As children in South Modesto swim this summer at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center, they’ll see a new plaque hanging by the pool slide, commemorating Bob Piccinini, the former Chairman of The Save Mart Companies.
After Bob’s passing in 2015, friends and family were encouraged to donate to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation in his name in lieu of flowers. Nearly half of the monies contributed to the Bob P. Memorial Fund went to the Red Shield pool, which was on the verge of being shut down because of its decaying condition. But the community came forward with financial support to save it, refurbishing the pool and the building that houses the changing rooms. The Foundation’s donation helped Red Shield with the purchase and installation of a 10-foot vortex slide.
The pool area re-opened last July with many Save Mart Store Managers from the Modesto area attending the ribbon-cutting. The slide is an instant hit with the kids. Bob was a competitive swimmer in high school. Giving children in need hours of fun at a pool is a great way to honor him.
The remainder of the Bob P. Memorial Fund went to the Miracle League and helped build a baseball diamond in Modesto for children with disabilities. A plaque also commemorates his support over the years.