John Rubino, widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts with the American Legion Post 189 and American Legion Riders, has been honored as Sebastian Daily’s Citizen of the Month.
The Pareidolia Brewing Company is saluting Rubino with a $25 gift card. In addition, Sebastian Daily will provide a $25 gift certificate for a local restaurant of his choice.
After relocating from Queens, New York, to Sebastian in late 2020, Rubino swiftly immersed himself in charitable endeavors, leaving no time to spare.
With his father, Lawrence Rubino, a Vietnam War and Gulf War veteran residing in Sebastian, John had always harbored plans of relocating his family here to be close to him. Tragically, those plans were overshadowed by a devastating incident in September 2018 when Lawrence and his partner, Teresa Calhoun, were fatally struck by a drunk driver while riding their motorcycle home.
Since becoming an American Legion Post 189 member, John has organized numerous poker runs to support charitable causes. These include initiatives such as Friends After Diagnosis for Breast Cancer Patients, Autism Awareness, and various local charities. An annual highlight is the Larry & Teresa Memorial Poker Run, hosted by American Legion Post 189, where a cause that holds special significance to Lawrence & Teresa’s hearts is selected each year.
In March, the Sebastian Elementary Drum Line received a substantial $3,700 donation from the American Legion Riders. The funds, raised from a successful poker run, were specifically aimed at helping the drum line secure necessary equipment.
John is a significant community member and a great neighbor and family man. John’s son, who was formally on the drumline, wanted to help the school purchase equipment even though he would no longer attend the school. Hence, how the Poker Run got started.
Recently, John was named the American Legion Riders District 12 Chairman. When he’s not working hard for the American Legion, he spends quality time with his family, including his wife and two sons, and can often be found helping out his elderly neighbors.
We’re sure that John’s father, Lawrence, is smiling down on him and seeing all the hard work he puts into our community. Thank you John for everything you do!
