Our Story

Beating the Odds Foundation was founded in 1990 by Rocco Scalzi, a former Altoona Pennsylvania police officer that managed to turn his life around after a tragic incident that occurred in 1980 during his rookie year. Learning that obstacles can become barriers in one’s life, Rocco turned his life around and decided to take his message of hope to others around the country.

Rocco’s reason for accepting the invitation to speak to high school students over twenty years ago was the result of a school assembly program he attended as an elementary student in 1965. Watching Pennsylvania State Police officers marching in uniform, riding motorcycles and horseback, shooting balloons out of the sky, and speaking about the work of a police officer, Rocco learned the power of a dream. Rocco’s message to students in 1989 focused on dreams, goals, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of developing a never give up attitude. Today, two decades later, his message to students is the same.

In 1990 he kicked off this inspirational charity by bringing 15,000 students to Three Rivers Stadium, then-home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to hear how others reached their dreams and goals despite the obstacles they faced. The first two individuals who joined Rocco that day remain an important part of the Beating the Odds Foundation. Former Pittsburgh Steeler great and Vietnam War hero Rocky Bleier, and Vietnam War hero Bob Wieland continue to inspire students and adults to never give up. Rocky Bleier serves as Co-Chairman of the Beating the Odds Foundation. Bob Wieland serves as Chairman of Quarterbacks of Life®.