A generous gesture, A lasting legacy

By GEORGIA CHAKOS FERRELL

“The Rotary donation wasn’t enough, I want to double it”

Those words, spoken by a man known for his humility, changed everything for me. I was fresh off a presentation at a Rotary lunch, during my tenure as Executive Director of Safe Harbor Coronado. Little did I know that this single act of generosity would ignite a connection that would profoundly shape my life, the lives of my children —and touch the lives of many others—for years to come. Ron Vernetti is proof that one person can make a big impact. In our small town of Coronado, his name is synonymous with compassion, philanthropy, and community. The Vernetti family has supported countless local and international causes, yet their true gift lies in Ron’s ability to inspire others to join him. With a simple question—”Will you match me in this critical endeavor?”—he opens doors that others never imagined possible.

When I found myself considering a new career path after a decade at Safe Harbor Coronado, it was Ron’s influence that guided me toward Father Joe’s Villages. His deep involvement with the organization and unwavering endorsement spoke volumes about its integrity and mission. I knew it was where I needed to be.

For 12 years, Ron served on the Board of Directors at Father Joe’s Villages, leaving an indelible mark. “I joined the Board to contribute,” he told me, his humility ever-present in his few yet powerful words. Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, often said that Ron’s presence spoke louder than most. His leadership wasn’t about grand gestures but about showing up, time and time again, for the causes and people who needed him most.

The Vernetti legacy at Father Joe’s Villages dates back to Ron’s dad, Jim, a dentist and close friend of Father Joe Carroll. Jim understood the power of a smile. After multiple conversations with Father Joe about starting a dental center, he simply showed up one day and dropped off a dental chair in the lobby of the Joan Kroc Center, letting Father Joe know that the time to start was now. That program has since transformed countless lives, not just through dental work, but through the dignity restored to each person who walks through its doors.

Father Joe’s Villages (formerly St. Vincent De Paul Center) has been working to prevent and solve homelessness for 75 years with many stories of lives that have been transformed. One such story stands out to me. During a tour of Father Joe’s Villages, a judge stopped in front of the Wall of Smiles. Staring at the before-and-after photos of those who had received dental care, he touched a photo of a man with no teeth. “I never realized,” he whispered, “I would have handed down a different sentence to this man… than to this one,” then he pointed to the after photo of the same man with a full set of dentures. The transformation was more than cosmetic—it was life-changing.

The Vernetti family’s roots run deep in Coronado. Both Jim and Ron have been very active Rotarians and each were named Rotarian of the Year as they embodied ‘Service Above Self’, Coronado Rotary’s motto. If your children play baseball, they’ve run the bases at Vernetti Field on 2nd Street,

named in Jim’s honor as a founder of Coronado Little League. As a testament to his standing in the community, Jim was chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Coronado in 2002.

The Vernetti legacy is one of hope, and transformation. It serves as a reminder that we each have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Ron’s leadership may not seek the spotlight, but the mark he leaves on the world is undeniable. Together, through our collective efforts, we create a brighter, more compassionate future for our community and the world.

Georgia Chakos Ferrell is a lifelong Coronado resident who raised her two children in the community. She serves as a Philanthropy Officer at Father Joe’s Villages and is an engaged member of Coronado Rotary. You can reach her at Georgia.Ferrell@Neighbor. org or 619-446-2134.