DANCE TYPE: Salsa PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS: Courtney Black & Johanna Collier STUDIO: Courtney Black’s Ballroom Dance Patrick Valluzzo has always been a “Baton Rouge boy.” He attended Catholic High School and LSU, where he received a degree in Accounting. He is currently a licensed McDonald’s owner/operator and works with his father, Charlie, and his brother, Chris, to run 27 McDonald’s restaurants over nine parishes. Patrick serves in a leadership position for the regional owner/operator community, and is a member of the St. Aloysius Finance Council and the Baton Rouge Rotary. He is a volunteer for St. Aloysius School and parish and Junior Achievement. Patrick and his wife, Rebecca, have four children: Locke (8), Sean (7), Gabe (4), and Mary Emery (2). WHY BIG BUDDY? Like Big Buddy, Patrick is committed to making a positive change in the lives of Baton Rouge residents, a fact that drew him to participating as a Star Dancer. “I decided to participate because of the local programs Big Buddy sponsors, and knowing that all the funds are raised and used locally. When I see an individual like Ralph Stephens is involved, I know the cause is great.” Patrick hopes his dancing will convey a positive message of growth to the Little Buddies. “Regardless of how comfortable we become in our careers, it’s critical to remain open to changing environments. Certainly, there are few better ways for me to step out of my comfort zone than dancing in front of hundreds of people. Showing all kids, Little Buddies or my own children, that we can grow ourselves in a positive way when we are exposed to challenges, is a worthy concept. We are demonstrating that being uneasy about situations is okay, but finishing what we start, while a tough life lesson, is ultra-important for being a productive individual.”
Posted on: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 17:00:00 +0000
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