John Vetrovec doesn’t like to dance, but as one of those people who seem to “get tapped for lots of things,” there he was on stage, doing the West Coast swing at a local version of “Dancing With the Stars.” And taking it seriously.

“I’m competitive as hell,” he booms in his baritone voice, “and I’ll work harder than anyone else.” Before that benefit for Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Vetrovec took 20 dance lessons. He didn’t win, but he didn’t embarrass himself either.

Vetrovec is a thoroughly Richmond guy. He grew up in Westover Hills, graduated from Collegiate and worked as a lifeguard at Southampton Pool, where he met his future wife, Logan. Today they live in Church Hill with their daughter Stella, 6, son Whit, 4, and an English Lab named Irish. On Saturday morning dates, he and Logan run trails by the James River, and on weekdays, he plans finances for Richmonders.

An avid distance runner, Vetrovec and the Rotary Club of West Richmond started Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run three years ago with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. This December, United Methodist Family Services and the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s book drive will receive proceeds from the race.

Vetrovec is committed to many goals, but his passion is helping new dads through weekend boot camps run by First Things First of Greater Richmond. It’s a time to ask questions about expenses, sleep issues, pets and keeping babies safe when they’re learning to crawl. Some dads are Vetrovec’s age and wear wedding bands, while others are as young as 16. Vetrovec took the class himself before Stella was born.

“It’s really to teach them how to take care of their wives and girlfriends,” he says. And become loving, present fathers to their daughters and sons. “I believe every child should grow up with the benefit of a dad.”