Dominic Pitocco is no stranger to volunteer work. But two years ago, the 1991 M.B.A. graduate became involved with the for the most personal of reasons—his daughter Kellie, then 12, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease, a cancer of the lymph system.
Pitocco began his involvement by raising money working in beer booths at A Taste of Cincinnati and participating in the society’s annual Light Up the Night walks. So when he was nominated as a candidate for the organization’s Man of the Year Award for 2007, he was more than ready.
Once nominated, candidates have 10 weeks to raise as much money as possible “through legal activities.” The individual who raises the most money in each category receives the award.
To aid in his effort, Pitocco reached out to family, friends, coworkers and even old high school classmates. He launched e-mail and letter campaigns and held a series of fundraisers. When the smoke cleared, Pitocco’s juggernaut raised almost $54,000, enough to garner the title.
That was good news, of course, but not as good as knowing Kellie has been cancer-free since March 2006 and that a research grant will soon be named in her honor. As for Pitocco, it also means more volunteering—he’ll soon become a member of the society’s board of directors. “When you have a sick child, the best thing you can get is someone giving you a big hug,” he says. “That’s what the society is all about.”
