In just three years, Dave Rebidue, an integrated circuit layout designer at TI based in Manchester, NH, and his dedicated team of volunteers have recruited more than 300 walkers and volunteers and raised over $50,000 for the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR).

Rebidue's fundraising journey began in 2009 when he put together Team Vozzy to pay tribute to his wife, Michelle Vozzella Rebidue, who passed away in July 2008 at age 38 from complications that resulted from her multi-year battle with Lupus.

In Michelle's memory, Team Vozzy has raised funds through charitable events and activities such as the ALR's Annual "Walk with Us to Cure Lupus" walkathon, Team Vozzy Hockey Night, Team Vozzy 50s & 60s Dance and the annual Team Vozzy Golf Tournament, just to name a few.

With a lot of work and determination, Team Vozzy has been the top ALR fundraiser in the Northeast region two separate times. Each January, team co-captains Rebidue and his sister-in-law, Cindy Rebidue, begin to select and organize a variety of fundraising events for the year. Together, they hold bi-weekly meetings with volunteer family members and friends to plan event logistics and strategies for reaching out to potential donors in their community.

"Team Vozzy has accounted for more than 10 percent of the total funds raised in this area, which is a huge accomplishment for a true grassroots effort," Rebidue said.

"We're all very involved. It was extremely difficult losing Michelle, but raising money in her name for the ALR makes us feel like we've accomplished something. We've been really successful and people have been very generous."

A direct impact
All of the proceeds from Team Vozzy's fundraising efforts go directly to the ALR and are presented before their signature national event, the Annual "Walk with Us to Cure Lupus" walkathon, held in June.

Elizabeth Vega, a representative for the Alliance for Lupus Research, has participated in the Boston walkathon and other fundraising events with Rebidue and Team Vozzy during the past three years.

"What was once an idea of starting a fundraiser in Michelle's memory has blossomed into a major fundraising event for their family and friends," Vega said.