By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Grafton – Grafton resident Scott Notargiacomo is a very busy man. In addition to commuting to Boston for work as the vice president and wealth management financial advisor for the Dubilo Hill Group at Grayston Consulting, a business of Morgan Stanley, he supports numerous nonprofits, volunteering his time and expertise.
Notargiacomo grew up in Shrewsbury and has worked in Boston for the past 26 years. He has been a member of the Worcester Country Club for the past 10 years and was just named to the Board of Governors. He chairs the Golf Committee, which is just a bit of the nonprofit work that he does.
A big focus for Notargiacomo is working with NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Service), a nonprofit that trains service dogs based in Princeton. They provide service dogs to work with children with autism, the deaf and combat veterans.
“[In October] we successfully hosted our fourth annual NEADS Fore Paws golf tournament at Shaker Hills Country Club in Harvard, an event I helped conceptualize back in 2011,” said Notargiacomo.
For him, supporting NEADS is very personal; he has experienced firsthand how a dog can truly make a difference in someone’s life. His business partner first introduced him to the NEADS CEO, Gerry DeRoche. He started on their Advisory Council, became treasurer, and chairs the Finance Committee. He is also co-chair of the Golf Committee. There wasn’t an investment policy in place so Scott helped to revamp the portfolio. He has been involved with them for the past five or six years.
“I think the driving force behind my desire to help stems from my wife, Susan’s six-plus year struggle with chronic Lyme disease. She and our entire household experienced an immediate positive impact when we obtained our first dog, Stillbe, an Australian Labradoodle. We had no idea how a puppy’s companionship and unconditional love could significantly improve the mental state of our home. When I was introduced to NEADS, I knew firsthand how dogs could make an amazing difference in people’s lives. So, it was an easy decision for me to support NEADS by providing professional skills and knowledge to benefit the organization,” said Notargiacomo.
There is a local charitable organization with a family connection that Notargiacomo also supports. The 15-40 Connection and was established by his brother-in-law, Chris Coghlin’s father, Jim Coghlin Sr. This nonprofit organization’s goal is to raise awareness and funds for those ages 15 to 40 to recognize cancer symptoms.
“Very often times, people in that age group will ignore symptoms and will conclude that they are just tired,” Notargiacomo said. “They feel invincible so they tend to ignore it. There is a big gala with a silent and live auction. This event, held in July raised over $500,000. Susan and I donate a round of golf to the silent auction to support it as much as we can.”
Another organization that the Grafton resident is involved with is the Reliant Medical Foundation. They raise money and awareness to fight childhood obesity in central Massachusetts and help transport the elderly to appointments. They also hold a gala event in May.
“Their gala is at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton and I participate in their golf event. I also try to bring auction items for them to sell,” he said.
Notargiacomo is also involved with the Honey Dew Family Foundation.
“I’ve supported Dick Bowen and his family foundation by participating in his annual golf event for the past eight years, to help raise funds and awareness for the encouragement of self-esteem in women and children,” he said.
Notargiacomo credits his wife, Susan, as a great influence and said she has been instrumental in getting him to think of ways to help others.
Photos/submitted