Honoring 10 Years of Nick’s Legacy
This year's Beach Day held special significance as we reflected on the 10th anniversary of Nick’s passing on July 27, 2014. Family, friends, and young community members involved in The Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation gathered on Monday, July 29th at Driftwood Beach to celebrate Nick’s life. More than just a day of remembrance, testimonials from attendees captured the light that continues to shine brightly through Nick’s legacy that inspires the C11 program and Thrive in Joy’s projects on behalf of vulnerable children in the Dominican Republic.
Individuals from three groups involved with Thrive in Joy shared their reflections on the impact Thrive in Joy has had on their lives. Board members spoke, including Junie Lowry Johnson who said, “We were so deeply changed by knowing Nick and losing Nick. We wanted to keep his light in our lives.” Students involved with the C11 program shared how the program has changed their lives including Thrive in Joy’s youngest board member, Amy Godinez, a third year USC student studying Business Administration and Nonprofit Management, who said, “It was a great opportunity for me as a club lead (when I was in high school) at Hybrid. The (incoming) students deserve the same opportunities and chances that Mary gave me as well.” Attendees also heard from those who have joined Mary and Jay on their trips to the Dominican Republic including MJ Lopez, who shared these words, “The DR trip made me realize that I want to travel with purpose and serve others because it was such a profound experience.”
You can watch a recording of the event’s 55-minute live stream HERE.