Atlantic Ave Magazine March 2019

egulars | city people
by diane feen | Photo by Capehart Photography
Champion For Those In Need
Sharon DiPietro is a study in contrast. She is
strong, yet compassionate, loving yet fiercely
protective of the objects of her affection.
As a child DiPietro had to fend for herself quite often. Her grandmother
Macie was her role model (and savior) and the person
who gave her confidence to pursue her dreams.
But as a young child her dreams were about helping others. She
canvassed her neighborhood looking to do good deeds for those in
need. “I would see if the elderly people needed me to run errands for
them, pull their weeds or cut their grass,” said the statuesque blonde
raised in Cincinnati and living in Delray.
DiPietro is not bashful about her strong faith, and her childhood
attending church and teaching Sunday School. “My faith anchors
me. God has given me a purpose and that purpose is to give voice
to the voiceless.”
The voiceless in her orbit now are distressed animals of all sizes
and shapes and children in need. She is relentless in her desire to
make the world a better place and continues to be a beacon of light
for Tri-County Animal Rescue. She’s been on the board for seven
years and Chairman of the Board for the past three.
DiPietro is dedicated to their Capital Campaign and is Chair of their
annual Doggie & Kittie Ball, that has become one of the most coveted
and colorful charitable events in town.
It’s not just formality that has driven this faith-driven wife, mother
and grandmother to her position – it’s passion and an unwavering
commitment.
“We are bringing to fruition phase one of our extended campus for
Tri-County. This includes The Veterinarian Center, a building for special
needs pets, senior fur-babies and hospice care. We’re adding a
mausoleum, increasing in-ground pet burial and bringing our thrift
shop here. There will also be a boarding and grooming facility. The
new campus will have a 64,000-square-foot footprint.”
When DiPietro speaks – people listen. And when she sets her mind
to something it’s like a bullet train coming at full speed. When she
talks about the upcoming 17th Annual Doggie & Kittie Ball (April
14th) her hands move quickly, and she exudes the elation of the
event. “The Doggie & Kittie Ball is going to be awesome this year. It’s
going to be high energy and interactive, so get your hats and jeans –
diamonds and pearls - and have fun.”
And when DiPietro says fun, she means it. They are having the
Steve Chase Band, a casino, interactive gaming tables, blackjack,
roulette, Texas hold ‘em, a dance floor, dinner, chip cage, pre-event
social hour and a room of decadent desserts.
Perhaps the biggest dessert – metaphorically – is DiPietro’s philanthropic
bent and caring heart. This Midwest woman of steely determination
generally flies under the radar, but there is always something
brewing just beneath the surface.
“Sharon is dynamic, passionate and tireless. I admire her professionalism
and responsibility as chair of a large 501(c) 3 corporation.
She runs her committee meetings with a sharp laser focus – and it’s
not easy when you have 15 to 20 people with many ideas and a lot of
work to do. Sharon does it so well – she’s organized and creative,” said
travel agent Scott Grody, who’s on the Doggie & Kittie Ball Committee.
Being a businesswoman was the warm-up for this earth-bound angel
for the voiceless. Her resume is incredibly impressive with stellar
achievements that run the gamut from sales to telecommunications
company co-owner, investment portfolio manager and real estate.
She was one of the first women to travel the country as a sales
rep for Hanes’ L’eggs pantyhose. She opened three states and maintained
national accounts, trained salespeople and earned recognition
as a top salesperson.
“It was challenging as a woman travelling alone during that era,
but also tremendously rewarding. My favorite memories include being
a guest on national televised talk shows, one with Nick Clooney
(George’s father). Now that was memorable!”
She was an assistant for Carl and Robert Lindner who owned
American Financial Corporation, Penn Central, United Brands, the
Ocean Reef Club, shopping malls and retail stores.
But it was love that sent DiPietro to South Florida. When on vacation
in Boca Raton her daughter LeAnna met a boy, fell in love and
moved to South Florida. “I had it in my head to move to Florida someday
- it was on my bucket list. But my daughter accelerated it.”
Love intervened once again in her life when she moved to Florida.
“I saw an ad for an assistant to the GM at Boca West Country Club, Jay
DiPietro. I didn’t like him at first. But after a few months we developed
a solid friendship and eventually became a couple.”
Though her daughter left South Florida, Sharon stayed for Jay. And
after 33 years together you could say it was a good decision. Especially
since Sharon and Jay collectively have become the quintessential
philanthropic duo. They started the Seminole Region Charity Golf
Tournament that raises money for underprivileged children. They
donate to organizations like SOS Children’s Village, Florence Fuller,
Unicorn Foundation, Place of Hope and many others.
If charity starts at home, it was Sharon who jump started a colorful
life for husband Jay. “I fell in love with Sharon because of her beautiful
heart. She loves unconditionally, and for the first time I saw pastels
and flowers. She changed my life in so many ways – I saw beauty for
the first time. I even had flowers put all over Boca West,” said the
President and General Manager Emeritus of Boca West.
It’s a mutual love fest for this couple who spread their love around
like seeds in a flower pot of goodness. They attend charity events almost
every night and are keepers of the flame for those who need a
helping hand.
Jay and Sharon have nine children, 24 grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren. If you count Sharon’s fur-babies (and her Yorkies
Bella and Baer) she has an infinite number of children and is the
loudest voice for the voiceless.
www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com | march 2019 | 87