Gift of Adoption – Scrappy

Susan Smith, Scrappy-Doo, Mike Serpico & Pam Devereux

The Be Scrappy Award is given to an individual or group who has made seemingly impossible things possible through sheer willpower, hustle, and ingenuity. The icon for this award is “Scrappy-doo” from the old Scooby Doo shows – with his ‘Lemmme at em’ adage for fighting the good fight to take care of what’s most important. GOA takes our cost efficiency ratios seriously like cost / $ raised and program ratio. Scrappy award recipients consistently deliver impressive efficiency ratios because they are working hard to get items donated or discounted, so we are spending less to do more. They inspire us with their tireless work ethic and can-do attitude. 

Today, we’re proud to recognize someone who exemplifies what it truly means to Be Scrappy—someone who doesn’t wait for solutions to come to him, but rolls up his sleeves and creates momentum, no matter the odds. 

Mike Serpico, President of the Missouri Chapter of Gift of Adoption, embodies the scrappy spirit every single day. With a chapter board of just five members, Mike could easily lean on limited capacity as a reason to pull back—but instead, he charges forward with resourcefulness, determination, and heart. 

Mike leads by example—actively recruiting new board members, researching and securing funding opportunities, and pushing through every obstacle with creativity and grit. Thanks to his initiative, the chapter secured a $5,000 grant, and even after receiving a generous $100,000 gift, Mike didn’t rest—he continued to press forward, planning a fall fundraising event and pursuing new grant opportunities to ensure no momentum is lost. 

But his leadership doesn’t stop at strategy and fundraising. Mike is constantly lifting his team, sending encouraging emails to motivate them to hit ticket sales goals and reminding them of the mission that fuels their work. And in true scrappy style, Mike is even donating his own culinary talents as a silent auction item at the upcoming November 1 event! 

Mike does it all—not for recognition, but because he believes in the mission and the impact this work has on children and families. With limited resources and a lean team, it takes creativity, hustle, and heart to make it all happen. And Mike brings all three in spades. 

Mike, thank you for showing us what it truly means to Be Scrappy. Your passion, ingenuity, and relentless drive are inspiring—not just to your chapter, but to all of us. 

Gary (far right) at the 2022 Dawn to Dusk

The 2024 Be Scrappy Award recipient is Gary Dittrich – recognizing his involvement in supporting Gift of Adoption Florida since 2020 as a donor, volunteer, and ambassador.  

Gary’s first ‘scrappy’ move was to establish a creative giving program called “MAP: Making Adoptions Possible.”  It’s inspired by The Red Thread proverb that says an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break. The Program’s purpose is to help children find the families they’re destined to join – without spending any money on overhead costs.  

 Over the past 4 years he has done just that – engaging nearly 100 donors and raising nearly $25,000 to complete the adoptions of 9 children.   

Three years ago, Gary convinced his friend in CT to allow 2 GOA golfers to join his annual Dawn to Dusk Golf Marathon. The Marathon is a way for serious and hearty golfers to raise money for their favorite cause by securing donation pledges per hole golfed from dawn to  dusk.  Over the three years of the event, this innovative fundraising program has raised more than $75,000 for the FL chapter and the CT chapter combined. In addition, the national office “borrowed” the concept and has raised $8900 in the two years there has been a Dawn to Dusk in Chicago. 

And finally, Gary has demonstrated his can-do approach to GOA by leveraging his contacts in the ‘moving industry’ leaving no stone unturned – to support GOA licensing grants that will underwrite the costs of relatives moving into new homes so that they are able to continue the path of adopting family members out of foster care.  

Gary’s accomplishments remind us that you do not have to formally join a board to make a significant impact as an ambassador and fundraiser.