News: Supervisor Shawn Williams to Present 4 with Commendation for Rescue on Beaverdam Creek

(March 2, 2012) - Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Broad Run District representative Shawn Williams will present four area residents with a Resolution of Commendation at the March 6 meeting for their role in a rescue of a youth on the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir and the attempted rescue of his father.

The Resolution of Commendation is for George Lewis, Brad Odenheimer, Kim Hawthorn, and Sean Mullins in recognition of their roles in saving Michael DiGiovanna from drowning in the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir on November 27, 2011, and attempting to save Tony DiGiovanna, as well as their bravery and heroism.

Williams will present the honor at the Public Input and General Business Meeting scheduled for March 6 at 5 p.m.

News: Casino Night to Benefit DiGiovanna Children's Fund Set for Jan. 28

(Jan. 6, 2012) - The Tony DiGiovanna Poker and Casino Fundraiser and Silent Auction Night is scheduled for Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites Dulles North. All proceeds will go to the DiGiovanna Children's fund.

Ashburn resident Tony DiGiovanna lost his life over Thanksgiving weekend in a tragic boating accident.

One of the organizers Amy Hutherson: "Tony DiGiovanna was a loving husband, an active father of four beautiful children and he was the ultimate definition of a great friend for all of us. He was a coach, a pilot, a musician, a poker player, a motorcycle rider, the list goes on. One of his unique gifts was the ability to organize get-togethers, ski trips, island vacations, holiday celebrations, again the list goes on. He loved including everyone and made sure that everyone was having a good time, even if he didn't know you. He will be missed dearly but we will never forget him."

In honor of DiGiovanna's life and to help support his children's future school needs, a trust fund has been established for his children.

At the Jan. 28 event there will be live entertainment, raffles, a small buffet and a cash bar. One of the prizes is a 5-night stay in Aruba. Tumble Down Shack & Friends will provide a live performance. Among the casino games will be black jack, roulette, craps, money wheel and slots. A Texas Hold-Em poker tournament will start at 7 p.m. Non-poker players, the entry fee is $25. For poker players the fee is $100. To register: http://digiovannacasinonight.eventzilla.net.

To donate prizes for the auction or if you have questions please contact digiovannacasinonight@gmail.com. Also visit Facebook for more information.

News: Body of Ashburn Father of Four Recovered After Canoe Accident; 7-Year-old Son Rescued by Local Teens

(Nov. 28, 2011) - The Ashburn community is rallying around Tony DiGiovanna's family Monday after the 49-year-old father of four reportedly drowned in a canoe accident on the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir Sunday afternoon. His 7-year-old son was rescued by bystanders who jumped into the cold water after the family's canoe capsized.

Family friend Tom DeMay posted on Facebook around 1:30 p.m. that DiGiovanna's body had been found by rescue workers around noon Monday. Authorities in Loudoun are now officially identifying DiGiovanna as the victim of the accident and confirming the recovery of the body.

Two of the rescuers who jumped in the water to help the son to safety have been identified as George Lewis, a senior at Briar Woods High School, and Brad Odenheimer, a senior at Stone Bridge High School.

Lewis poignantly posted on Facebook after the rescue: "Just helplessly witnessed a man lose his life and a ... boy lose his father. This is the most terrible thing I have ever seen or been through, to hear a man's last words before he sinks beneath the water in front of his own child."

On DiGiovanna's Facebook page, tributes were already pouring in for the popular father, coach, musician, and pilot among other things. Wrote one friend:

"R.I. P. My dear friend You will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. So long Twon, may your spirit soar above the clouds where you enjoyed being so much. you were A Great friend, A Super husband and father, An incredible pilot, Smokin guitar player A great man. love you and miss you always Twon"

Family friend Tom DeMay posted this detailed update prior to that:
"Here's what I know. Tony DiGiovanna, his son ... and his dog were canoeing at Goose Creek Reservoir and the boat capsized. (The son) had a life vest, Tony did not. Some bystanders ... were on the shore and tried to get out to help. They helped (the son) to safety. Somehow, the dog made it too. But Tony did not make it back.