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Dave Parcells, Swim Marathon Director & Noted Amateur Swimmer, Dies
Dave Parcells, Swim Marathon Director and nationally recognized amateur swimmer, recently passed away while swimming in a Florida marathon Saturday.

St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound deeply regrets his passing and will dedicate the 2007 Swim Marathon in his honor along with Marilyn Goldstone, another important member of the Swim family who also passed away recently.

Parcells, 49, collapsed after being pulled from the water about 12 miles into the Tampa Marathon and suffered an apparent heart attack.

For the last three years, Parcells directed the Swim Marathon Day that involved about 200 amateur swimmers. He was responsible for recruiting swimmers and overseeing the entire race operations.

Ron Bianchi, President of St. Vincent's Foundation, said the Swim suffered a serious loss with the Parcells' passing.

"I am deeply saddened that we have lost one of our most significant heroes and supporters of the Swim," Bianchi said. "We think it's important to continue the Swim, which is what Dave would have wanted. We will truly miss him."

In 2004, Parcells became the oldest person to double cross the English Channel (at 44 years old) and the fourth American to accomplish this punishing feat. Through his swim, he raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Swim Across the Sound cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs. He crossed the Channel (one way) for the first time in 2000 and raised more than $40,000 for the Swim.

In addition to being an accomplished marathon swimmer, Dave was an outstanding runner and triathlete . He competed in numerous marathon, triathlons, and road races, including the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in  Kona, Hawaii.

A resident of Branford, Parcells was the CFO of Garrity Industries, producer of flashlights and batteries in Madison. He was also the father of two children.

There will be a viewing Sunday, April 29th at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. (Time to Be Announced) and a Mass at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, Madison at 10:30 a.m on Monday, April 30th.

The Swim Surfaces on eBay
With the click of a mouse, you can do your shopping and help cancer patients. Visit the Swim Across the Sound auction page on e-Bay , filled with great donated gifts for you to bid on. By purchasing an item, you will be helping the Swim reach out to cancer survivors in need. Visit www.swimacrossthesound.org or www.wicc660.com . Please open your hearts and your wallets. Good bidding.

Joseph Riccio, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Port Authority Named Swim Man of the Year
Joseph A. Riccio, executive director of the Bridgeport Port Authority, was named the 2007 Swim Man of the Year April 9 at the St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound 101 Boys' Night Out.

Hosted by Vazzy's Restaurant in Bridgeport, the event raised more than $20,000 to benefit the Swim 35 cancer education, prevention, support and screening programs.

Riccio was the eighth Swim Man of the Year honored for his support of the Swim primarily through the Swim Celebrity Breakfast. Riccio has recruited several friends to attend the Breakfast and waitered the table of his guests. For three consecutive years, Riccio's table was named the Top Tipping Table.

"I'm deeply touched and honored for this award," Riccio said. "The Swim is a great cause and I'm proud to support it, especially since it helps friends and neighbors in the community where I live and work. It's terrific to have so many friends turn out to share the evening with me."

Dr. Frank Scifo, co-chair of the Swim, applauded Riccio for his commitment to the Swim.

"Joe Riccio is a great and valued friend of the Swim," Scifo said. "The Swim is so effective because it is embraced by people, such as Joe. The Swim is truly a grassroots organization that has grown because of the generous support of the community."

A Bridgeport native, Riccio became the Executive Director of BPA in 1996 and has overseen major projects economic development projects in the Bridgeport Harbor area. The BPA has won three major awards from different professional state or national agencies for economic development in the state and the Real Estate Exchange, a national real estate organization comprised of commercial agents and developers.

During Riccio's tenure, the BPA was able to recruit Derecktor Shipyards, one of the leading shipbuilders in the country. He has also overseen The Bridgeport Maritime Complex Project, which involved a large remediation effort on a limited budget funded by federal, state and private sources.

The BPA has recently completed a feasibility study for a high-speed ferry service out of Bridgeport and has begun the dredging of Bridgeport Harbor project to accommodate more water traffic. Under Riccio's leadership, the BPA also constructed a state-of-the-art ferry terminal and dock to accommodate thousands of passengers and cars annually which use the ferry service.

A resident of Stratford, Riccio has spearheaded projects that have raised millions of dollars in state, federal and private funds to bolster the economic development of Bridgeport Harbor.

He graduated from Sacred Heart University and earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Bridgeport. He lives in Stratford with his son, Joseph Jr.

John Vazzano, owner of Vazzy's Restaurants in Bridgeport, Milford, Monroe and Stratford, underwrote the dinner and beverages for the evening. Perry Gardner, a stand-up comedian, kept the crowd laughing, gently roasting Riccio.

"Angels" Support the Swim
Angels turned out to support the Spring Gala Hosted by Pia Lauren Spa di Bellezza of Fairfield April 14th at the Italian Community Center in Stamford to benefit the Swim Breast Cancer Programs.

