Ciao from Rome Friends, Clients & Colleagues,
As many of you know, Marile, the kids and I are here on pilgrimage for the Jubilee. Walking through the heart of the Eternal City, we are constantly reminded of the power of purpose and the incredible journeys people take for a higher calling.
This sentiment brings our thoughts back home to a dear friend embarking on his own remarkable journey—one of courage and profound charity.
We want to share the story of retired Miami-Dade Police Major Jim “Dibo” DiBernardo, a man whose actions are a testament to selflessness. Jim is taking on a truly daunting challenge on August 31: the annual Alcatraz Open Swim from the historic prison to the shores of San Francisco. He’s not doing this for personal glory, but to raise vital funds for an organization we deeply admire: Embrace House.
Embrace House was founded by another close colleague of Dibo’s, Maria Santamaria, and her church pastor, Alex Sagot. Inspired by a presentation on human trafficking in 2012, they created a non-profit whose volunteers guide and mentor young women who are victims of human trafficking. The work they do to help these women rebuild their lives is nothing short of heroic.
Dibo’s own journey is an incredible feat of dedication!
At 70 years old, he’s swimming for the second time, having first made the crossing 40 years ago. While the straight-line distance is just over a mile, he’ll have to swim twice that far to battle strong ocean currents, 59-degree water, and even playful seals.
Dibo’s been training for months, swimming ten hours a week and even spending a week in Vermont’s cold streams to acclimate to the frigid water. His goal is to give everything he has to help a cause that is so needed in South Florida. As he puts it, he wants to “see what this old guy can do.”
And he’s doing it with a goal in mind: to raise $50,000 for Embrace House.
Maria tells us they are about a quarter of the way there, which means there is still a significant need for support. We can’t overstate how important this is—100% of the donations go directly to the care of these victims, and every member of Embrace House is a volunteer.
From our pilgrimage here in Rome, we are inspired by Dibo’s journey of courage and compassion. We would be honored if you would join us in supporting his mission to help these young women.
Join us in embracing the race and making a lasting impact. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in helping.
Please consider donating today through Jim’s secure and official Donor Box page: https://donorbox.org/embrace-the-race.
Your generosity directly contributes to Dibo’s success and helps Embrace House continue this important work.
Godspeed Dibo!
As always, thank you for your friendship and continued support.
Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.