The Backbone of Our Charitable Mission

Bruce and I have been friends for almost 30 years. I had the privilege of meeting Grayson when Bruce flew down to the coast to introduce his pride and joy to us. What I encountered was a chubby-cheeked toddler with curly red-blond hair and the biggest smile that melted my heart from the start.

I am so thankful to be a small part of what is being put in place to honor Grayson’s life.

My wish is that we can turn the tragedy of losing this handsome, intelligent, and loving young man into a helping hand for many others.

I know Grayson would have been so proud to have his memory honored in this way.

Grayson was a very special person from the start. I considered his mother and father dear friends when they met, fell in love, and were married, so I was incredibly excited to hear of Grayson’s arrival.

I was very fortunate to be there shortly after he was born, and from the beginning, he always had a curious and attentive look in his eyes. That look translated into a thoughtful and introspective young man whose curiosity matched his growing intellect.

As he matured, Grayson struggled with some of the same issues that too many young people face in modern times. I shared his parents’ concerns, as my three daughters struggled with many of those same challenges. These are issues that children of our generation did not have to contend with, and I believe many are fueled by a constant bombardment of external and often unrealistic influences.

I am honored to join Bruce and the rest of the team in helping others in Grayson’s memory.

When I first met Grayson, I was immediately taken by him. He was an incredibly bright, kind, thoughtful, and soft-spoken young man. When you looked into his eyes, you saw goodness, sincerity, and warmth. There was something very special about him that left an immediate and lasting impression on me and my family. 

 I remember spending time with him at Bruce and Jenny’s home, and from the very beginning, Grayson and I connected naturally. He had a genuine curiosity about technology, thoughtful conversations, and the world around him. He carried himself with a humility and intelligence far beyond his years. 

 Although Grayson is no longer with us, I truly believe his spirit, kindness, and impact continue to live on through the people who loved him and through the lives this foundation will help protect and inspire. While that belief brings comfort, it does not lessen the loss or the emptiness felt by those who knew and loved him. He left an imprint on my heart and on my wife’s heart that will remain forever. 

 Bruce and Jenny are extraordinary people and have built an extraordinary family, and the love they have for Grayson is reflected in everything they are doing through this mission. I will always remember Grayson with deep affection, admiration, and love, and I will carry his memory with me for the rest of my life. 

 I now live each day with an undercurrent of grief. It ebbs and flows with the moments, but certain songs, views, or—most often—thoughts and memories suddenly bring it rushing to the forefront. 

 I struggle with anger, both at myself and at others, for the ways we let Grayson down. That said, none of us could have imagined the path we are now walking. 

 I am deeply thankful to my friends and family for their tremendous support. I am hopeful that we can channel this collective energy into meaningful efforts that help others who are trapped—or who are becoming trapped—as Grayson was. While I do not have the expertise to identify and work with each individual, I intend to direct our efforts toward the organizations that can. 

 In every regard, I deeply appreciate any support we can provide to honor and memorialize such a wonderful young man.