PPB June 2021

(PPEF). But outside of the sport, Saracino uses his love for golf to help those in need, and currently sits on the board of directors for JDME Foundation as its chief strategy officer. A role he’s held since August 2020, the John Daly and Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation is a national charity that provides mental, physical and wellness services to children, veterans and first-responders, and hosts golf fundraisers to assist providing services to veterans, such as mental health support and shelter, while also raising funds for local Boys and Girls Club chapters nationwide. “Our next big fundraiser is a golfing event that I will be attending on Father’s Day weekend in Dardanelle, Arkansas, at John Daly’s golf course,” he says, with proceeds to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley. But when he’s not involved in promo or golfing, Saracino is a dedicated family man, with his nine-year-old grandson River at the center of his world. River, whom he calls his “adoration in life,” was diagnosed with severe autism at age two, Saracino says, and is non-speaking, though he communicates with loved ones through a device or via non-verbal cues. He says that River has taught himmore than anyone he’s ever known. “River has helped me to achieve a better and more compassionate understanding of the special needs community, and he has shown me a capacity to love that I’d never thought possible,” Saracino says. “He is my hero, my wife’s hero, his parents’ hero, and he is our family’s greatest joy.” Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. “River has helpedme to achieve a better and more compassionate understanding of the special needs community, andhe has shownme a capacity to love that I’d never thought possible.” - Dave Saracino Saracino says his nine-year- old grandson, River, pictured, is his “adoration in life.” Dave Sa r ac i no | JUNE 2021 | 67 THINK