Angel centerpieces decorated with orchid arrangements highlighted the beautifully decorated Italian Community Center as more than 200 danced the night away to support the Swim and celebrate spring. Pia Lauren, owner of the Spa di Bellezza and a cancer survivor, described the crowd as "angels" for their support of the Swim. "It's so wonderful to see so many turn out for this evening," Lauren said. "They truly are the angels helping us to help others."

The Cloud 9 band provided the music along with songs from special guest Fred Lando. Nick Petrone, an employee of Pia Lauren, served as the MC and sang a song about angels to set the tone for the evening. Petrone also recorded a special 13-song CD, which he wrote and performed, and dedicated half the proceeds to benefit the Swim.

The evening also featured a delicious meal and appetizers as well as a silent auction to benefit the Swim.

Mike Bisciglia, Vice President of St. Vincent's Foundation, applauded Lauren and her significant other Nick Frattaroli for their hard work and support of the Swim. "The Swim is truly a grassroots organization," Bisciglia said. "You see it in action when people such as Nick and Pia work so hard to put on this lovely event. The Swim couldn't survive without the efforts of people like this."

Sacred Heart University Sorority Supports the Swim
Sacred Heart Beta Delta Phi members continue to break the mold of the stereotypical sorority girls. Founded in 1964, the oldest organization on the Sacred Heart University campus was at it again for its 2nd Annual "Dance For the Cure" dance-a-thon March 21st. This year, Beta Delta Phi has chosen to support St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound with the money it raises.

Beta Delta Phi, whose cause is breast cancer awareness, raised over $3,000 at the first annual dance-a-thon last year, to donate to various cancer charities and organizations. This year, the sorority has set their goals even higher.

"We decided to donate to the Swim because we had first hand decisions in where our donated money would go," said Social Chair and intern at the Swim, Danielle Thibault. "Unlike some other charities, there is no administrative cost removed. The money would go directly to families in the community, which is such a rewarding feeling for us all."

Also playing an integral role in event coordinating is Vice-President Lisa Isoldi, who has put on various events and fundraisers on campus throughout the month of October.  

At the dance, SHU students, faculty, staff and residents of the community gathered in the Sacred Heart University William H. Pitt Center for the 2nd annual "Dance For the Cure." With a DJ playing music of all genres, the event allowed dancers to show off their moves and support a wonderful cause.  

"Last year in 2006, our sorority won 'Best Event on Campus.' This year, we hope to continue the success and impact of this great event and we hope to raise even more money to support our community and Swim Across the Sound." said Thibault.

Teen Supports the Swim With a Benefit Rock Concert
Taylor Cote, daughter of long time supporter of Swim Across the Sound Helene Cote, recently raised $214 and donated the money to the Foundation.

Taylor, a 15 year old student at Newtown High School, organized a concert at the Newtown Teen Center involving local bands during September with all of the proceeds donated to The Swim.

"Taylor arranged for about five local bands to play at the concert and also contacted the Red Bull energy drink company to donate beverages," said mother, Helene.

Putting this event together on her own, Taylor was motivated by her mother who is an employee at Mitchells clothing store in Westport, which has staged charitable events to support the Swim for the last six years. Mitchells will hold a fashion show this spring to benefit the Swim.  

"My daughter has always helped in putting together events for The Swim at Mitchell's. This time, she wanted to do something on her own," said Helene.

Charging $2 per ticket, the turnout at the concert was wonderful and Taylor was able to raise $214 all of which went to the foundation.

"What really made me proud was that Taylor got her iPod stolen recently before the event. Instead of using the money to buy a new iPod, she donated all of the money," said Helene.

Taylor demonstrated hard work and selflessness in organizing the concert to benefit cancer patients and their families.

Sixth Grader Raises Thousands to Benefit Swim Across the Sound
Nicholas D'Antona, a sixth-grade student at Seymour Middle School, is continuing his dedication to helping others and donating money to benefit St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound. Nicholas is only eleven and is already making a lasting impression on the community.

The Swim is a grassroots cancer charity that underwrites 35 cancer education, screening, support and prevention programs. In 2006, Swim Across the Sound raised over $2.5 million and helped more than 20,000 people throughout Connecticut.

Recently, D'Antona has been busy at work raising money for The Swim, selling wristbands, car magnets and paper sunflowers to the community at Entertainment Theatres in Seymour. Since then, he has relocated to a busier atmosphere at a gas station down the road. Heavenly Donuts in Derby will also be a fund-raising hot spot for D'Antona in the near future. He hopes to exceed the money raised last year and has set a new goal of $3,000 to donate to the Swim to help cancer patients and their families.

When he's not raising money for charity, he spends a great deal of time with a disabled friend who lives close by.

Although it is obvious that eleven-year-old D'Antona has a natural passion for helping others in need, he was strongly influenced by his grandfather, John. The northeast regional manager of Mother Parkers/ Martinson Coffee, a sponsor of the Swim Across the Sound Celebrity Breakfast, John brought his grandson along to help serve tables at the fundraiser when he was nine years old. Three years later, D'Antona is determined to raise enough money so he can attend next year's Celebrity Breakfast and present a large check to the Swim.

