From Intern to Board President – Dave Amoroso Shares His Experience and Perspective

by: Danielle Lennie

Dave Amoroso took an internship position at Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation (GLHF) in 1985 while attending Marquette University. “I was encouraged by my college guidance counselor to seek out a marketing-related internship, and I found one at GLHF,” said Dave. “At the time, I knew nothing about bleeding disorders.” Dave didn’t predict that his time with GLHF would lead to a lifelong interest and greater understanding of the importance of community service and involvement. “I learned about the impact of the work GLHF was doing – how they helped people in very profound ways.”

Over the years, Dave grew his career, now serving as Vice President at Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc. He and his family stayed connected to GLHF by making contributions and staying informed. So, when Dave was approached to serve on GLHF’s Board of Directors in 2021, he took the opportunity to reengage with the bleeding disorders community. In October of 2024, Dave was elected President of GLHF’s Board of Directors.

Dave and His Family

When asked why he wanted to serve on GLHF’s Board, Dave shared that not only does he support GLHF’s mission, to educate, support and advocate for the bleeding disorders community of Wisconsin, but also that his commitment to community service had grown over the years – he saw it as an opportunity to make a difference. “Most people know very little about bleeding disorders unless they are directly impacted. When people learn more about it, their interest grows and they begin to understand the critical needs of the community,” said Dave.

Dave believes that one of the key components of GLHF’s mission is advocacy. “Advocacy ties into everything GLHF does. I want more people to understand what we have to offer and the critical role we play in people’s lives.” He also wants to spread awareness about GLHF’s programs, like emergency patient financial assistance, Camp Klotty Pine, Wisconsin Advocacy Day, and the Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference

In addition to serving on GLHF’s Board of Directors, Dave volunteers at GLHF fundraising events, including Milwaukee’s Best Bloody and the Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk. “Volunteering at the events has given me a different perspective than simply serving on the Board. I’ve had a chance to talk to a lot of different people about what GLHF is all about, explain how the funds we raise are used, and help people get a better understanding of how their donations, big or small, can profoundly impact the people we serve,” said Dave. “Seeing families at the Walk and hearing their stories, really reinforces the time, effort, and energy we put into the work we do, and how important it is to those affected. I want to see the organization continue to grow and thrive.”

Dave Volunteering at GLHF’s 2024 Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk

Dave’s participation in the Walk motivated him to speak to more people about GLHF. “Because of that event, I’ve been able to share our message with other families, coworkers, and colleagues – and encourage them to donate to our Walk team,” said Dave. “It’s great when families, friends, and colleagues support what we do. That means something to me personally. The fact that they get involved reaffirms what we do.”

Dave Volunteering at the Mystery Wall at GLHF’s 2024 Milwaukee’s Best Bloody

Dave also volunteers at Milwaukee’s Best Bloody, which raises critical funds for the bleeding disorders community. “Milwaukee’s Best Bloody is a great fundraiser. Being able to help educate people and support the organization is very important to me. It’s also great to see “regulars” come back each year in support of GLHF,” he said. “I like to work at the Mystery Wall so that I can talk to people one-on-one. I will talk about how the money we raise is used, that all of the prizes have been donated, and that all of the funds we raise go back to the people we serve. I think it makes people more likely to contribute.”

When asked to describe one of the more impactful experiences he’s had while volunteering at a GLHF event, Dave talked about a family he met at last year’s Walk. The family’s home had just burned down, and they lost everything. “It had just happened, but they still came to the event because it was so important for them to support GLHF – because GLHF had supported them. This family had just suffered a tragedy, and they still saw the importance of attending the event,” he said. “That had an impression on me and reinforced why I’m here!”

What advice would Dave give to a GLHF intern today? While acknowledging that times have changed since he was an intern, he believes that working for a non-profit organization can be very impactful in a person’s career journey. “It simply gives you a different perspective. People can help a non-profit tell their story and spread their message,” he said. “It also just makes you feel good! It’s an opportunity to make a difference. Service to others is a critical part of personal growth that will not only benefit them but also the people who need it the most.”