DETROIT — A charity that Vito Chirco began in 2019 was initially inspired by his faith.
“My Catholic faith helped inspire me to found Chirco & Co., and it guides me in the decisions I make on a daily basis,” said Chirco, 32. “I know I wouldn't be the man I am today without my faith."
Established in 2019, Chirco & Co. has raised roughly $60,000 for multiple charitable causes including the Pope Francis Center, Make-A-Wish Michigan, The Salvation Army, and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.
“I have always wanted to make a difference in the community, and I felt starting a nonprofit was the best way of doing so,” said Chirco, who also serves as the alumni director at De La Salle Collegiate in Warren.
His charity will host its annual charity softball event this Saturday, Aug. 2, at University of Detroit Mercy's Buysse Field with proceeds to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. The game will be played in honor of his father, Jerry Chirco, who experienced acute kidney failure in 2022.
It was a notable success when last year, $10,500 was raised for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, matching the most money ever raised by a Chirco & Co. fundraiser.
“I’ve deeply enjoyed giving to some great causes in the past,” Vito Chirco said. “However, nothing has meant more to me than raising money for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, a cause near and dear to me because of my dad's current battle with kidney disease.”
His mother, Liz Chirco, is extremely proud of her son.
"If you trust in the Lord, good things will happen,” said Liz Chirco, whose family belongs to St. Thecla Parish, Clinton Township. “As my mother taught me, no matter how tough life gets, keep the faith! I think my husband is the embodiment of that very saying."
It was a difficult time in their lives when her husband, Jerry, battled kidney disease, but it was their faith that pulled the family through it. Jerry Chirco emphasized it was his faith that played a huge role in his struggle.
“It has allowed me to realize that despite my condition, I could definitely be in worse shape,” Jerry Chirco said. “And as I always say, no matter how bad you think you may have it, there is always someone worse off than you."
The Chircos encourage others to help in their cause in raising money for Chirco & Co. by attending the softball game on Saturday.
“I love being able to serve the community,” Vito Chirco said. "I’ve found my charitable work to be extremely rewarding. It’s become a passion project of mine, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me in the nonprofit world."
Gates will open at 1 p.m., Aug. 2, at University of Detroit Mercy, with the first pitch set for approximately 2:15 p.m. Cost is $35 for spectators; kids 12 and under are free.
