Getting Butterflies Over A Good Cause
The butterfly was in full effect.
In science, the butterfly effect is part of the chaos theory. The slightest change in physical conditions in one place – like a butterfly flapping its wings – can cause drastically different outcomes elsewhere.
In Tinton Falls, New Jersey, the effect was less scientific, but maybe more profound.
TQL sales team leader Jake S. and his daughter Kaley were in Tinton Falls Sept. 16th with long-time TQL partner Where Angels Play Foundation to help build a fully handicap-accessible playground for the Hannah Duffy Foundation.
TQL made a Moves That Matters gift to Hannah’s foundation in August. Jake and Kaley helped construct the last Sandy Hook playground in 2014 and rejoined Where Angels Play founder Bill Lavin and scores of other volunteers for Hannah’s build.
“There’s something crazy that happens at every playground build,” Jake said. “Hannah was into butterflies and as soon they started telling me that, as soon as they brought it up, a butterfly came and landed on one of the workers.
“That was the moment on this one and I actually saw it. It was amazing. It was pretty special, a lot of tears. It was pretty emotional.”
Hannah was 13 when she was diagnosed with brain cancer and 14 when she died. The foundation in her honor officially launched in early 2014, about six months after she passed.
Lavin called on Jake to speak at a ceremony dedicating the playground which included dignitaries like Hannah’s family and Tinton Falls Mayor Gerald M. Turning.
“It was from the heart,” Jake said of his remarks. “I said look, two-and-a-half years ago there was an angel who brought us together and here we are again. On behalf of all the employees at TQL, we’re so honored to pay it forward and to be a part of this.”
Jake and TQL have arranged the movement of the gear for Where Angels Play for more than two years, dating back to the final six of the 26 Sandy Hook memorial playgrounds.
“It was amazing to see everyone again from the Sandy Hook Elementary projects and meet new friends such as Hannah’s parents,” Jake said. “This project is life changing and I am so happy and blessed to have the support of TQL. Hannah’s mom and dad were so thrilled with the donation and said a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Moves That Matter is one of the many programs administered by TQL Cares, the company’s employee-driven community service initiative.
