Lynne and Giulio enjoy philanthropic work supporting children's wellness. Through the years they have supported the courageous endeavor of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the only children's cancer facility in the world committed to treating all children, whether or not they can afford to pay for treatment. No child is ever turned away from St. Jude Children's Hospital. Rhode Island continues to host a local committee of dedicated individuals who organize and promote events in the state to support fundraising efforts. Prior to Lynne's departure to the Mrs. United States Pageant as Mrs. Rhode Island, Giulio organized a send off party in which guests were asked to not bring gifts, instead to donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Representatives from the committee joyfully received donation checks while the guests not only enjoyed a beautiful gala but also felt happiness in contributing to saving the life of a child. It was a joyful and successful evening! Lynne and Giulio, along with Team OPTX proudly support and promote the research and mission to treat and potentially prevent catastrophic disease in children as set forth by the St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Lynne and Giulio are also supporters of Hasbro Children's Hospital in Rhode Island. During the grand opening of the OPTX flag ship store guests were encouraged to donate to Hasbro Children's representatives on site. Children are our future and childhood illness of any type is a sad and difficult challenge for families. On a personal note, Lynne's ethnicity is partly comprised of Lebanese heritage from her Dad, Joseph Michael. Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Hospital over 70 years ago was also of Lebanese heritage. As the story goes, Danny Thomas prayed to St. Jude, asking, "Show me the way and I will build you a shrine." As Danny become an internationally known entertainer he kept his promise to St. Jude and the children's hospital was born and built in Memphis, Tennessee from Danny's vision, tenacity and fulfillment of a promise. Danny Thomas first turned to fellow Lebanese Americans to help him build and financially support the cause, honoring their heritage and giving back to their own community. Lynne's entire family enjoyed these events, not only as a celebration of charitable good will but also as a kinship to the founder's dreams, sharing his ethnicity. Lynne remembers attending fundraising events with her father and entire family, dating back decades, listening to Danny Thomas' legendary comedy and performances at the huge charity events. Even though Danny Thomas passed away, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is strong and successful and a testament to one man's fulfillment of a promise, changing the world. Sadly, Lynne's Dad, Joseph Michael, has also passed away but her memories of attending those fundraising events with him during her childhood and teen years are some of her fondest! She is delighted to continue to support and encourage donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.