Daramsala, India, emphasizing women's empowerment in its staffing and construction.

In California, Mr. Doerken has been instrumental in numerous philanthropic initiatives, including supporting Westside Sports Associates' program for underprivileged youth in Greater Los Angeles and spearheading Jovenes, Inc.'s College Success Initiative, addressing homelessness among community college students.

As a key contributor to Next Generation Scholars (NGS), Mr. Doerken has helped expand programs for at-risk youth, resulting in remarkable outcomes: 100% high school graduation and college admission rates, with all students securing scholarships. He continues to support Title I High School Programs, Orange County Music and Dance, and other initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on communities near and far.

The Peter W. Doerken Foundation celebrates Mr. Doerken's unwavering commitment to philanthropy and endeavors to uphold and expand upon his legacy of compassion and generosity.