" Live A Life That Matters ... " |
Scott Spino’s Angel Network “I want you to open your hearts and see the world in a different way. You get from the world what you give to the world.” Jackie Waldman, author of “The Courage to Give” recommends starting simple and small – you don’t have to begin an organization, just try volunteering once a month. “If you can just put your own stuff aside for a moment – that’s the courage.” Please let me share a story with a tragic and heart-breaking beginning, but with wonderful and inspiring chapters that keep being written. My nephew Scott Spino was an inner-city school teacher who loved his profession, loved and encouraged his students, and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of these kids. Scott was an all-around “good guy” who also was a sports coach for a local high school, and coached baseball for an inner-city travel league. Scott was tragically killed by a drunk driver, and in that one horrific moment, many lives changed dramatically. As you can imagine, our families’ lives were impacted by deep sorrow and shock. Scott is my nephew and Geri Spino, his mom, is my sister. I was privileged to give Scott’s eulogy, and was able to do so because Scott gave me strength as he “stood” beside me. His presence was and is felt by me, and by all of us, and thus has inspired a “network of angels” here on earth led by my incredible sister, Geri. She and her husband Jerry, Scott’s Dad, developed the Scott Spino Foundation, and they have an incredible Board of Directors. Through their work, Scott’s passion and legacy of caring has continued chapter after chapter over the last 3 years. Geri did not start simple and small by just volunteering herself. Through her leadership, she created a network of volunteers (a/k/a angels). “Chapter 1” of this ongoing story is the Scott Spino Literacy Program, which currently focuses their efforts at School 22, where Scott taught. This program has over 210 volunteers reading one-on-one to children in grades 1 through 3. Each month the children are provided with guidance and encouragement from the volunteers, while also enhancing their reading skills. They each receive a book to add to their own personal libraries; to date, over 6,500 new books have been given to these children. The Foundation has also sponsored the “Warm Project”, another chapter to this story, which captures the true essence of Christmas and the holiday season. You can see the reflection of the spirit of the season in the smiling faces of these city school children as they receive new winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. More than 2,000 new coats, and 4,500 new hats, gloves, and scarves have been distributed to help keep the kids warm during the cold winter months. Geri also speaks at many of the high schools around prom time regarding the “price” of drinking and driving. She speaks sensibly from the heart. Geri and her volunteer network have demonstrated courage and conviction, and changed their own lives for the better by being there for these kids that Scott so loved. There is a palpable difference at School 22 with the outpouring of love and faithfulness, and in the middle of our missing and longing for Scott, we know that by his example lives have been impacted positively. Scott is an angel in heaven, but he has his angels working here and now. You too can help and be part of this wonderful ongoing story of someone whose life continues to make a difference. You are welcome to volunteer or donate to The Scott Spino Foundation. We thank you. --Laurie Spring, Scott’s Aunt |
