I remember somebody during Covid posted on social media saying: "If you don't get out of this without learning a new skill, or finally doing that overdue project, then you wasted your time."
Back in January 2020 I went to the U.S. Lacrosse Convention in Philadelphia as an attendee instead of an exhibitor. It was quite liberating because I was free to roam around the convention floor, catch up with friends from all over the 'lacrosse world', while not having to worry about sales, customers and inventory, among other goals that made operating a business very stressful. But one of my personal goals as an attendee was to finally purchase one of Alf Jacques' wooden lacrosse sticks. That was the VERY first thing I did once I arrived onto the convention floor.
About two months later, the world would lock down due to Covid. For me, it became busy with work, but I still kept hunting for new ideas. That summer I was learning to navigate through Covid and created a personal piece pertaining to Alf Jacques and his creations titled, 'Alf Jacques - The Stickmaker'. I reached out to one of my clients at Syracuse University with an idea to create a fundraising channel to help sell reproduction prints of the new piece and give a certain amount to Alf. After posting on my social media outlets, a follower turned into a new customer, based in Syracuse, as well, reached out and had an idea to push it even further. His idea would make it very relevant and highly unique with his contacts.
That idea was to interview via FaceTime Syracuse Lacrosse legends and Central NY lacrosse names, and present each with a print of the new drawing, signed by Alf Jacques himself!
Such names interviewed were Coach Roy Simmons, Jr., Coach John Desko, Chief Oren Lyons, Matt Palumb and current head coach, Gary Gait. It was awesome to talk to these individuals and hear their stories, especially from one of my heroes in Gary Gait.
It worked out. The interviews gave way to the limited signed prints from Alf to be purchased by customers, which in turn helped Alf out in the fundraising aspect. Each week was awesome to prep and practice for these interviews, while spitballing ideas and cracking jokes with Alf on the phone. It felt like having silly co-workers that were so loyal to the mission and goal. These sessions created community with new lacrosse folks, while strengthening our trust and friendship.
The original piece of art that was done was eventually framed, matted and given to Alf. Alf sadly passed away in June of 2023 due to complications from cancer. I didn't get to say goodbye to him, but I will always cherish our time spent doing this project, that when looking back, made me a better person. I'm so happy to have these memories.
A very BIG thanks to Dr. David Sorbello for the idea and the one who made EVERYTHING possible!
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