The Fundraising Page of Jon & David Ricciarelli

Thank you for taking the time to visit our fundraising page! I would like to start off by saying how excited my father and I are to participate in our 5th Law Enforcement Torch Run Super Plunge for Special Olympics Rhode Island. This is truly an amazing cause that deserves everyone’s support and we cannot wait for March! For those of you who don't know my father and I, below is a little introduction on the both of us. Thank you for visiting our page! For over 40 years my father, Dave Ricciarelli, served the State of Rhode Island: starting at the ACI, then the Cumberland Police Department, and finally with the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy. Throughout his years of service, my father has always been one to lead by example, and early on he taught me the importance of giving back to the community. I can actually remember him carrying me on his shoulders while he ran in one of the earliest Torch Runs with the Police Academy recruits. Throughout our plunges, my father’s smile, words of wisdom, and occasional “love taps” to the back of my head will be motivating me to keep pushing on! And now a little about me and why I am so excited to be a part of this year’s Super Plunge. My name is Sergeant Jon Ricciarelli from the Smithfield Police Department. Currently, I am assigned to my department’s Patrol Division as a supervisor working second shift. During my fourteen and a half years with the Smithfield Police, I have come to realize how true my father’s lessons about giving back to the community are. Since I started with Smithfield PD in 2009, I have had the honor to assist with the Special Olympics Northern Rhode Island Games by handing out medals to our local athletes after they compete and serving on the Honor Guard for the Games at Bryant University. Each year, watching the athletes and seeing the smiles, high fives, fist pumps, and hugs I get from our athletes really just says it all and is why I am trying to do whatever I can to support this cause. Unfortunately, last year my dad was unable to plunge with us while he recovered from a major health scare. Those of you who know my dad know that even a heart attack couldn’t stop him from participating. Throughout the 24 hour plunge, every time we hit the water my dad was in the surf on the beach doing PT (kettlebell swings, planks, other craziness). The man is a machine and an absolute inspiration. There is always a way to give more! This year I’m happy to report my dad was given the “Good to Go” from the Docs and will be jumping in the icy waters with me. I am so grateful to be able to be taking part in this amazing event again with my dad! Thank you all so much for visiting our page and thank you for your support of SORI. Please feel free to plunge with us in March or simply come to the beach to cheer us on! Every dollar raised goes to the athletes of SORI. Unlike other states, here in Rhode Island, no athlete is ever charged a fee to compete in the over 25 sporting events that take place year round. Donations can easily be made here on our page and don't forget to recommend this page to your friends. If you have any further questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to email me anytime and I will get right back to you, jricciarelli@smithfieldpd.com. Thank you again!!! Jon and David Ricciarelli