Ralph Trionfo
From organizing fundraisers to send aid to those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, arranging enjoyable events to support the local Boys and Girls Club, to delivering food during the Covid lockdown, these endeavors reflect a significant aspect of my identity.
Amid the challenging early days of the Covid pandemic, my longstanding relationships with local non-profit groups became a source of positivity. In a world in distress, my neighbors were in need, and the response from numerous charitable organizations was reassuring. Particularly for the elderly who couldn’t leave their homes, we delivered nutritious food. Serving my community with a natural sense of urgency and purpose is intrinsic to who I am. Collaborating with like-minded volunteers who share the same dedication, we packed food bags for a weekly food pantry and reached out to neighbors, such as the elderly lady on the 4th floor. In this process, I discovered that helping others became a source of personal strength and fulfillment.
At the tender age of ten, I embraced the title of a “club kid,” perfecting my backstroke on the swim team at the Boys and Girls Club of Queens. After school, I would navigate the subway to reach the club, where homework, basketball, and camaraderie with other kids filled my afternoons. The significance of these clubs and activities for the youth and families in our communities is a personal testament I hold dear.
Fast forward to adulthood, I reconnected with the club and became an active volunteer. The depth of my involvement grew when I was invited to join the board of directors, actively participating in every committee and attending every event. As the largest after-school program in Western Queens, NY, The Boys And Girls Club of Queens, caters to nearly 200 children, providing a safe, active, and positive environment during after-school hours, and serving as a constructive alternative to the streets.
It was fun to participate in the following commercial (voice-over and audience).
