Years ago, while walking home from work, I passed a church with a message on its signboard. The white lettering, stark against the black felt background, read, “Nothing unconnected ever occurs.”

Last night, an email my father sent me brought this forgotten quote to mind:

I learned with great sadness today that one of my rowing heroes has died of cancer. I went onto the Pocock Rowing Center’s web page for more info and found out that they are using Firstgiving to set up a memorial fund for him, http://www.firstgiving.com/KossevEndowment .

He took me under his wing while I was in Seattle, and I learned so much from him. The relentless drive for excellence and perfection. I will make a contribution in his honor, and I thank you for helping me do this.

I love you.

Dad

I’ve been with Firstgiving for over four years, and in that time I’ve seen so many compelling fundraising pages. This email from my father brought home to me the personal meaning of interconnectedness, and underscores for me all the reasons I love working here.

This fundraising page for the Kossev Endowment honors a great man, raises funds for an endowment to help future athletes, and brought a father and daughter on opposite coasts together in celebration of a life well lived.