Dover student helps others with fundraising efforts that ave spanned the years
By Kyle Valentini
March 3, 2013
331
Summary: Dover High School freshman Phillip Fischio is making a difference in the community by raising much-needed funds for the Rainbow Connection. Hes been doing it since third grade.
Phillip Fischio is no stranger to volunteerism. As a young boy he joined his dad in placing wreaths on soldiers graves at Maple Grove Cemetery at Dover. Inspired by those around him it is no wonder the Dover High School freshman has maintained a seven year tradition of fundraising for the Rainbow Connection and the Tuscarawas Society for Children and Adults, a non-profit, independent health charity dedicated to meeting the needs of the disadvantaged and disabled residents of Tuscarawas County.
Since he first began volunteering and fundraising for the organization as a third grader Phillip Fischio has raised $13,336.11 that has stayed in Tuscarawas County to help local residents in need. Fischio Family friend and executive director of the Rainbow Connection Carmel Haueter may have had something to do with Philips interest in helping.
When Phillip was little he would see our friend Carmel on the television during the telethon, said BJ Fischio, Phillips mom. He asked if we could make a donation and then he came up with his own ways to help.
Phillip uses several fundraising techniques throughout the year to raise money. He collects aluminum cans and has recruited the assistance of both his moms fellow coworkers at Meteor Sealing Systems and his dads coworkers at Dover High Performance Plastics.
Phillip bowls for sponsors, does odd jobs and for the last four years has coordinated the Rainbow Connection Charity Disc Golf Tournament along with the assistance of Tuscarawas County Disc Golf Associations Kevin Trachsel. The first three years we held the event in March, said Phillip Fischio. The first year we had the event we played in knee-deep snow, said Phillips dad John Fischio. This year we are having it in June or July.
Phillip has had success in fundraising at both the annual Canal Dover Festival and the Italian American Festival where festival organizers have allowed him to sell bottled water donated by Rainbow Connection board member Brian Hanner. When Brian found out we were buying water for Phillip to sell he told us we would never have to do that again and that he wanted to help, said BJ Fischio.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses like Miceli Meats, Baker Florist, Great Clips and others Phillip has been able to sell raffle tickets at the festivals for gift baskets. People are getting used to seeing me at the festivals and they know the money I raise stays in the community, said Phillip Fischio. I put all the money I raise in the bank immediately so I can keep track of what I am collecting. I present the Rainbow Connection with a check each year at the Telethon.
Phillips actions earned him the Rainbow Connections Outstanding Youth Award in 2009. In the years 2010-2013 he was named a corporate sponsor and a member of the Chairmans Circle. It feels good to help people in my community, said Phillip Fischio. The Rainbow Connection has been there for friends and even members of our own family, said BJ Fischio. It is personal for Phillip.
It is especially heartwarming when a local resident who has been helped by the Rainbow Connection reaches out to thank Phillip personally. A little boy who had received hearing aids came up to the booth at one of the festivals and asked to meet Phillip, said BJ Fischio.
During the Rainbow Connection Telethons Phillip assists by answering phones and appearing on screen. Ive gotten used to it so I am not so nervous anymore, said Phillip Fischio.
A member of the Dover High School Marching Band where he plays sousaphone, an avid lover of American history and classic rock, Phillip hopes to one day attend college and continue to serve his friends and neighbors as a member of the community, as a volunteer and as an advocate for the Rainbow Connection and the people they serve.
