Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BOSTON'S POWERMONGERS JOIN FORCES TO HELP SICK KIDS? A SUPERBOWL-LEVEL WIN. BY KELLY ANDERSON THAT'S "I" FOR IMPACT When Jay Calnan and Dan Kraft host a reception on Nantucket for their nonprofit, Team Impact, this summer, they will be celebrating many defini- tions of victory. As Tufts undergrads, the duo hit it off instantly. Both were sports fanatics. Both would go on to become CEOs of their companies. But neither could have predicted that they would start a nonprofit that would dramatically change lives. Why did you start Team Impact? Jay Calnan: I have a younger brother who was a batboy for the Bristol Red Sox in my town because he couldn't play sports. So I was familiar with how the power of sports could help a sick child. Dan Kraft: We also played sports, and from those experiences knew firsthand the life-changing benefit of being on a team. Years later, we came together to apply the team concept and our business connections to help kids with chronic illnesses who need this support system. How does it work? JC: We have a very passionate staff of relationship managers connect with medical professionals. Those communities identify families that would benefit. Then we find a college team. Finally, we kick it off with a very formal and well publi- cized media draft day where the child commits to that team. How has Team Impact changed your lives? JC: You see the children light up and the student athletes really taking the kids under their wing. From draft day on, they create a long-standing relationship over a three-year period. DK: As a parent, you never want to see your child in pain. To offer support to families who struggle with illness each and every day, that is the ultimate reward. Team Impact will be hosting a Nantucket event this summer for people who are interested in learning more. Visit teamimpact.org for details. . PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SILVERMAN (CALNAN) 70 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM "WE CAME TOGETHER TO APPLY THE TEAM CONCEPT AND OUR BUSINESS CONNECTIONS TO HELP KIDS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES." —dan kraft Evan Huddon gives a pep talk to his University of Rhode Island football teammate Shomari Watts. right: Team Impact founders Jay Calnan and Dan Kraft. SCENE SPIRIT OF GENEROSIT Y