Legacy Award

Leon V. Rosato Sr. passed away in 1996 and five months later his grandson, Leon III, was born prematurely with cerebral palsy. “Little Leon” fought for his life for the next several months, enduring countless surgeries.  “Little Leon” attended UCP’s Hand In Hand Children’s Program and the Rosato family became part of the UCP family forever.

In 1998, the first Leon V. Rosato, Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting UCP was held.  The event was a small family event that raised $4,500.  Over the next ten years, the Rosato Tournament grew into a major community event with over 200 players.  The tournament introduced new corporate partners and individual donors to UCP and raised over $200,000 to support UCP’s programs and services.

Many members of the Rosato family gave of their time, talent and resources over the tournament’s history.: Honey Rosato, John Barranco, Jennifer Rosato, Leon and Richelle Rosato, Anne and Joe Barranco, Diane and Vince Rosato, and Deana and Charles Rosato to name a few. 2008 was a special year for UCP and the Rosato family because it marked the 10-year anniversary of this wonderful event.  Over the past 10 years the Rosato family has changed many, many lives.  Their commitment and dedication to UCP of Greater Birmingham will continue to serve as an enduring memorial to the patriarch of their family, Leon V. Rosato, Sr.  And the devotion of one family working together to help people with disabilities live life without limits will forever serve as a legacy to others.