Nick was kind of a regular guy and we mean that in the best way.

He collected friends everywhere he went and was often found with groups of them. Although he was usually the tallest, his presence was never dominating. Nick’s big smile reflected his big heart, and his ability to be goofy was a source of pride. Making people laugh…and laughing at himself…put others at ease. But when the occasion called for serious consideration, Nick was a deep thinker whose advice was often sought.

Nick grew up in Los Angeles and his life centered on friends, family, faith, and baseball, lots of baseball. And he engaged in service to others. This was often done through small gestures, but helping others was a natural and regular part of Nick’s life. From the age of 10, every Christmas Nick volunteered to help his school and church with the annual toy drive for low-income families. And he was all-in, from the beginning of the drive to handing out the presents to the kids. At 13 he organized a baseball equipment drive for children in the Dominican Republic and recruited his Little League teammates to help. Over 300 pounds of bats, gloves, cleats, and uniforms made it to a remote DR village in Jarabacoa. In college his interests turned to urban development and he moved to Downtown Los Angeles with his parents. It didn’t take Nick long to befriend some of those who spent their day living on the street providing them with a meal or a conversation.

It is this style of service, naturally woven throughout Nick’s days, that we honor through TJNFF. Nick would never want to be put on a pedestal. And that’s not what we are attempting to do. Rather, what Thrive in Joy celebrates is this awesome, “regular” young person who quietly chose to live his life doing a bunch of good. Doing the right thing. Being present for others.

And we honor Nick’s presence, even though he’s not here with us physically, by inspiring others to follow Nick’s example. To get involved and be of service in their community. To think, at a young age, about what strength of character means to them and to live a life rooted in these traits.