"I went with my grandfather to the breakfast and saw what a good cause it was. I wanted to start something like that in my school," said D'Antona.  

Last year at his former school, Bungay School in Seymour, D'Antona organized "Candy Kisses for Cancer" to benefit the Swim. The idea was brought up to the student council at Bungay, and by no surprise everyone loved the idea and the fund-raiser was a huge success. In 3 months, D'Antona and his friends raised $310 for The Swim.

"When I saw how people were raising money to help others and how rewarded they felt, I really wanted to do something myself like that," said D'Antona.

After D'Antona graduated from Bungay School, one of his former teachers, Pat Sabatini, continued fundraising in the elementary school. Sabatini and D'Antona decided to combine their funds and raised a total of $1,269 in 2006.

In 2007, he hopes to exceed the money raised last year, along with Sabatini's help and reach out to cancer patients through the Swim.

The Prostate Cancer Institute Celebrity Dinner will feature an All-Star lineup of former Yankee stars Graig Nettles and Roy White and ESPN sports personalities June 14th at the Holiday Inn, 1070 Main Street in Bridgeport. Tickets are $125 per person for the dinner, and $250 for the pre-dinner meet-and-greet cocktail party with the stars. At the meet-and-greet, you can chat with the stars and get autographs and a digitial photo of you and the celebrities before you leave the event.

The funds raised through the fourth annual dinner will allow PCI to continue its community prostate screening programs as well as maintain its prostate cancer support group. Frank Morse and Bill Mitchell will serve as co-chairs for the event. Bank of America will be the event sponsor. For more information, contact St. Vincent's Foundation, 203-576-5451.

Swim Golf Tournament Teeing Up for Cancer Patients
Tee off at the 6th Annual St. Vincent's Medical Center Swim Golf Tournament.

The Swim Golf Tournament will take place on the May 22 at Whitney Farms Golf Club in Monroe. Registration and lunch are at 11 a.m., the scramble format tournament tees off is 12:30 p.m.

The entry fee for individual golfers is $300. Gold Sponsor is $5,000, which includes admission for four players and naming on signage. Silver sponsorship is $2,500, which also includes admission for four players. Hole sponsors, which include admission for one player, are $500.

Golfers will enjoy a buffet lunch and dinner at the Stone Barn Restaurant at the golf club. Following the tournament, there will be a silent auction, including sports memorabilia and other prizes. Awards and prizes will be presented to golfers who have the first place low net and gross team scores will be awarded.

Last year, the event raised over $60,000 to raise cancer awareness and help cancer patients battling their disease. All fees will benefit the Swim's 34 cancer, education, support and awareness programs.

Mitchells Fashion Trunk Show
Mitchells Westport will host a fashion and trunk show with 2007 fall designs by Armani Collezioni and a jewelry showcase by Pomellato. The evening includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and all proceeds will benefit Swim capital construction. For more information, call St. Vincent's Foundation, 203-576-5451.

A Dodgeball Benefit Tournament to benefit the Swim's Teen SmokeStoppers program will take place April 28th at St. Joseph's High School. Come root for your favorite St. Joseph's team. Food, Fun & Prizes. Doors open at 5 – 8. Admission: $5.

Swim Marathon Day – More than 200 swimmers will participate in the 2007 Swim across Long Island Sound from Port Jefferson, LI to Captain's Cove in Bridgeport August 4th. Come on down and root on the relay teams and solo swimmers as they enter the Bridgeport Harbor. The first swimmers are expected to hit the finish line after 1 p.m.

Shop At the Swim Online Store
Do your gift shopping at the Swim Store. Click here to visit the Swim Online Store and peruse all the great items. All purchases benefit the 34 Swim cancer education, screening, prevention, and support groups.

Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk
The Swim welcomes new volunteers who want to make a difference in their community and the lives of cancer patients. All you need is compassion. To volunteer, call St. Vincent's Foundation - 576-5451 or visit the Swim website, www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Remember the Swim
Of all the worthwhile causes, few meet the work the Swim does in helping others. There are many ways to help the Swim:

• Donate to Swim events;
• Participate in Swim events;
• Name the Swim in your will;
• Donate a planned income gift;
• Volunteer;
• Run your own Swim fundraiser.

For more information, call the Swim Foundation at 203-576-5451.

St. Vincent's Medical Center's Swim Across the Sound is turning the tide against cancer.

The Swim has a unique mission to help cancer patients in need. The Swim raised $2.5 million in 2006 and helped 20,000 cancer survivors and their families throughout Southern Connecticut.

This is not a research program, but a charitable foundation dedicated to helping people on a case-by-case basis. The Swim has grown into a series of year-round activities focused on raising funds to underwrite 35 cancer education, screening and support group programs.