The Ricky Salzillo Memorial Foundation has been many things for many Johnstonians since its inception in 1976.
The non-profit fund, which is administered by an all volunteer committee headed by Johnston Attorney Steven M. Placella, donated money in form of college scholarships, grants for children who are battling cancer and funding for veterans memorials.
Now, the highly-successful and well-organized group has added the Rhode Island Military Organization (RIMO) to its ever-growing list in memory of Phil Corsi, a veteran and long-time member/supporter of the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812, who passed away several years ago.
“We also made the donation in the name of Phil’s wife Linda, as well as her friends and family, who have always provided tremendous support for our annual (Ricky) Salzillo Game Dinner.”
As Placella further pointed out, the RIMO has set up a private space at Greene State Airport in Warwick that has been designed exclusively for veterans and their families to stay for free while awaiting a flight.
“We made a special donation in Phil’s name and memory for the unique area where veterans families can change clothes, eat, enjoy snacks and beverages, at no cost,” Placella said. “We are proud to have made a $500 donation to that RIMO space that’s administered by Tim Howe who does an outstanding job with the program.”
Placella, who reported that the most recent Ricky Salzillo Game Diner that’s held annually and always sold out at the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 on the Cranston-Johnston line took in upwards of $10,000 and has even helped Canines for Companions that trains and provides service dogs for handicapped individuals.
“The funds donated to the many students and organizations over the years would never have been possible,” Placella said. “But for the efforts of all of the friends and families who have volunteered in this endeavor, the many local residents most notably the Corsi family, we have been able to help a lot of people and other charities.”
Placella, who wanted it known that Johnston natives Frank and Nick Fede, who own and operate Kingstown Liquors on Post Road in North Kingstown, have worked tirelessly along with different beverage companies to secure valuable prizes for the event that pushes the annual profit over the top.
Likewise, it’s folks like the Corsi family, Placella said, “who have annually supported our event and have made it possible to help Johnston High School graduates and many others in the name of the late Ricky Salzillo and now Phil Corse at the RIMO space at the state airport. To all those people, a large, large vote of gratitude is owed.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here