About Don's Testimony
Don Smarto’s personal story has been featured in magazines (Christian
Reader, Campus Life, Decision
Magazine)
and two widely read books (Pursued, Family Secrets).
Thousands of
youth have been riveted by his dramatic presentation that includes large
photo blowups and movie posters to capture the attention of a visual
generation.
His family story intertwines with the gangland era of the 1920s and the
Prohibition era when his grandfather produced illegal alcohol for Al
Capone. Everyone knows of the film The Godfather, but few have relatives
that were actual hit men and assassins. The crime path travels 100 years
to a recent television movie of Don’s brothers on cable television in
2005.
But this is a story with a dramatic twist. Don breaks with his crime family and demonstrates that change is possible.
In parochial schools, Don presents his story demonstrating the power of God to break from a past of violence, anger, retaliation, and revenge. He shows how forgiveness and reconciliation can take place.
In public schools, Don brings a message of good choices and the ability to reject gang activity, illegal drugs, teen pregnancy, and crime in school assemblies.
Don never glorifies crime or criminals but debunks movie imagines revealing the true down hill path and undignified ending of many famous mobsters. His story never fails to capture and hold the attention of hundreds of youth
Don donates
copies of his book to school libraries. There is always a significant
line of students eager to read his book, written with teenagers in mind.
REAL QUOTES / REAL PEOPLE
Your testimony is AMAZING! Thank you soo much for coming to speak to us.
Ashlee S.
Student
Yo Dude, you had a great message. I hope I can hear you again.
Devin S.
Student
Hey Donnie, thanks so much. You rock!
Catherine B.
Student
Great Stuff Man! Hope you can come back.
Brandon S.
Student
Thanks for coming to speak to us. You’re such an awesome person and an inspiration to us all!
Lauren S.
Student
Your message was awesome. It meant a lot to me.
Jenn A.
Student
Your sharing of your story affected a certain kid. That kid is my son Daniel. After hearing your story, something inside Danny has changed. You touched him in a way no parent, counselor, or law enforcement agency has been able to. Thank you from a mother who loves her son and wants to see him whole again.
Mrs. Sharon S.
Parent
Your powerful testimony still echoes around our campus. Your gifts and
talents bless us still.
Judy Herbine
Principal
Salem School, Pennsylvania
Your life story was wonderful. To say the many youth and staff saw there was hope for all of us would be an understatement. Our youth now know anyone can break free of their negative peers and family members.
Thomas Jones
Project Director
Okeechobee Redirection Center, Florida
What an incredible story! The residents were spellbound with your story and family history. They were totally shocked at the end to know you were the younger brother in the family photo. You were careful not to glamorize violence and shared the unhappy ending of every crime figure you spoke of. It was a wonderful, uplifting program.
Dale Gumm
Superintendent
Cardinal Treatment Center, Kentucky
A sincere thank you for ministering to our students. Your program was dynamic. Your books were truly a gift to the students. They are still talking about it.
Tanya Rosas
Volunteer Coordinator
Marlin, Texas
Both staff and inmates alike were impressed. Your testimony was amazing and gave the boys something to ponder when making unwise choices.
Patricia Glover
Chaplain
Vero Beach, Florida
The testimony you shared was very uplifting and highly relevant to everyone in attendance. Thank you for the ten copies of your book Family Secrets. They have been placed on the mods where the youth will have daily access to them. You can be sure they are well read. We look forward to a future visit.
Sally Michaud
Chaplain
Okaloosa Juvenile Detention, Florida
You gave an amazing program that came straight from the heart which deeply touched everyone in the crowd.
Brent Buford
Assistant Director
Mount View Youth Services, Denver
As a speaker you did a phenomenal job in keeping the young people alert and the reception was outstanding. Almost all the young students came up to you after the program.
Rep. Jim Welker
House of Representatives, Colorado