The firstborn son of Italian immigrants, 19 year old Joe Bruno took his life savings of $600 and opened a small grocery store in 1932.
By the time of his death in 1996, the Bruno's grocery store chain had grown to a publicly traded, multi-billion dollar corporation. Although he was an amazingly successful businessman, it was his generous giving to others that endeared him to the community. His philosophy of philanthropy was "that it is not the amount of money you give, but how much you give of yourself." He was very involved in the community and in many charitable organizations, including schools and hospitals. In all of the years of his remarkable life, Joe Bruno, in his humbleness, gave all the credit to God. His faith always gave him the strength he needed and he willingly gave to those in need. Once he was asked, "why do you always give so much", and he answered "because I cannot afford to not give." Joe Bruno left a legacy for future philanthropists and The Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation was established to help carry on his faithful giving.
|