The Pursuit of Happyness

You’re probably familiar with the movie Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. But on January 10, at the Paramount Theatre, we got to meet Chris Gardner, the man whose real life story inspired the movie. Chris is the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Pursuit of Happyness. He agreed to come as a guest speaker to the Paramount to benefit United Way. Triple Threat staff coordinated attendance and transportation for students from 3 of Aurora Housing Communities, the East Aurora High School basketball varsity team, coaches, and Triple Threat leaders.  We sat together and shared Chris’ journey along with an audience of all ages.

Chris’s story and personal example of integrity, commitment as a father, and perseverance to go after your dream no matter what the odds, was inspiring.  All eyes were riveted on Chris as he shared his journey and challenges, stress, fears and victories. The house was abnormally quiet with youth emotionally captured by his story. Sitting next to me were girls I knew living in single parent homes who don’t know a dad.  Behind me were young men, several without male role models in their home who understood the importance of Chris’ commitment to his son.

Chris never knew his dad. Though Chris became a success by business standards, his most cherished accomplishment is that he was a dad who was there for his son. Even when left a single parent facing incredible odds, he remained ruthlessly determined his son would know his dad. He closed by challenging the young men present to break the cycle and be that kind of dad. It brought cheers from the row of young men behind me.

Chris is now living his dream as a successful businessman with a strong, close family, and seeks to encourage youth to pursue dreams and become men and women of character. Present at the event, also signing books and taking photos was Chris Gardner’s son; Chris Jr. Pictured in the photo is Chris Jr. with Ken Abbott, Triple Threat Athletics Director and students from Jericho Circle. Chris Gardner donated 20 books that were distributed to Triple Threat students. It’s our hope it was a day, and a story, that will change their lives.

- Sue Natiello