While hundreds, maybe thousands of people have benefited from Rick’s training and mentoring, his auctioneering skills, his ideas and hands-on help whenever and wherever needed, what makes him very special is his how he relates to people one-on-one and the ability to focus on each person’s needs.

A very recent example, he coached a new Community Director to a successful walk by bringing her together with volunteers, calling her twice a week to keep on track, problem-solve, and to help carry out ideas.  Hands-on help and mentoring were needed; he recognized that and shared his time and experience.

Rick drives long distances in Florida to provide Board trainings and to serve as auctioneer at several Signature Chefs Auctions in the state.  He’s an outstanding speaker and  is frequently called upon to emcee events and mission talks.  Rick is a natural for media interviews and appearances and does them frequently.  People trust him and are touched by his sincerity and love for babies and children.

Rick has been instrumental in providing orientation to the Florida Chapter board, the Broward Division board and North Central Division board.  He gives selflessly of his time and he can be counted on to provide the most enthusiastic and informative overview of the March of Dimes mission and volunteer leadership opportunities.  He has been a founding State board member since the consolidation in 2001 and his skills allow him to serve in multiple capacities. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help his fellow division board members.

Rick, his wife Barbara, and their two daughters Carly and Megan are all dynamic March of Dimes volunteers.  Barbara serves on event committees for the Southwest Coast Division and is at every event, organizing and helping in any capacity needed. Carly and Megan do their own fundraising separate from their parents and raise substantial amounts every year. They also work hard at events whenever they are home from college.  Megan has been very active in March of Dimes public affairs advocacy efforts for the Florida Chapter and in Washington, D.C.  Because of her involvement with March of Dimes, she has decided to pursue a career in child advocacy.

Rick says he was fortunate to have had healthy babies and he and Barbara will always be grateful for that. He says he will stay involved with March of Dimes for as long as it takes for all babies to be born healthy.