Students raise money in Rocco’s memory

…to donate to The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!


From Michele Digiacomo:

Our school, Saint Raphael (Pre-K through 8th grade), is located in the East end of the City of Pittsburgh. The students organized a ‘dress down’ day on the day of Rocco’s Memorial to show their support. Each child was asked to donate at least $1.

The students raised $300, all of which we sent to Ben’s foundation.



The 8th graders designed their own shirts in memory of Rocco for the day, and our art teacher, Nikki Puskar, also painted Rocco on a shirt. The shirt is now framed and awaiting presentation to Officer Lerza, along with a copy of the letter we sent to Ben’s foundation with the donation.



I went to the memorial service for Rocco in February and it was beautiful. Being a law enforcement spouse, I truly appreciate the K-9 officer. Rocco paid the ultimate sacrifice but he saved those officers lives.

I thank Ben and his foundation for giving police departments this very valuable tool!



And we thank you, Michele, Nikki Puskar, and the students at Saint Raphael for your hard work and the funds you donated to The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!


You can read Ben’s statement about Rocco here, and about the grant to the Pittsburgh Police Department here.