Mitzi Testaverde- Danielle Beverly Award Recipient

Mitzi Testaverde embraces her role as wife and mother. She and her husband, Vinny who played 21 years in the NFL, with the Buccaneers, Browns, Ravens, Jets, Cowboys, back to the Jets, Patriots, and Panthers, have three children, Alicia, Vincent, Jr., and Madeleine.

She humbly acknowledges the fact that the family was right by Vinny’ s side in every city he played, which meant packing and unpacking the household every six months to remain together during his journeyman career. Oftentimes, Mitzi was the glue who kept the family together. Mitzi realized they were blessed in the opportunities that kept coming to Vinny and it resulted in the ability to support him wherever he went.

While young parents to their oldest daughter Alicia, they experienced a difficult second pregnancy. After having fertility issues, they were finally expecting twins. During this time, they lost one of the babies but she was told to carry the pregnancy to term to avoid jeopardizing the remaining baby. Mitzi acknowledged that it was a dark time in their lives to experience that kind of loss. All of which occurred during the infamous Browns move from Cleveland to Baltimore. In the end, they were blessed with an healthy, perfect baby boy, Vincent, Jr. These days, Mitzi serves as a Guardian Ad Litem, a court appointed child advocate in Hillsborough County. She is active in the Tampa community helping abused and neglected children have a voice and find a loving home. In her free time, you’ ll find her working out with the girls; hitting the ball over the tennis net with her club team; or, on a round of golf with the family.

Mitzi fulfilled God’ s purpose for her life with enthusiasm and zeal. The Testaverde’ s are a close knit family who serve their community. She raised the children to be humble people, be kind towards others, and have a grateful soul. “We live a boring, healthy and happy life. ”

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar passage to many and Mitzi says it is her mantra. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. "