Today, the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation proudly announces the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors to begin the 2023-24 academic year. Tom Block and Chris Petley have joined the board, bringing their unique skills and experience to bolster the foundation’s mission further.
Tom Block, renowned for his work as a broadcast journalist and notably recognized as an FSU Football Sideline Reporter and play-by-play announcer, has taken on the role of Director of Fundraising. His most significant fundraising feat was successfully spearheading FSU’s ‘Raise the Torch’ campaign, the most ambitious fundraising endeavor in the University’s history, aiming at over $1 billion. Tom’s expertise in fundraising will be instrumental in expanding the foundation’s capacity to offer college opportunities to deserving students in the Tallahassee area.
“Gio’s dad Ron is a former colleague and a longtime friend. Additionally, my son is an active soccer player and goalkeeper in Tallahassee, just like Gio. I’m thrilled to join the board of the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation to help honor and sustain Gio’s legacy and support soccer in the local community.”
– Tom Block, Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Associate Director
Similarly, Chris Petley brings extensive community engagement and communications experience to the foundation. As the Founder and President of Tallahassee Soccer Club, competing in the South Gulf Coast Division of the National Premier Soccer League, and Communications Coordinator for the Office of the Superintendent of Leon County Schools, Chris will serve as the Director of Community Outreach. His deep ties to the soccer and academic communities will enhance the foundation’s connections and impact in Tallahassee.
“I am honored to help celebrate Gio’s legacy by working to support local high school student-athletes along their journey to college. The game of soccer offers many life lessons, and the Foundation’s work on and off the field is important for the growth of the game throughout North Florida and South Georgia.”
– Chris Petley, Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Director of Community Outreach
Ron Vitrano, President of the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation, welcomes the new appointments.
“We are thrilled to welcome both Chris and Tom to our foundation. Chris has played a pivotal role in elevating soccer in Tallahassee from grassroots to professional. With his profound presence in Florida State athletics, Tom brings a unique depth of experience both on and off the screen. Their combined expertise will significantly bolster the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation’s growth and our mission to support high school student-athletes as they embark on their next chapter.”
– Ron Vitrano, Giovanni Vitrano Foundation President
The new members join existing board members Emilee Copeland and Mike Fahmie. Since its inception, the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation has awarded $17,000 to six deserving student-athletes in Tallahassee. Adding Tom and Chris to the board promises to increase the foundation’s reach and effectiveness.
The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation’s mission is to honor and uplift the Tallahassee soccer and student-athlete community by providing college opportunities for deserving students. With the addition of Tom and Chris to the board, the foundation strengthens its commitment to celebrating and supporting student-athletes in Tallahassee. Tom and Chris join existing board members Mike Fahmie and Emilee Copeland (Giovanni’s Sister).
About the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation: The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for deserving student-athletes in the Tallahassee area. The foundation seeks to foster a supportive and thriving environment for young athletes pursuing higher education through scholarships and various community outreach initiatives. The Foundation has awarded over $17,000 in scholarships and plans to award $10,000 again in 2023. Additionally, the Foundation hosts the annual Gio Cup, a season kick-off tournament celebrating the best soccer players in Tallahassee.
For more information, contact [email protected].