Business
I never met Nick Fagnano but I’ll always remember the day, in 2015, when I met his father Jay. I was attending a pre-season meeting for the parents of Notre Dame High School’s baseball players. It was a baseball meeting like many I had attended before, until suddenly it wasn’t. After the usual announcements and requests for volunteers, Tom Dill, Notre Dame’s head coach, introduced Jay who, coach Dill informed us, had an announcement. Everyone in attendance grew quiet as Jay stepped to the front of the room. I think most if not everyone in the room that night were familiar with the story of Nick Fagnano, the former Notre Dame Student and baseball player, who the previous summer had tragically lost his life when a lightning storm struck Venice Beach. The lightning strike claimed 13 victims. Nick was the only fatality. Jay fought back tears as he told us of his plans for the upcoming baseball season. He would use his passion and background in food service to transform the Notre Dame Baseball Stadium concession stand into a venue offering restaurant-quality food. As Jay continued, it became clear his vision wasn’t just about delivering delicious food; it was about reconnecting with the Notre Dame community and, in particular, the baseball team. And, most of all, I believe, it was about connecting with Nick. Jay and his wife Mary know that no greater heartbreak exists than the loss of a child. Yet, in spite of their pain, they have found the strength and courage to share Nick’s story through Thrive in Joy the Nick Fagnano Foundation (TJNFF). What they have achieved in a short time is impressive and inspiring. Today is Mother’s Day and I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce you to Nick’s mom, Mary Fagnano, as she shares Nick’s story. No, I never met Nick Fagnano but through Mary and Jay’s charitable mission I feel like I know Nick and that he has touched my soul. I am sure that if you listen to today’s episode and choose to follow and support Thrive in Joy Nick will touch yours as well. There are many ways to support Mary and Jay in sharing Nick’s story. Visit www.thriveinjoy.org to learn how you can help. And, be sure to check out the NDHS/TJNFF Baseball Extravaganza on June 15, 2019. Connect with Thrive in Joy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TJNFF/ VisionTrust International - www.visiontrust.org Multiplying Good - www.multiplyinggood.org/what-we-do/jefferson-awards Neal Petersen - http://nealpetersen.com Consider participating in one of Mary and Jay’s mission trips to the Dominican Republic. Watch this 2 1/2 minute Video about their March 2019 DR Trip with USC students: https://vimeo.com/327205474