Volunteer of the Month
February 2010The Gugliotta family
Some very special traits run in this family...
When Kevin Gugliotta noticed a young swimmer in distress on a hot summer day at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, he sprang into action. Fortunately Lifeguard Tom Morgan assessed the situation and knew both swimmers needed help to get out of the water safely. As fate would have it, Tom Morgan was a supporter of Believe In Tomorrow National Children’s Foundation. Often times when people are brought together during times of distress, they are able to form a common bond. That day at the beach, more than a decade ago, created an impact on the entire Gugliotta family – and they ALL sprang into action for Believe In Tomorrow. Kevin, wife Michele and daughter Kristy Harris immediately began hosting dinners for families staying at the Believe In Tomorrow House by the Sea. Kristy, a young teen at the time, wanted to do more. Kristy won $500.00 in the Hawaiian Tropic Beach Pageant and instead of going to the mall (does that sound familiar?), she wiped out K-Mart’s inventory of beach toys and also secured a summer’s worth of sun block from Hawaiian Tropic, for families staying at the house.
The family’s volunteerism and support of Believe In Tomorrow has not waived over the years. They have hosted family suppers at the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House at Johns Hopkins and the Believe In Tomorrow House at St. Casimir, our facility that features Kevin’s professional photography. The family participates in our Benefit & Auction, Port to Fort and most recently Cash Bash, where Kevin donated his winnings back to Believe In Tomorrow. Thanks to Michele’s influence, Believe In Tomorrow is the charity of choice for Omni Air International and although Michele has been furloughed, the airline is continuing to support Believe In Tomorrow.
Kristy, a senior at James Madison University, recently held a jewelry party and donated 20 percent of the proceeds to Believe In Tomorrow. After graduation, she is planning to attend the US Merchant Marine Academy and become a Ship’s Pilot, just like her Dad. When asked about their loyal support, Michele said. “When you have healthy children, you are very blessed. Volunteering at Believe In Tomorrow gives you a whole new perspective. It’s always in the back of our minds.”