Rocco Fiorentino is not only an accomplished jazz singer and pianist, he is also an award-winning humanitarian advocating for children who are blind or visually impaired. His greatest gift is his positive outlook on life and the impact he has made on thousands of people.
Blind, due to premature birth, Rocco is the Ambassador of The Little Rock Foundation, named for him, and he serves as an educator and lobbyist. Lobbying since the age of five, he is responsible for $1.2 million being dedicated to Braille services and education in the State of New Jersey and saving the jobs of 50 employees, valued at $611,000, at the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Rocco is also the inspiration behind a resolution signed into law in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania stating that every October will be named “Blindness Awareness Month,” which was launched in 2009.
Rocco also appeared on Sesame Street during its 40th Anniversary season. When Elmo is concerned that Rocco is blind, he immediately puts him at ease explaining that being blind is “just natural for me.” He then sings a jazz tune with the whole cast. For Rocco, the personal reward is in knowing that the children of the world will learn that having a disability doesn’t have to hold one back from being a success.
Please read further for Rocco’s awards and honors and to view samples of some of the press he has been fortunate to receive:
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•American Foundation for the Blind, Helen Keller Achievement Award, June 2012
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•New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Award, Outstanding Youth Service Honoree, May 2011
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•Prudential Spirit and Community Award National Honoree, May 2011
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•Prudential Spirit and Community Award State Honoree, March 2011
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•Louis Braille Award, Associated Services for the Blind. Presented by Mayor Nutter, January 2010
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•Kohl’s Kids Who Care, Kohl’s, July 2009
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•Hands-On Award, National Braille Press, October 2009
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•Rocco Protests at NJ State Assembly about budget cuts to NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which resulted in Rocco saving 50 jobs.
• Helen Keller Award, Visual Impairment and Blindness Services, November 2008
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•Huggable Hero Award, Build-A-Bear Workshop, July 2008
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•Goodwill Industries’ Helms Award to The Fiorentino Family, April 2008
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•Volvo for Life Award, Volvo, January 2008
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•Freedom Medal Award, Camden County Freeholders, January 2008
• Great Friend to Kids Award, Young Achiever Division, Please Touch Museum - November, 2007
• Commendation for Philanthropy and Love of Human Kind - 2007, Voorhees Twp, NJ
