Madison attorney ups charitable haul with song

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For the past seven years, attorney Stephen DiTullio of Dewitt, Ross & Stevens SC has rung the Salvation Army bell outside Madison-area grocery stores during the holidays.

He always got about the same response: some smiles and a dollar or two in the kettle, and a few who look away and flee.

The two-hour shifts started getting a little boring, DiTullio confessed. But he knew it was for a worthy cause and continued to volunteer.

Then about four years ago, while visiting Chicago for Thanksgiving, he noticed a few bell-ringers there were playing musical instruments and drawing more positive responses. He asked officials at the Madison Salvation Army if he could try the same with his accordion, the instrument he’s been playing since childhood. They said if the grocery stores didn’t mind, they loved the idea.

The difference has been remarkable, DiTullio said.

Shoppers sing along, dance, make requests and perhaps most importantly, they open their wallets. Some people leave only to return with checks or large bills, he said.

“It really puts me in the holiday spirit,” DiTullio said. “Christmas carols sound great played on an accordion. And that kettle is absolutely jammed by the time I’m done.”

There’s still time to catch DiTullio this holiday season. He’ll be playing at the Copp’s in Middleton from 10 a.m. to noon Friday and from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday. He’ll also be playing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Copp’s on Junction Road.